Happinesstan

Not saying we're not. Nobody is better without their best player. But we've scored 26 goals in 24 matches, an average of, more or less, one per game. And we matched that, away to the 5th place club.

West Ham v Newcastle, 2021/22 | Premier League

When was the last time Maxi was this far down the page? The match against West Ham demonstrated that we are not as reliant upon him as we once assumed. It is no coincidence that our possession stats were so impressive in this match. He has [more than] twice as many successful dribbles as the next best, but our goals scored accurately reflect our league position. Our performance against West Ham, one would hope, has demonstrated that he no longer needs to take sole responsibility for our success. There is no longer the evidence to support his claim that his team mates are not good enough. I adore the bloke and hope this will make him even better.

Shelvey

Against West Ham, without Maxi he showed great intelligence going forward. I think this extra responsibility tired him more, leading to a couple of late sloppy passes, but he was a perfect foil for Murphy who lacked the Maxi attitude that he can take on anybody. Great signing.

Once Wilson and Trippier return, that gives us one hell of a starting eleven going into next season. Improve upon Schar Wilson and Dubs and we could be challenging top 8.

When Manquillo is fit I'd play Dubs Manky Schar Burn Targett Joel Jonjo Bruno Willock ASM Wood

If he'd rather walk in to a set up than be part of building it, then let him go.

He's ideal, in a back 4 behind ASM. Our defensive targets in January did suggest Howe was looking to play a back 3 with attacking WBs. That said, he was not shy about getting to the by-line, against West Ham. Question is, will Maxi use him in that situation.

He has, but his response against Everton was massive and without his instant reply who knows where we would be right now.

If we win this and climb to 14th then it becomes a six horse race. Temporarily at least.

I'm surprised there is any question about this. Plenty players have been sent off after the final whistle.

Built like a brick shithouse, and twice as fast.

We're unbeaten in 6 games without playing an unchanged team. Through new signings, and later injuries, changes have been necessary. I think the first chance Howe gets to play an unchanged team, Bruno will be in.

I'm old fashioned and remember Billy Whitehurst, Tony Cunningham and Rambo Reilly. Wood'll do for me. For now.

He scored against Brighton, who were all over with their defence, tbf.

I only remember the song and the staircase.

What a way to grow.

Thought the same.

Unbeaten in the last 6 PL games and I don't think we've started the same eleven players, consecutively.

Thought he was going to weep with joy at one point. Lovely lad. Hope he has a great future with us.

His goal scoring run, last season, came after complaining about not starting. Could be a good sign.

heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeere's Bruno.

Great to see he has the confidence to try it.

We're Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrreat!