Happinesstan

Yes but that makes us a one man band, which has it's novelty value on the street corner, but would require James Brown levels of perfection to make it to the City Hall, never mind the Albert. I love the guy but as a team we need to be more dynamic.

Yeah. For me today was a demonstration of what you get when ASM doesn't deliver. Not a criticism of the lad,, he takes on too much responsibility. But we won the game.

I think he's limited but technically one of our best players. His limitations I guess come from the fact he became a pro at a later date, as such he missed out on an important part of development.

I think it depends on his partner. A reliable partner allows him to focus on his own responsibilities a lot more. He's a determined little fucker when he wants to be, but frustration affects his performances.

I never judged him on those early performances, as I thought he was clearly out of position, and he was a Rafa signing. I was too easy on him as he's obviously a natural. Nah, seriously always liked him. Remember his cross for the winner against Watford. I felt vindicated. Recent performances have suffered as a result of the shambles that our defence became, but glad to see him continue to contribute.

We've come close in recent weeks. Not literally, but getting the recipe right. An early success for ASM is all we need as a catalyst. I think that would relax him, and that would relax everybody else.

Don't think it's something he needed to learn, you could see him at the Watford game, telling players to get up the field. I suspect this has been drilled into them this week, unlike the previous potato that would shrug his shoulders and ask "What can I do?" Might be a blessing that Lascelles went off, mind.

Always been a fan of the manky looking little tramp. Looks either like a stoner or a bum, but there was a face he pulled when he first came on that reminded me of Keanu Reeves, which made it all make sense. I know Howe seems set on a back four, and Dummett might be out again, but Manquillo on the left with Dummett on the left of a back 3 is probably our best option. Or we could sign a left footed CB in the next week.

Was going to say Schar was immense in the second half. Gets a lot of stick sometimes for leaving a man, but the number of times he ends up covering for Lascelles must make decision making a nightmare for the bloke.

All the injuries we got today should surely silence those that believe it is easy to improve fitness levels during the season, especially when you can't last 90 mins.

He definitely gives us more going forward than any of our other CMs. If we can get his confidence back he'll be alright. Although it does seem like he thinks he made the biggest mistake in coming here. Still a young un so might grow up in the next few months.

Perfect result to take away on our luxury holidays. Enjoy yourselves lads.

FUCKING GET IN!!!

Could be good game management. We know when we score we shit ourselves and end up chasing the opposition. We can't keep a lead for long, so let's score late.

Willock is making runs we're not used to and Trippier [who isn't used to playing for us] has found him on a couple of occasions. Need Willock to be a little more composed in those situations.

You'll donate it to the foodbank, though. Right?

He'd love the sausage suppers. You get two sausages as standard.

The last time the club treated these guys was a pepperoni pizza in Ponteland. I've got no problem with a sojourn at the Saudi Savoy.

TBH, getting the PFM basics right would be an improvement on our last manager who represented the definition of PFM.

I think he gets a hard ride sometimes. He doesn't protect the defence whilst defending, but he takes a hell of a lot of responsibility off their shoulders in the transition. We've conceded a couple of goals recently when other defenders have basically thrown it at him like a hot potato.

Howe is definitely relying on him to perform.

I think it's a bt over the top to call it racism. It's just stupidity. Stupid loyalty based upon stupid identities.

We need all 3 lets be honest. Dummett's return has made it less of an obvious concern, but we currently don't have no attacking WB that can defend. I'd be more than happy to let Lewis develop but he needs a Dummett, in a back 3 behind him. Howe is clearly not prepared to playy 3 at the back so we need an all-rounder for that position.

I can only assume it's because he's proved them all wrong, year after year.

I expected Willock, but I had hoped it would be for Shelvey. I guess Shelvey offers more variety as he can ping long balls left, right and centre.