Infinitely Content

Pretty sure the turnstiles close around 20 minutes after kickoff...

With Lejeune out I think a partnership of Lascelles and Fernandez (with Dummett & Yedlin either side) will see our defensive solidity of last season return. We're still okay in that department. Going forward is a concern, but even last season creating chances wasn't the problem, it was Gayle & Joselu's inability to finish them. Getting Shelvey back makes us far more competent in terms of creating chances. Joselu looks much improved which is good, as him & Rondon will be critical.

Agree Definitely. I get his hands are tied and we are shopping in the bargain bin but best off spending nothing than paying 5m for Joselu, 9m on muto, 5 manquillo etc An agreeable statement on paper, but Rafa couldn't work with two of them, and the other had a release clause activated and seemingly wanted to move, so there's not much we could have done other than look for the best replacements possible with the limited resources we had. Ashley's shortcoming, at the end of the day.

Couldn't finish like Rondon did tonight (he could, but still)

Wasn't really aimed at you particularly like, but now you've said it, maybe you will. I hope it doesn't chew you up too much man.

Because it takes time to settle, particularly as a centre back, and that can lead to rudimentary errors and lapses in concentration.

Needs time, let's not focus too heavily on his errors, as rudimentary they may be. Comparing him with Fernandez, it's very clear to see which of the two has experience playing in this country.

He carried some threat I thought. Was disappointed to see him subbed.

Can't come soon enough - in all comps. We can't blame refereeing decisions entirely of course, but we've been on the wrong end of some dreadful decisions already so early into the season, what definitely seems like more than others, too.

That was fun

Not sure, he's always looking to make something happen imo. Some nice passes in the final 3rd and a willingness to get in behind/beat a man. Decent showing. You are probably right. It’s always hard for a striker to shine in the way we play. They just end up running all over without ever getting any real chances to shine or actually attack. Would hate to be a forward for us in this team/system. That much is certainly true. I find it the same with Perez which is why I always air on the side of positivity with him as I think he has a thankless task in this set up for the most part and does a decent job.

Think he's looked poor tbh. Not judging him like he's allowed a poor game in his first proper match for us, but he's looked a bit out of his depth so far. Swear down we're always watching different matches. Although Ki might have just made him look better by comparison, admittedly. Not being harsh on him, but what's he done good? He's been caught on the ball, gave it away from throw-ins to feet, been slack defensively, had a poor first touch. I think he can come good, saw enough in pre season to believe that, but that was not a good 45 minutes from him. Played a few nice balls out wide into space for Sterry, put a decent cross in, and moved into good areas of space to receive the ball. It's baby steps when it's your debut tbf. Between him and Ki, he's looked the more experienced. I'd have to disagree, I don't think either of them have asserted themselves on the game at all. It's probably just a case of being willing to look passed it with Longstaff and not with Ki, which is fair enough. Need a lot more from both of them in the middle if we're going to get back in the game.

Not sure, he's always looking to make something happen imo. Some nice passes in the final 3rd and a willingness to get in behind/beat a man. Decent showing.

Muto, Joselu & Fernandez have been ok.

Think he's looked poor tbh. Not judging him like he's allowed a poor game in his first proper match for us, but he's looked a bit out of his depth so far. Swear down we're always watching different matches. Although Ki might have just made him look better by comparison, admittedly. Not being harsh on him, but what's he done good? He's been caught on the ball, gave it away from throw-ins to feet, been slack defensively, had a poor first touch. I think he can come good, saw enough in pre season to believe that, but that was not a good 45 minutes from him.

Think he's looked poor tbh. Not judging him like he's allowed a poor game in his first proper match for us, but he's looked a bit out of his depth so far.

How's that not a foul on Muto just then like

As I said, that's fine, be as you wish - that's the individual's right, but I've read him repeatedly have a go at other supports in recent weeks, largely over the Ashley out campaigns for not sharing the same intensity (let's say) and I find it to be a futile endeavour and one that misses the mark entirely to turn on other supporters who probably want the same thing.

Give over man. I can totally understand & respect lack of interest, mine has admittedly dwindled - but wishing bad on the club, and having a go at other supporters for not sharing your feelings (of anger/apathy or whatever else) as you have done at times recently is not going to achieve anything. Looking forward to seeing how Muto & Longstaff get on tonight. I'm going 2-1 to us with Joselu, Kenedy & D.Murphy with the goals.

Milner is better, no doubt about it. As is Shelvey

First fighting with Lascelles, now this. Wild one.

Barnet FC it is, then - not quite bottom.

West Ham shirley (Pellegrini link & West Ham love a shit signing)

Ritchie[/member] u ok hun? *hugs*

What valid points do you think he raises out of interest? Lack of respect. It seems to me like he's pressed & antagonised more readily than many other coaches for reasons pointed out in my above post. They absolutely loved that he walked out of that press conference, let's not pretend they didn't - you can hear them in the video laughing giddily knowing they can wander back to their offices with the story the boss so wanted. Is that a respectful way to treat a top manager? Would Alex Ferguson, Jurgen Klopp, Pochettino be treat in that way? Nope.