Lush Vlad

Our result at Selhurst Park looks half decent now

Oof. Not good. We’ll struggle without him. As he brings a lot to our defence and also attacks with how he’ll play out and his love of diagonals that get us up the pitch.

Can I just shock you?! I like Ange.

Keeper should still save that.

I don’t mind Pochettino. But fuck me. There was a lot of waffle from the commentator and Neville there. Saying how well he’s done tonight with the ‘resources’ he had available. Fair enough they had injuries. But how deep is their squad and how much is it worth? Then saying it’s unprecedented what he’s dealt with there and how well he’s done considering…..?! I know Chelsea seem like a basket case of a club. But honestly, man. Not having that at all.

Sounds like maybe not as close as first thought. More like hoping to feature in the last few games as opposed to expected to be involved in the last 5. Almost seems pointless bringing him back for 2-3 games now. Although it would be great to have him for Old Trafford and hoof ball Brentford.

Great signing if we manage this. Been keen on him for quite a while. But I just assumed he would go to Liverpool or Spurs once it seemed like they were interested.

Probably some more twists and turns. Should have hung on against Hull. Then should have nicked it 4-3 at the end. Would have been done and dusted. Hope they get promoted.

Same feelings as you. My old man supports them, quite a few family and some good friends are all Arsenal fans. Almost always played great stuff and I’ve even been to the Emirates in the home end a good few times with mates. Quality away day on the beers and generally been fond of them over the years. When they were successful under Wenger and the not so good stuff after he left. But since Arteta and their fans weird carry on since he’s been there. I just can’t abide them. City represent a lot that is wrong with football. Yet I just shrug when they win it and it doesn’t feel as bad for various reasons.

Watching Raya yesterday. I know he made a massive blunder for the first Spurs goal. But he relieved so much pressure coming to claim crosses. Must have come and caught 6-7 when Spurs were starting to assert some real pressure. Compare and contrast to Vicario at the other end who is rooted to his line, in a similar style to Dubravka. Two goals conceded where Vicario is partly to blame. It feels like it is the same a lot of the time when watching NUFC. It’s more noticeable now. Because we had one of the most proactive keepers in the league beforehand. When it comes to claiming high balls and coming off his line/out his box. He’s been replaced by one of the worst. The more I think about it. The more I think a backup or competition for Pope is required. Despite the glaring weaknesses elsewhere.

So so bad on corners. Surprised we only scored 1 of our 16. Vicario makes Dubravka look brave.

Fucking sick of VAR and offsides now.

Not seen yesterday other than highlights. So not fair to comment on that particular performance. But the more I see him. The more I continue to think he is positionless. Not quick enough out wide or seeming like he’ll contribute with many goals or assists. Seems to drift out of games in the middle. Often wants too many touches and off the ball gets caught out knowing when to go tight or drop off. Sounds massively harsh. As he is still young and inexperienced. His attitude and work rate are spot on and he always wants to get on the ball. He’s better with it to feet than a lot of the current squad. Which is another issue. He’s rarely had the luxury of playing with our better players when we’re at full strength and functioning at our highest level.

Few Liverpool supporting mates waxing lyrical about him yesterday. Saying they feel like they’d be a lot closer in the title race if they had someone as good as him. Yet acknowledged they wouldn’t be able to afford him. Two Arsenal supporting mates still seem to think they’re getting him in the summer. A bit like most of their fanbase on Twitter. Like most have said. Who in the current market could realistically afford him?

The most real life FIFA game I’ve ever watched, I reckon.

I don’t think a new keeper is a priority. But I would certainly look to replace Dubravka if we can. No point having a back up keeper that is the polar opposite in style to Pope. Especially seeing as he is now totally shot at this level. Wouldn’t cost much to get a similar’ish level keeper or better, even, I wouldn’t have thought? But perhaps one that actually has some attributes that suit our system. Someone in here said Muric and I think that’s a great shout the more I see him. No idea what he’d cost, mind.

Any way of watching the game back or extended highlights? Do Sky still do game of the day?

No dog in this fight. I like you both and often give your posts the thumbs up. But this reeks of the sort of shite you see on Twitter. Like how many followers you have used as an insult

Hmmm. I dislike Chelsea nearly as much as sunderland can’t agree there.

The Klopp final season express slowed down a bit a couple of weeks back. Seems to have totally derailed now.

Chemical Jim must be skint. Maybe he has finally decided to pay taxes or something so he’s short of a few quid.

I mean, unless there is more to this. Like we don’t have anything in his contract regarding compo. Which I highly doubt. Then I’m not really sure what he’s hoping to gain? Pay the money that has been asked for and they can have him. Is it an unreasonable amount to ask for? Did he sign the contract and not check the small print or something? Surely it must be listed somewhere for this exact reason?

Isak was guilty of it twice, Barnes, I think Gordon too, Longstaff when he decided to flop instead. I think Bruno, as well. But him shooting on his left foot would have been ugly

Yep. The few times we managed to go in behind last night. We looked dangerous. I know they didn't play as high as City at SJP, Spurs or Villa twice. But they did almost leave a wide 3 on 3 a lot of the time. We have seen the damage we can do against better teams when that is the tactic that we pursue and when it is on. Yet last night, we insisted on trying to get limited players to work our way round a press, on a tight, zippy pitch in an old school ground. All against a team full of confidence, who seemed far more athletic than the team we had out. All against the backdrop of a lively, pumped up home crowd. I don't think Howe gets out-coached much or despite me moaning about other things he does. I rarely think he is the most to blame because of how we set up and the players we have had unavailable have been a fair excuse most of the time. But I thought he got it so wrong last night, it is untrue and out of character for him. He'll be more fucked off than anyone and he'll learn from that and we'll be better because of it. I think/hope.