Lush Vlad

I know Wilson is proven at this level and experienced. So he has plenty of credit in the bank. But he has 1 goal in how many games now? 14? I’ve not checked. But most of those games will have been starts, at a guess? I know he is returning from an injury that was a lot worse than first feared and a a couple of games since his return he has been poor. But Isak is lucky if he gets 90 mins over 2 apps and is rarely starting back to back games. Isak needs a run in the team with or without Wilson now. Hard to even judge him when he’s in and out the side all the while.

There is a lead commentator on MOTD who has a really annoying voice/style. But I didn’t mind the woman on co-comms on our game today. Didn’t really notice or register that she was saying anything particularly outrageous. Better than Andy ‘has to be doing better there’ Hinchcliffe. Hindsight Hinchcliffe is the worst co-comms out there. Actually, it’s probably Lee Dixon.

Aye. Even though I have a load of family who are Arsenal fans and I’ve always had a soft spot for them. Their fans really are going on like this. Implying refs and the media have it in for them and that they’re viewed by other fanbases like they’re Millwall, or something and everyone hates them Their tedious schtick is almost, almost making me want City to win the league Would genuinely be happy if they did manage it, mind. The same way I was when Liverpool broke the City stranglehold. It’s not all about the money with them and they play nice stuff.

Well you know what that means……

I know context is required. As similar to the cup final. They probably sat off a bit with a lead. But it’s so refreshing to play top teams and not have about 200-300 less passes and 30-40% less possession. From Sky Sports: 56%-44% 539-410 I think that is the most positive thing, for me from yesterday and the season in general. Under Howe, we almost always seem to be in games. Even against teams that are currently better than us.

I wonder if Joelinton missing might force Howe into a slight formation change and look to start with the 4-2-3-1. Or if it is just Willock in for him. I think Targett, ASM and Isak should all be starting. With Schar to come back in, as well. But based on Howe’s time here. I can’t see him making 4-5 changes from one league game to the next.

Think and hope the rest will do him good. Seems to be half fit to me and his been playing through a niggly injury of some kind ever since he first signed, I think! Just hope we can get a couple of wins in ‘easier’ fixtures without him.

I know this thread is aimed more at home games. But the fans sounded class on the TV today. Early kick offs are usually crap for atmosphere. But could hear our lot loud and clear all game and a bit more variety to songs compared to most games of late.

Aye. Howe loves his inverted wingers. But 2-3 games of late when Murphy has come on and played right. We have fired in some decent first time crosses. Murphy with a couple today again, along with Willock. Think Gordon might get some joy and also have a go down the outside for once. Certainly doesn’t look much of a goal threat cutting in from the left for us and his numbers tell a similar story at Everton. So might be a good position for him?

It’s really difficult to know how to feel. Because on the one hand, we are going through a hell of a run of games where we have barely scored and haven’t won many. But then we are still playing well for the most part and the players are all still putting a shift in. So it is hard to criticise too much. We have just been lacklustre in front of goal and some sloppy play at the back has resulted in goals against us. I do feel we have been over achieving and so many have been playing up to their ceiling and over performing most the season. So if we suddenly started looking shit, didn’t create anything, reverted back to 30% possession. Then it would somehow be easier to accept and realise that we had just hit a purple patch. But I just feel like we are not that far off picking up a few results again. A few tweaks here and there are needed, of course. So now with basically a full squad to choose from, bar Joelinton for two games. Howe has to make some tough calls in terms of personnel and maybe even formation.

Did really well, I thought. Fair play, I thought he was going to be the weak link. But he was our best defender on the day and proved me well and truly wrong.

Aye. Following on from his cameo in the final. He suddenly looks like an alright option off the bench

Don’t think we’ve played badly. But apart from Bournemouth and spells against West Ham. We haven’t been bad for the most part of late. But our finishing is becoming a bit of a joke. Toothless in front of goal.

Trippier has been getting a bit more careless on the ball recently. But today has been something else. Keeps giving it straight back to them. 2-3 decent chances away at City. Have to take at least one of them to get anything out of the game. Yet again, absolutely pathetic showing in front of goal.

Has Botman completed a pass this half Joelinton FFS. Love the bloke. But he is so braindead at times. Take the positives. Two weeks rest for him. Looks like he has been playing through some niggly injuries.

We have played a lot worse against City over the years. But it still feels like they are toying with us a bit. Lascelles has played well. Joelinton clearly not fit. Longstaff should have taken that shot on a lot earlier. Gordon has been anonymous. Looks scared to actually try anything. Like a fast Colback that half. Wilson an absolute shambles. Feels like he needs to come out the firing line for his own sake now. Almost getting a bit toxic with him. Which is a shame. As he has been a great player for us and used to be so awkward to play against and ruthless in front of goal. A shadow of his former self.

I think today would suit Isak. Next week won’t.

The same as Wilson in 2023, then

That team is absolutely minging Lascelles v Haaland! May as well sell Maxi if he can’t get in ahead of Almiron on his current form. Wilson currently coastal erosion/Shola pace and all. Ah well. At least we’ll have decent options off the bench when we’re 2 or 3 down. Howe is still King. Up the Toon

Fucking hell. That’s the last thing we need away at City.

I’d never trust him with what he says about injuries. He’s always pretty coy and careful with what he gives away. If it is Lascelles. Then Lord help us all. Botman is better on the ball on his weaker right foot. Than Lascelles is on his right

Yeah. Tend to agree. If we are going to tweak it slightly and go with more of a 4-2-3-1, then I think Howe would look to play Willock and Joelinton in the same team. Especially against a team like City. It'll be 4-3-3 and as long as we make some changes to the faltering starting XI. Then I'm fine with that.

Worked hard for us under Howe and was great at 'winning' free kicks. But his pace has gone and looks a bit of a mess these days, considering he's a pro-athlete Was really excited about the signing when he first came in. He has been pretty dreadful/useless the whole time here. Bar a 5-10 game spell under Howe. Which was more to do with workrate, than actual out and out quaility.

I have a feeling Gordon will start. I just think it might be for ASM and not Almiron. Hope I'm wrong and Isak, Gordon and ASM all start. Fairly lightweight front three, but Wilson isn't exactly a physical threat at the minute, anyway.

You can argue it’s not the game to do it. But I think we could look to make 2-3 changes. Might be being harsh to suggest it. As it isn’t like we have been spoilt for choice with options this season. But I get the feeling Howe has his preferred players and the ones he trusts. So he’ll just keep rolling with them from the start every week. Burn, Wilson and Almiron could all be rotated, I reckon. None of them are in form and/or look a bit fucked.