M1tche

That back 4 scared the life out of me on paper, but it just goes to show how much a good bit of coaching, and set up can do.

Agreed, I don't mean to discredit Schar at all because he's been class as well, and is miles better than anyone Woodgate had to play next to.

I think it's just become predictable since no-one else ever takes them, makes its easier for teams to set up against. I always insist on having 1 Lefty and 1 Righty over all free kicks to keep teams guessing, we just need that decent lefty.

Maybe I was just over nervous, felt like we needed a bit more of foothold from about 70 onwards.

Unbelievably good, only seen Woodgate completely transform a back 4 in the same way for us.

I'll be shocked if we don't see 1, if not both of them against Sheff U next weekend, with Tripps coming back in for Man City and whoever played the best staying in for that one as well

My only slight criticism with him is the subs atm, Liverpool ones were bad, and yesterday felt like it needed a midfield change to get the game back under control, but we won and thats the main thing.

No-one was going to be a real standout yesterday. 3 loses on the bounce, nervy feeling around the place, it was a just win the game type of scenario. We did that, it was a hard watch but will do wonders for the next few games.

For me the order is 1.CB (the drop off from Schar and Botman is huge) 2.DM (All top sides over here have a proper one, would also allow us to play 4-2-3-1) 3. Creative attacker - 10/RW 4. Whatever Howe wants (as long as its not another full back)

Sharpness on the ball was understandably off, about 70 mins in I was hoping Tonali would come on, just so we could get control of the game on the ball. That said, his forward movement, energy and breaking up of play was what we have been missing the last few games.

I'd love Paqueta here still, but I think a CB and a proper DM are more pressing if money is tight. When Willock is fit we have at least 5 very good CMs

I have no idea how anyone is suggesting it anything other than a pen, saying he bought it or its "clever" suggest its borderline. For me it's as stonewall as it gets.

I've had a few of them over the years, something you just feel like you're getting nothing, and just want to kick someone because of it. Pure frustration.

When that music 1st plays on Tuesday evening.

Starting to get fed up with how pointless Burn is when attacking.

Loving that pretty much everyone has the same thought on the group. Had a few work mates trying to wind me up about it, but i absolutely love it!! We've waited a stupidly long time for this and it would have felt like an anti climax to not have truly big clubs rocking up at St James' for the group stage, those nights are going to be electric. Already know I wont get a ticker, but ill definitely be heading up to be in the city for at least 2 of those. Bring! It! ON!!

I hope today prompted us to look for someone who is a proper DM, the amount of times we got caught out by no-one naturally covering that area was annoying.

I thought the lack of replay for the Akanji on Schar tackle was a bit odf as well. Although Schar also made nothing of it.

Incredilbe debut, 2 things that stood out to me massively. 1 was the clip over the back line, it didnt end up coming to anything, but I used to love that pass, sometime with even looking, you get ot just over the FB or between the CB and FB, knowing a winger or striker will be close to getting on the end of it. The other was the left footed cross field pass to Gordon, absolutely glorious and ridiculous in equal measure on his weaker foot.

I know, I know. I have knack of saying 1 thing and then being proved very wrong lol

That's a lovely goal, perfect from Isak and 1 trick Miggy finishing well

Unlucky there

Anyone know if this is a strong team for Fio?

Isak hasn't looked at it at all pre season from what I've seen. Hopefully it's from training before games, rather than from not being sharp yet.

Loving the crowd noise only on this. We don't look great so far, especially in transition after losing the ball