St1pe

Still can’t understand why he seems to be first on the chopping block for Howe but I imagine we’ll sell at that price.

Why are people still debating Howe? It’s done. We’ve all given our opinion one way or another 20 times or so over the last few months. The club have decided to stick with him into next season and it’s really hard to justify him not being given another shot. Losing to Fulham seems to have set the Howe out lot off like it’s actually going to make a difference to a decision already made. The important thing to debate is summer recruitment, how efficient this lot can be and what heap off shit in that squad needs moving on first. I guarantee Howe won’t be here by Christmas after another window if we start the season how we’ve performed during this one.

You’ve seen them play as well though right? We’re not aspiring to be that and if we are (as a fan base) something has gone wrong. This aftermath is just a collective pissing the bed.

Even on the eye test they’re shite. Good season for them and they’ve ground out some cracking results but some of you lot need to settle down like.

Shite performance and one that adequately portrays the season. The squad in its iteration has expired and we need some really significant buys to see an upturn next season. If anything it should demonstrate to the board what’s needed to be done so it won’t be repeated. We’ll be back next year I’m confident. I’m so fucking pleased this season is done though.

Been quiet the last couple of weeks like this thread though right?

Fair play to them. Cracking season but I still think they’re shite like most of the mid table teams. I’d be surprised if they do it again next year but they’ve proven a lot of people wrong this time round.

Random but I really miss belting out the Rafa Benitez chant when we’re seeing out a win. “Fuck off Wijnaldum, Shevley and Perez… Rafa Benitez, RAFA BENITEZ!” In my head 24/7 post good result

Fucking hell lads it seemed like a good article to me

If you’re looking at systems the more I think about it you can see the argument why some of those players have been picked or rather you can see the thought process behind the ones that haven’t gone. MGW is probably the most in-form player to miss out but in that system he’s got Bellingham and Morgan Rogers. It’s harsh but you can see it. Taking Henderson over Wharton is probably the most controversial one but I guess if neither are going to start he’s gone for experience and apparent leadership that everyone with inside info mentions. Hall is unlucky but Livramento can cover both positions and is arguably a better defensive full back even in Hall’s favoured position. Im pleased both of our shite keepers missed out. Spence is an odd one id still have gone TAA but again you can sort of see why.

Makes it even more justified for me. Living off past reputation. He’s declined and his inclusion as backup was always going to be a coin flip. Take it on the chin and recognise where you are.

I respect Tuchel doing it his way despite not agreeing with a lot of those expected choices. I don’t think Burn over Maguire is such the error some neutrals are making out.

Mad he’s been dropped over Livramento but Hall’s form has been patchy defensively.

Apologies if already posted but when is meant to be announced?

I don’t even think we’re having this conversation if Howe didn’t insist on pumping Gordon up front (or even if he was on pens and worked on getting him into a system that suits like the last couple of games. That said we probably don’t get as much for Gordon if that didn’t happen either so it might work out well for us on both fronts.

I think if some bloke managed to rumble our set piece routine by badly hiding behind a tree with his iPhone then I think you’ve probably got to look inward. I think stuff will have been going on like this for years.

I think that’s a bit bullshit. Clubs have used all sorts to gain small advantages and they’ve participated in some dark arts to try and gain some intel but expelling them when they’ve beaten Boro seems harsh. Fine them or something but that seems extreme to me. Also fuck Boro back in the Premier League

I sort of get the Maresca thing. It’s a continuation of obsessive based possession football. Someone who’s worked with Pep and won’t require a whole squad over haul. I also think time has been kind to Maresca as Chelsea have completely bombed since he left. He got a lot out of some very over rated players despite how much it cost to assemble them. It’s sad for the Premier League as a brand I suppose but I’m pleased Pep is leaving. He’s achieved continuous success where others with money have failed. They’re one of those clubs that just seem to destroy us more often than not - I know we’ve had a couple of wins over the years. It’s never enjoyable to watch us play them. He’s got blood on his hands for gifting this title to Arteta though

I’ve watched so little football outside of the Premier League in the last year is so I’ve genuinely never heard of any of those players

Backing up those points I was surprised to see his name on this list the other day.

Given his improvement I wonder if it’ll change our transfer plans in the summer. Him, Wolt and maybe a Wissa replacement if they can offload him.

Genuinely think that’s the best lineup I’ve seen in months from us. West Ham are getting relegated.

I think he’ll be a good fit for Chelsea. I think they’ve learned from mistakes. I’m not sure what they’re spending power is now (I’m sure it’ll be vast still) but they need some genuine world class players if they want to challenge.