Happinesstan

Don't know the source, but somebody said we enquired about him before buying Bruno.

Howe's not the type to take risks, I'm sure the intention was to ease Botman in but that opportunity has passed. I'd have no problem sticking with Burn at LB, for this one.

I keep wanting to say the same about Wood, who has similar goal returns to Firmino over the last 5 years. But then I remember we don't have Salah and Mane on the wings.

Yeah. Gone from having to choose whether to watch the game, to not having to choose to not watch it, to being primed for it as soon as the last one finishes. I feel 14 again, if only we still had CEEFAX.

I'm tempted to keep him at LB. Leaves us with 3CBs that are comfortable on the ball, when Trippier bombs forward. Who needs to defend?

Only video I've seen the standout was his work rate and willingness to help in midfield. I was drooling at the thought of him, Bruno and Joelinton dominating the midfield. He looked every bit the footballer people want Bruno to be.

His name is probably mentioned more in this thread than Pedro.

For the same reason he posts it.

I don't see him reaching any dizzy heights, but he'll be our Mr. average for the next few years, unless he gets a bit more ambition and wants regular first team football. He'll shine every now and again, and have the odd mistake but he'll generally be reliable.

He should link up well with Maxi.

There are a few who played last night that are okay fitting into the 1st team, our team spirit will cover individual weaknesses. But with all of them together we just have too many weaknesses all over the pitch. Krafth [out now unfortunately] Lascelles Lewis [hopeful] Longsaff Anderson Wood The rest need to be last resorts. I didn't include Targett and Willock because they are 1st team, but Willock needs upgrading.

We were, reportedly, in for him before signing Bruno. It would seem weird if we didn't go back for him.

OK Now I'm wetting my pants.

Most of last night's team are, unfortunately. Botman... I think that's it. I think Longstaff was just as effective as Willock, who doesn't have the excuse of not playing for 3 weeks. I love the kid but he's frustrating the hell out of me. Edited to remind myself that I missed the second half.

I'm surprised by Vardy's career. Thought he'd missed a load of games in the last 3 years, but he's contributed [maybe as sub, but still not injured per se] in just about every league game before last year. Complete contrast to Owen, really.

There are no rules that say the player picked in the RW position has to defend. the player who is position when the ball is lost will have that responsibility, and since the plan is to get Isak into the penalty area, if it is him then the attack has broken down early. Fact is it shoud still be Almiron and Trippier, since I'm not asking them to change their game, just their starting position. If you observe Miggy he circles around that area on the right, exchanging passes with Bruno and Trippier. This play has created more opportunities than any other, but we've yet to score from any of them, because we only had Wilson in the box.

I was thinking that, but maybe they can offer different bonuses, I don't know. It would seem likely as any appearance bonuses that he would be entitled to here, would be lost, I think.

I didn't think so, just with the rumour of him throwing his gloves at Howe, I think I got drawn into that mindset.

Exactly. It's football Jim, but not as we know it.

Yeah. It's been a hell of an introduction for him, tbf. Brighton, Man City then Burt Reynold's Mean Machine, is a hell of a baptism.

Neither would I but if it's what he wants.

A bit of the old [Ashley inspired] me feels this way, but he owes us nothing, in fact he's been a tremendous player for us, so I can't feel any bitterness towards his departure. I do hope if he's going to Man U we rinse them, though.

I think assessing anybody from that game is difficult. 10 players that haven't played together so far, and Willock, who should have been the leader out there. Anderson took his chance but he had the blessing of having that chance. Longstaff had a lot of responsibility on his shoulders, and while he didn't cover himself in glory for their goal, we got the result.