Lush Vlad

Yeah, that’s true, TBF. I just think the team could do with a bit of freshening up, we need to start scoring and the only genuine options we have to come into the team are attack minded players. If they’re all fit, then an unchanged XI is fine with me. Although I’m not sure Wilson will start two games so close together. Especially when he looks short of his best.

Just catching up with yesterday’s goals. Chalking off that Southampton goal is incredibly harsh. Clear and obvious my arse.

Eh? Is that not what I have just pretty much said? Joelinton always seems to start 5-10 in the 3. Then ends up dove tailing with Willock. Who is often wider and/or more advanced than Big Joe.

He plays some beauties in behind. But I also think we have spells of trying to work an opening. Then we just give it back to them, or punt it off and give them a chance to slow the game down. Not just Schar, mind. We are still very direct at times. With a view to picking up the loose ball and stealing a good chunk of yards. Like old school percentage football, but a lot more sophisticated with the way we press and the areas we play in. I think we struggle to build in the middle third of the pitch. Which ties in with everyone wanting another midfielder and wide option.

I don’t like Joelinton wide left. Willock plays more advanced and often ends up wider than him when Joelonton starts the game there. They always seem to rotate, anyway. Big Joe in CM with ASM wide left against Southampton would be good. But I think Howe has his tried and tested XI who he trusts. It’s solid, we don’t concede and tend to dominate. It hasn’t really let him down so far. Just feels like we could do with another attacking option like ASM and/or Isak from the start.

Yeah, Botman is getting all the plaudits. I get it, as he has come in and been pretty much flawless and at 22 and in a new league. It’s outrageous how good he has been. But I’d argue Schar has been even more impressive. Especially since the return from the world cup break. He is isolated a fair bit, due to the way we play. But covers the ground well and always seems to be in the right place. Despite not being particularly quick. Classy as fuck on the ball, no nonsense when he needs to be and he’s decent going forward. His aimless Hollywood balls that he tries now and then are basically my only complaint. Needs a chant. Too good and too handsome not to have his own song.

Willock always seems to get sacrificed when ASM is subbed on. I kind of understand it. As Big Joe needs to stay on as he’s class and is also ASM’s sweeper. Last night, Longstaff was being used constantly to help Trippier with Zaha. So I get it. But I’d like to see them both stay on together. Two dynamic players who can carry the ball 30-40 yards with ease and have pace to burn. Willock could move over to the RCM role. Longstaff gets joy popping up in that half space between the CB and full back. I’m sure Willock would, too.

Wilson is the better player back to goal and trying to work the CB’s in 50/50’s or in the air, I reckon. He has looked a bit poor at that of late, mind. Last night he was constantly losing it under minimal pressure. Bar a really good second half against Leicester (I think?) plus some decent moments against Fulham.

Just looking at the stats. Fuck me, that was one sided. 15 corners

Polar opposite of what was predicted by the media and pundits when Howe came in. The defence is amazing. We rarely give up chances, never mind concede. But if I’m being critical. We have looked lost and a bit clueless in attack in a good few games now this season. Ultimately, we are over-achieving and he isn’t spoiled for choice with attacking options. But we are going to have to change something, somehow. As most teams have sussed out how to play against us, up to a point. Sitting deep is effective and nullifies a lot of what we’re good at.

Aye. Or someone who sits deep. Which means Bruno can consistently get further up the pitch. Willock, Big Joe and Longstaff have all played a massive part in this system. But a real lack of quality when it matters from them a lot of the time.

Outstanding save. Has fuck all to do all game then pulls that out.

A needless yellow for Big Joe and all. Definitely getting a 2 game ban at some point.

Shit game. Shit result. Oh well, another clean sheet and the unbeaten run keeps rolling. Buy some players. Running out of ideas a bit in attack. Teams sitting in against us all the while now.

It’s starting to become a bit of a theme, mind. Hate to be a moany prick. But 4 league games in a row where we have been poor in the final third. Either with not creating or missing big chances.

Every one of our shots on target have been hit straight at their keeper.

They’ve been the better side since we made the subs. Their subs seem to have improved them and all.

He should just carry on one of his runs straight towards goal. See if anyone can stop him.

Thought he looks a bit off it with his touch. But still looks our most talented player. Despite being below par.

In full control, bar that free header. I wish we’d shorten it up a bit at times, mind. Too many long balls to nobody. If I’m nitpicking. I do feel like we need to create more/make better decisions in the final third and also be a bit more clinical. Had loads of openings. But the finish or final ball has often been shite. Need to start scoring a bit more freely again, somehow.

I know they both have a lot of players missing. But even so. When you consider the combined value of the players on the pitch and their ability. There is a massive lack of quality on show here.

Looks to have a right engine on him and all. I forget which game it was. But it was like basketball and proper end to end late on. He eventually ran himself into the ground. But he was still popping up everywhere and getting involved with chances.

Aye. He was top of my world cup wish list! Thought he was superb.

Havertz’ foot ahead of the ball as Silva shot, I believe.