Infinitely Content

51 minutes ago, OpenC said:

I'm not a big fan of 21st century football stats and I feel like I might regret asking this but what, in the strictest sense of the word, constitutes a "duel" here

Elliot Androvich

4 hours ago, Big River said:

did anyone else notice his warm up at half time? it was the most half arsed thing I have ever seen. he must have knew he was coming on, which makes it even worse. he's got a terrible attitude for whatever reason.

I remember watching some YouTube videos with a few of our players, I think perhaps it was one with Pope and Burn and another with Bruno. I recall on both videos they were asked something to the effect of "who is most likely to be fined at the club?" or "who is mostly likely to turn up late?", and in both instances the answer was quickly and unanimously Joe Willock. I know it was said in a kind of jovial, trivial manner but for me it raised a bit of a red flag regarding his commitment and attitude. I say this as a bit of a hypocrite as my favourite ever player is Hatem Ben Arfa; perhaps I give him a pass as he was a genius and the times were very different.

Willock has always came across as a nice person, softly-spoken, quiet and likeable, yet on the pitch I find him frustrating to watch and struggle to see any real stand out qualities. I think he either struggles a bit with confidence or doesn't have the drive required anymore. Wish him the best but hope he's moved on this summer.

Eliezer Sam Mayenda, BDB (Big Dan Ballard) and Patto (Patts for me like) would sort us right out.

Played Neek Pope.

Thank you King Edward for the greatest season of my football supporting life. You've worked fucking wonders.

Loved his restraint at full time, displaying exactly why he will go to the very top.

Another change in system then?

What a fucking unnecessary mess this has been today.

Bizarre change imo.

Livramento has been flying at left back. Had to be Trippier on Botman off. We need the extra creativity and composure.

Thank you Saint Nick.

Botman and the Murph struggling a bit defensively. I’d sooner see a back 4 with Miley in the middle, Trippier right back and Gordon and Botman dropping out. The tried and tested system.
 

Everton finding space too easily here and winning plenty of individual battles.

Wouldn't really mind either outcome tomorrow, I can see why people would want nothing but misery for them based on some of the posts shared in here from RTG and social media, however I'm not sure either of those places are an entirely fair representation of their fans. For me the derby day dread/anticipation does add something to the football season; albeit not as much as in previous years, as it's certainly been replaced by the anticipation of the high stakes games we play nowadays challenging at the top end of the league.

Actually, I foresee us having to play them away in an early Saturday kick-off after playing Real Madrid away on the Wednesday and I'd rather not.

Even the goal and knee slide is shit.

The standard here is shockingly bad at times. Looks every bit 16th v 17th.

2-0; Schär, Gordon

2 minutes ago, Kid Icarus said:

Very frustrating. Could have easily gone either way and always felt like the first goal would win it. So frustrating that one mistake and a great finish was all it took.

 

Don't think we played badly at all but it never really looked like we'd break down Arsenal once we went behind, it's what they do very well.

 

Next week is going to be very nervy unless we're a couple of goals up early on.

 

Pope: 7.5

 

Murphy: 6

Schär: 6.5

Botman: 7.5

Burn: 7

Livramento: 6.5

 

Tonali: 7

Bruno: 7

 

Gordon: 6.5

Wilson: 5.5

Barnes: 5

Gordon 6.5 

Osula on the right getting crosses in towards Gordon & Willock also makes no sense whatsoever.

So Barnes can’t get a go on the left but Gordon is immediately moved right to accommodate Willock? Seems unfair on Barnes imo, should have switched them around during the game when it was evident Gordon was a bit off it.

6 minutes ago, Disco said:

Who’s the revolutionary in the beret?

got the wrong Emirates, meant to be on a flight into Freetown 

Feel confident about this, just get the sense Isak will turn up against these.

I hope it's Barnes left, Gordon right. Barnes and Livramento have developed a good partnership and understanding, breaking that up and shifting Barnes to accommodate Gordon makes little sense.

Just now, Ikon said:

Im more concerned about his in general play. Like a blind bull offering nothing on the ball. Hopefully he’s a bit sharper today and can contribute reasonably well for once. 

That's why it will be a cut back into the 6 yard box.

Wilson's finishing is top quality, just hasn't had the opportunity to remind us in his recent appearances.

Wilson will score. Cut back into the 6 yard box.

1 minute ago, Disco said:

Is that the Loch Ness Drogba?

That is the LND yes

Hmm, struck with a ball to the face and Guehi has to go off? Would like my centre back to be a bit more robust than that, Schar withstands worse every game.

Surely Pep's team talk just needs to be showing them the clip of Henderson's foul and sending his players out in fury to hit some blasties at him for 45 minutes.

If Henderson saves this penalty after that man...