Lush Vlad

Yep. In the friendly vs Athletic Bilbao. He did one early on and it made me realise he might be pretty decent. It was a first time pass, fizzed about 20-30 yards straight to someone’s feet (ASM?) which set us on a counter. Most defenders would have needed a touch or tried to clear the ball. The way it was coming to him at pace.

He’s went to ground what? 6-7 times the whole video? Almost all when he is covering the channel and having to sprint out of position to get there. Basically, the rest of the time. He just always seems to be in the right place and his positioning means he can nick the ball or ease his man out the way. Without having to dive in. When he needs to. He switches to no nonsense mode and slides in or just boots it out. But it’s quite rare for him. His passing is a joke and all. That right footed switch of play away to Spurs. The confidence you need to even attempt that, never mind pull it off.

This has been on my mind all the while since Tuesday. WTF is even going on

Watched a few bits near the end of the game. The commentator was hilarious. Like some sort of Alan Partridge/Sam Matterface mash up. "OH NOW JUST GROW UP YOU LOT" I loved how uninterested Gallagher was with any of the afters. Just looked at the size of all our big cunts (bar Madman Murphy) getting involved and thought 'nah, not for me' and walked straight past

I thought he looked amazing against Liverpool and him having to go off probably cost us at least a point. However, they play a really high line and don’t defend in numbers. Well, they certainly weren’t at the time. I remember watching him against Palace and bits of Bournemouth. Thinking he wasn’t really occupying the CB’s and he wasn’t playing much between the posts. The fact both sat deep and the a lot of the attacking play was poor all round didn’t help. But he was a big part of that. Seems like I am criticising him. I’m not, I think he will develop into a class player for us. I’m just not seeing that he is currently a better fit as the 9 than Wilson or that he offers more as a back to goal type.

Yeah. Easy mistake to make. Isak and Wood look so similar FFS

Disagree. Wilson is better than people give him credit for with his back to goal and when trying to link the play. He's by no means top level doing it, but certainly better than Isak at this moment in time. I'm not saying Isak can't develop and adapt that side of his game. As he is still young and has the size for it if he filled out a bit and got more used to the league. But when Wilson was missing, I thought it was noticeable how much our build up play in the final third suffered. He wasn't a focal point or causing much of a nuisance. Isak so far has looked like he'll be brilliant in games where we are expecting to have a bit less of the ball and against teams who play high. Excited to see him back fit and playing, either way.

Yeah, not a fan of that shite at all. I keep seeing on Twitter NUFC fans posting a good few stills from games where VAR or officials went against us. It can happen to any team FFS and I'm sure others are saying similar. Plus, as Joey says. Unless it happens last kick of the game. How does that mean the result definitely changes? Going off track a bit. But out of all the ones our fans have been moaning about from this season. The only one that really irks me is the goal getting chalked off against Palace and I think Longstaff should have had a pen against Wolves. The rest I can live with.

Funbags.

Moving All Around is a bit of a belter and all.

I had similar and feel the same now we're good. Missus was away on some work do. That I refused to go to, as I was hoping to get to the match or watch it on TV at least. She got back about 10 on Sunday morning and I was in bed half asleep and still in an absolute state. Told me to grow up NEVER!

Great post and one I agree with. I think the break is a good thing for us. We have less players going away to the WC than most around us. 2-3 won't really play or go deep into the competition, either. Plus the way we play is so intense and we haven't been making many changes to the XI of late. Throw in the points you have mentioned about Howe and how meticulous he is with his prep. Then I think whilst it is shit from a fans point of view. The break will be positive overall.

Yep. Say it every week now. But those diagonals to him, he always kills it dead.

When we were linked to him, Badiashile and Carlos. I wanted us to sign Badiashile. Certainly glad the club made Botman their number one target and they don't scout players based on Youtube compilations. Botman has been outstanding and much better than I expected. I did once say Bassong will end up being one of the best defenders in the league and a world class centre half. Never have been much good at assessing centre backs, apparently.

That's grim. What a bunch of wankers.

I went with Trippier. Bruno and Joelinton a close 2nd and 3rd. I saw something on Twitter asking who have been our 3 best players so far this season. It's a hard one, as collectively, the team has been brilliant. You could make a case for 7-8 players and I don't think I'd argue. But I landed on the below: Trippier Schar Almiron

I do have some sympathy for him. Losing their baby seemed to be forgotten about when everyone was criticising his behaviour in the summer. I know I certainly forgot about it. But he has just fully burned bridges with the Piers Morgan and The Sun interviews. Massively disrespectful to the club, his teammates and the fans. Strange man.

Just been watching this. I’m sure there used to be a bloke with a massive boom box outside SJP after games. Schak has just rocked up with his decks

Fucking love this lad. Knee slide champion 2022.

MOTM, Shirley? Not sure who got the official one. But I thought that was one of his best games for us. Not as impressive as usual going forward. But he was always there to sweep up and his positioning was superb all game. For once, it was his defending that really stood out. The most important signing of the Howe era.

Up the Mags. Chelsea slags. Havertz, in the bin. Ya rat faced fuck. What a performance. Plenty of Chelsea fans in this southern boozer. Told off for shouting

Brentford could and should be 2 up. Had 3 good chances already.

Have City always played Hey Jude and waved flags as the players are coming out? Or have they stolen Wor Flags idea?

He speaks better English than Grealish. I don’t see what the problem is?! TBF, despite his stupid comment. I actually really like Grealish. Been a twat in the past. But I like him as a player and always seems a good egg off the field these days. When he’s sober, at least

Interesting. Hopefully Bruno is as good against the press from Havertz, as Partey was. As Partey was Arsenal's MOTM against Chelsea. So fuck Havertz if he is going to shadow Bruno. He'll just dominate and all (I hope!).