St1pe

I didn’t see the game last night but just watched the extended highlights. I can’t imagine how stressful it must have been on here in those final minutes when Murphy and Longstaff were giving those simple passes away

I don’t know where I’m at with the Pope v Dubravka thing. Dubs didn’t deserve to be dropped and Pope has been awful since he got back in. By rights he shouldn’t be playing but Pope’s ceiling is much higher than Dubravka’s and I’m assuming Howe wants to give him every chance to be up to speed for the final. My gut feeling is he should have just backed Dubravka and that’s from someone who doesn’t really rate him.

I can’t deal with conceding to a Soucek header mind. Not again.

I thought his hearing was happening? Is he still playing?

How many successful teams play two strikers now?

Didn’t expect anything else but that Darwin kick out is much for of a red than Gordon’s. Literally chased him down to boot him.

At least another 8 weeks out for him then.

Good news! Can’t just be me who instantly thought he was injured when this thread was bumped though, right?

Imagine how shit Liverpool fans are going to feel when they lose from a Matt Targett corner for Krafth to nod in at the back post.

Gutted. He doesn’t deserve and injury like this given the graft he’s put in to win that left back slot. Hopefully it isn’t something that plagues him long term.

Hard to remember major occasions but used to frequently talk about how Rafa would fix things in game. We’d often improve in the second half. A random example that springs to mind was West Ham at home. Antonio was a winger then and was free all game in the first 30 mins or so right in front of where we were sat - Rafa was on the touchline waving his arms around and after than spell he never got in again. I still think he’s got unfinished business here despite loving Howe.

Nice to see that people are measured in their frustrations when something like this happens.

Of all the ups and downs we’ve had in the last two seasons under Howe this one has got me feeling canny flat. It’s definitely more than post-game feeling but more the trajectory we’re on coming towards this final. The Gordon sending off, Botman still not back, Hall injury, Isak sort of fit but we all know what’s coming. Feel like that Mackem wife from Netflix… when’s it gonna be our turn.

Assuming Gordon’s ban is upheld, and it doesn’t look like one they’d consider repealing, it’ll be interested to see what Howe does with Barnes. If Joelinton starts LW he’s pretty much done here isn’t he? I’m not sure what I’d prefer to be honest. Barnes has that ability to score from anywhere near the box at times and if we’ve gone any hope in the final we’re going to need something extra. Yet Joelinton is probably the better all round option in that position.

Stupid decision by Gordon but that isn’t a red card. The lad missing a cup final for that is criminal.