Shays Given Tim Flowers

C minus and trending downwards.

I think Howe can set the team up to beat these. Problem is, was and will be the quality of our players.

He backed himself to score. That’s why he’s had the goal scoring record he has. It was the wrong decision but there’s been plenty of times hes backed himself to score and in doing so won us points. I’d have been fuming if it had cost us on Saturday, but beyond it being frustrating in the game context it’s not indicative of anything.

Sounds like you’re defensive good buddy.

Can we have a list of 18 year old midfielders who have controlled a premier league game?

No but thank fuck he did because he’s live to danger and sorts it out.

Asymmetrical barcode is a beauty.

Its not exclusively our press. We have too many players who if they aren’t at 100% in terms of performance level just aren’t good enough to play for a side that wins most weeks.

Yeah, very inconsistent with his passing, often gifting the ball in dangerous areas. His positioning has been really slack and his industry in recovery is starting to leave a lot to be desired.

Also, don’t we all agree that we’ve got very limited options on the bench to change games? Really he has minor tweaks available in the main to change games. It’s symptomatic of having a thin squad.

All I would add to this is against Arsenal in the second leg we had a completely different plan A to how we set up in the league.

Many were saying Bruno was one of, if not the best, midfielder to play for Newcastle in the Premier League. If city were full strength would he even start? Would Schar, Burn, Trippier, Murphy, Dubravaka, Joelinton, get meaningful game time at Arsenal, Man City, Liverpool, Chelsea? The playing squad is a far bigger check on our position than Eddies managerial ability.

Pull me off and I’ll see what I can do.

Worth remembering that Jonjo Shelvey looked world class in the championship.

Hope we stick with him through his Baran spell.

You exorcise demons bez.

I’m sure the irony isn’t lost.

I'd guess to win something? Rightly or wrongly.

I feel the conversation with Wilson begins and ends with his fitness record. If the club is confident that those issues are behind him then great. If they aren’t then it’s a no from me because a player who isn’t available is pointless.

@Mike must have gotten your ticket.

If they hadn’t scored the blockbuster we go in 2-1 up against a team that was tiring quickly.

I disagree. They pressed aggressively and we coped with it well. Prior to the wonder strike we were well in control of the game. Not sure what was dubious about the goals beyond did the ball cross the line on the first. They had a deflected goal for the first, a cross that was headed wide and the side foot chance, but they were always going to have chances. We play a direct 4-3-3 and the most important player in terms of tightening up the defensive performance of the team (Tonali) wasn’t on the pitch.

Think describing us as collectively shite for that first half performance is harsh. Disjointed to start but actually we controlled the game well after an early set back. Those were exceptionally difficult conditions for a patchwork team.

Played far beyond his years yesterday.

He’s like the janitor of the squad. Gets called into a mess and just mops it up. Considering he doesn’t play much at all, he’s very good at coming in and performing.