Lush Vlad

He literally referenced them managing his minutes because of the injury from last season. Then again because of hamstring strain

Hall’s minutes have been managed because he was coming back from a serious injury. Then got injured again. It hasn’t been because he isn’t first choice. No chance Howe thinks Trippier right back and Tino left back or Tino at RB and Burn at LB. Are better options than playing Hall there. He was on for our player of the season last year until he got injured at Anfield.

Keane wears 5. He regularly looks miles out of place and seems to only have one speed. Proper loafs about the place.

Wasn’t really playing as a winger against Marseille. But I take your point and he has always been a bit of a hybrid. It’s a blessing and a curse. As he was so good in that wide left/LCM role with Joelinton and he is great when the game opens up. But he doesn’t really have other attributes to make him a decent CM. As the team has evolved and we got other players in. He became a bit postionless.

Such a shame Ramsey didn’t try and cushion that with the left and then get a proper shot away. His first touch was so out of place in that move

It’s often said that when the away end turns on a manager. It’s over. But considering they’re usually half decent away, but dreadful at home. I’m not sure that applies here. Got to be loads of pressure on him already. Considering they just got annihilated in the derby without even competing. And they have the best part of 60,000 paying a small fortune, to turn up every other week and watch them lose!

As a defender, when he can’t use his pace. I don’t think van de Ven is as good as is made out. Don’t get me wrong, physically he is a beast. Rapid, strong, big frame. He has one of the best goals and assists from a CB I can remember. No issue with him in the open field and also when attacking. I’ve just watched him a few times this season and thought he’s looked a bit rough and naive in a lot of situations, defensively. Had a couple of clangers leading to goals and all. I’m sure @leffe186 will be in to tell me I’m wide of the mark. Fully expecting a MOTM performance from him on Tuesday now

It was a proper Riviere performance

Even some basic things seemed a lot better. His passing wasn’t so wayward, he was more purposeful when attacking and as Kaka said. He was linking well with Tino. It was the off the ball work that I noticed most. Was far more aggressive than he has been and got a tackle in a few times on the touchline. A very small thing, but I bet Howe noticed it and loved it. It’s what has made this team so good. The energy and aggression out of possession. If he can build on this and this is like his new baseline. Then he’ll have a good rest of the season.

I know we lost on Tuesday. Well, we beat ourselves with that shit 5 minutes, really. But I’ve liked the way he has used the squad the last 3 games. I know we’ve had injuries. But considering how much deeper our squad is now. I don’t think we were actually rotating all that well. It was like a few players were getting the odd cameo at best. Others weren’t really getting a chance to play themselves into form or the team. Then some were just getting a game regardless. Despite their performance levels. Been a stop/start season and a few false dawns already. But it feels like the squad is in a much better place now. I think you’d struggle to name our strongest XI and you have options for different types of games. The team has sort of picked itself for a lot of Howe’s time here.

Seemed like he was almost out of favour the last few weeks or so. Then got minutes midweek, albeit out of position. Then a bit out the blue, considering Willock played so well midweek and Ramsey has shown glimpses. He gets the nod last night and makes us all wonder why he’s not been playing more.

Yep. Not really had a CB that attacks headers from set pieces like him since Lascelles. He’d had some near misses already before the goals. One off the bar, one saved and one off the line, I think?

Usually wins it back or makes room for himself with a nice touch. Only for the simple 5-10 yard pass to then let him down. With Miley, Ramsey and a resurgent Willock in the squad. He shouldn’t be an automatic starter. But he is brilliant in certain situations and I thought the game suited him tonight.

This is the concern with paying him what he is worth. When fit and firing. He would probably be one of our highest earners based on ability and performance levels. But he has had some bad injuries and a load of niggles the last two seasons. Definitely lost some agility and quickness because of the injuries and all. This might just be a precaution and he ends up being fine. But I still don’t think you can commit big money to someone who has such an iffy fitness record.

Yeah. That’s a mad thing to say. Based on our form on the road. You would have expected us to struggle against The Dog and Duck away. Never mind a sort of rejuvenated Everton side.

Didcot, Yateley…. Winnersh. Taplow. Burfield.

Flapping about like a salmon trying to get away from a grizzly for the first. Absolute crisp packet hands for the second. Did the hokey cokey for the fourth. All the goals were followed by his customary meltdown and then blaming someone else. Safe as houses.

Yep. The next loss, whoever started that game or had an off day. They will be utter shite and everyone will say they need to be dropped. But if we win and said player had a 4/10. Nobody would give a fuck on here because of the result. FWIW. I didn’t think Ramsdale was particularly good or bad and whether Pope is injured or not. He should start the next few games at least.

Pope was quiet against Man City and he’s shit on the ball and at dictating the tempo. So no, I don’t agree at all.

Fuck. Forgot about that. Outrageous feet to even work an opening and get the shot away. Not sure what I was expecting. But 7 goals in all comps already seems way ahead of whatever arbitrary number I had in my head.

As if we had a corner taker on the books all this time. Quality game from him. Not the quickest, but he gets about and gets involved.

I thought Thiaw and him could have done better. But it is a 1 in a 100 touch from Kiernan National-Trust/English-Heritage and a goal worthy of winning a game. Not a meaningless consolation

You knew after 20 seconds or whatever it was he was going to have a good game. Playing against two big old lumps and took the piss for that Elanga chance. Such a unique player and so different to any other striker in world football. Love him.

He is the best right back in the world for 2/3 of the pitch. He really does fall apart in the final third, though. Not that I care. He is fucking mint.

No goal or assist for a change. But arguably more involved and dangerous at the same time. Thought it was a proper jack in the box performance. I hate that saying, but it suits. Was popping up all over and always looking to progress the ball and get in on goal or get a cross/shot away.