Smal

I don’t think it’s quite as bad as that. He actually played well for England at the Euros given he was stuck in at left back. Looked decent physically, especially considering he was just coming back from injury. Probably don’t want him playing 2 games a week or anything but I think he’s fine for this season.

I wouldn’t even swap him for Haaland but that’s purely based on aesthetics

that’s what I mean. He’s underperforming his xG slightly this season but we’re only creating 2/3 of the chances for him.

would be harsh on Livramento after some decent performances recently but same tbh. Livramento needs to massively improve on his delivery if he wants to be anywhere near as important to us as Trippier was. If he can get some confidence back in his game he’s still a huge asset on the pitch for the rest of this season imo.

we have created 0.54 xG per 90 for Isak this season vs 0.81 last season. That's a huge drop off.

Trippier didn't just bring assists either. He brought leadership, organisational qualities and world class technique on the ball playing out from the back and progressing play. It's no coincidence at all that his form falling off a cliff coincided with our general performance levels dying simultaneously imo. We were hugely reliant on him for all sorts.

Eze

yeah, was gonna say… that’s Premier League winning right back Danny Simpson you’re dissing there. This guy is more like the Dan Gosling of defensive signings.

I think it’s probably time to give Barnes a run instead of him tbh. The only player who’s looked consistently able to finish chances this season. He’s been really poor as a whole this season if we’re being honest. Can’t finish and doesn’t look like he can take players on atm either.

it’s absolutely bizarre. He’s looked brilliant recently and then has a game like that where he doesn’t even look awake and can’t control the ball.

was proper thrown to the wolves there, like. Into a midfield two with Bruno who couldn’t move.

the thing is they were absolutely shit.

Second half has been one of his worst. Made loads of changes and none of them worked.

embarrassing stuff

I honestly never want to see Kelly play again . Hopefully everyone stays fit from now.

started both halves well and then looked clueless after the goals. Really disappointing stuff.

VAR

Murphy can at least cross a ball well

not really. Just looks like Gordon is playing where Willock started the game, inexplicably. Just playing it more lazily.

Gordon is not very good like, sorry.

really just doesn’t have any aggression in aerial challenges at all, which he’s shown at both ends of the pitch already. For someone of his height his metrics are insanely bad for aerial duels.

refereeing

Willock has been proper honking hasn’t he

does Willock need different boots? It’s like he’s got two left feet out there

yeah, bit of a disaster them scoring early. Not going to get another chance like the disallowed goal now with them defending deep.