TheInfiniteOdyssey

The unforced offside errors on set-pieces was a particular disappointment to me.

Running out of patience with him, yes we were playing against one of the best sides in the world, but his inability to do the basics is maddening. His first touches today in critical positions were shocking. There’s very few teams where he’d be ascribed so much importance to ultimately produce so little.

Yeah that’s how I read it too. Another good thing about Bruno’s success and his agent telling the world is that it demonstrates to other players, and perhaps more crucially their representatives, that Newcastle is a viable place to go to further their ambitions. With the impending arrival of Ashworth, as well as a new CEO, I’m fully expecting the club to deepen their relationships within football networks and markets in the coming months and years. This is both a blessing and a curse obviously, no doubt we’ll be offered some terrible options by agents on eye-watering wages, but we’re in that mix now and that’s what’s most exciting about it all.

Agree, you would think that the two arguments are completely contradictory. However, perhaps Howe has such faith in his coaching qualities and that of his wider team that he can extract even more out of certain players. Most of our players look completely reinvigorated under Howe and perhaps there’s a wider realisation in the squad in these past few months that they can achieve something spectacular in their career if they seize their opportunities now. Just to clarify though, personally I’d say this team are absolutely miles off CL and not even top 10 quality.

Agree and think this will significantly limit the actual attendance on the day which is a shame.

It’s definitely an interesting quandary to have. To date, the message has been from the club that this will be a gradual rebuild, which lends support for players like Shelvey, Fraser, Schar etc continuing at the club for the next couple seasons as the squad redevelops. However, the comments from Bruno’s agent suggest that the plan presented to prospective signings is far more ambitious and immediate i.e. targeting CL qualification. With the greatest of respect to the mentioned players, they’re not going to get you to that aim. I would prefer to see a smaller number of signings this summer, but all of real starting quality.

I mean, yeah obviously only if he’s legally cleared of all wrong-doing.

Not particularly enthused over signing Hojberg and especially at that price. He’s an upgrade on Longstaff, but still a limited player. Would rather we paid a bit more and targeted someone like Bissouma.

Yeah definitely think Everton will get something out of Chelsea. They also have a horrible (recent) record at Goodison.

Agree in usual circumstances but Man United’s decision-making structure seems totally broken. Sometimes there’s just nothing we can do. I doubt our board are particularly enthused to negotiate with them again as well.

Didn’t Lampard get a letter and a phone call from them earlier in the season as well? Yet it seems we were totally ignored / fobbed off for the ridiculous Chelsea decisions just a few months ago.

Be very surprised if Rashford ever left Man United. Plus the way they messed us about for Lingard, I doubt they’d be interested in negotiating a deal with us.

I think Leeds only need one more win to be safe, but if they don’t get anything from tonight, it will be a rough few weeks for them.

I can’t see Ward-Prowse ever leaving Southampton, they’ll price him out of any move, as is their right of course. Sabitzer will apparently be available for 15m euros this summer by Bayern, something we should be seriously considering.

Ornstein is reporting that West Ham have opened talks with Hull about signing Keane Lewis-Potter for around £18m.

Hope Liverpool have been on the inhalers at half-time

Had a feeling Liverpool would struggle today, absolutely typical.

Just thinking of a list of potential targets we can perhaps look at: Defence Matt Targett - Seems a deal has already been agreed for around £15m Aaron Hickey - Mentioned by various sources as a viable target this summer for around £15m. One of the best young full-backs in Europe and has played more minutes than any other teenager in Europe's top five leagues this season. Tagliafico - Much to his public disappointment, was unable to agree a move to Barcelona in January, will definitely leave Ajax this summer for likely a low fee. One year left on contract. Grimaldo - One year left on current contract at Benfica. Highly-regarded as one of the best left-backs in Europe. Joe Gomez - Out of the picture at Liverpool, Liverpool would absolutely rinse us for a big fee if they look to sell though. Bremer - Credited with interest earlier this season, looks a top defender. Saliba - Arteta doesn’t seem interested in giving him a chance at Arsenal. Midfield Paqueta - Mentioned by various journalists as a viable target. Obvious link to Bruno. Lingard - Free transfer, very close to joining in January. Personally think he’ll end up at Roma under Jose. Leandro Paredes - One year left on current contract and been told he can leave by PSG. Bissouma - One year left on current contract which limits Brighton’s chances of extracting a big fee. Aouar- One year left on current contract, Lyon very unlikely to get European football and will need to sell players this summer. Brennan Johnson - Looks an extremely exciting talent, any potential deal would hinge on Forest not being promoted. Keane Lewis-Potter - Wildcard option, but 11 goals for a poor Hull side as a young wide forward is decent. Could perhaps replicate Bowen’s success at West Ham. Striker Luka Jovic - Arrived at Madrid as one of the most exciting forward talents in Europe. Barely played during his time and certain to leave following Mbappe’s impending arrival. Would be a big fee however. Moussa Dembele - A year left on current deal. 17 goals for Lyon this season and for reasons outlined earlier, you’d imagine Lyon will need to sell assets this summer. Ivan Toney - Incredible career turnaround after we let him go. Impressive goalscoring record at Brentford and has won the most aerial duels of any striker in the league. Dynamic presence, offering an aerial threat as well as an option behind the line. Difficult to see him coming back. Hugo Ekitike - Turned us down in January, but could go back in for him this summer when he’d have more time to settle. Would be a big risk to rely on him adapting quickly for goals if Wilson gets injured again. Gianluca Scamacca - Leaving Sassuolo this summer, regarded as one of Italy’s best young attacking talents. 13 goals this season in the league, Inter are favourites to sign him, but much will depend on situations surrounding Dybala and Martinez.

Thank fuck we got those wins when we did, would hate to have been holding out for another win with our run of games

You just know Liverpool will somehow end up losing after all this

He couldn’t care less, with Ten Hag being his new manager, he knows he’ll get a chance at the club he actually wants to play for.

I think Liverpool will win, but they must be absolutely dreading this game in light of our form. Will be a frantic game.

Another brilliant result, so proud of this team and the work Eddie Howe has done!

No chance whatsoever that Villa get relegated

Pogba won't stay in the Premier League.