Infinitely Content

Definitely feels like something has gone on with ASM and the club like. Apparently they're not even certain he even had COVID as he was tested in France privately and reported it back to the club. If he doesn't have it now, he should be here not in France, where the club can monitor him and his fitness. We literally can't attack without him.

One of the best strikers I've seen in the PL. Doesn't seem to get much of a mention alongside the likes of Van Nistelrooy, Drogba and the other lot just in that tier below the likes of Shearer and Henry, but Costa for me had it all. Was outstanding.

Yep. 20 minutes worth of game play per month it feels like. Not good enough.

you mean the guy who was at Spurs in the late 90s? That very guy. 4 managers/coaches in a season though... 'kin hell.

Schalke appoint Christian Gross as their 4th manager this season. Insane.

His goal contributions for a defensive midfielder is superb.

Thiago's back in training for them and in contention to play.

Think it's easy to forget just how good Dubravka is. Darlow has exceeded all expectations and has been our player of the season with Wilson. Dubravka is still no.1 though, for me. Either way, both of them will make a ridiculous amount of saves but it won't amount to anything unless we capitalise on them by scoring ourselves. So Dubravka vs Darlow is almost a redundant argument.

RIP. Belarusian excellence. Shame he didn't live long enough to see the revolution on the horizon.

Pickford is really talented I think, just has a mentality as bad in equal measure to his talents.

I'm probably more exaggerated in my distaste of him than most of our fans. But I dunno, he's one of those players who isn't particularly good at anything. If he had especially good technical ability and kept it simple in that sense I'd be fine with it, but he doesn't. Think he gets by on "working hard" and "keeping things ticking over". I got told in Year 9 I was really good at keeping things ticking over and I knew at that point my football career was over. Genuinely think he only looked good tonight due to playing one of the worst PL teams in history. We've got about 25 of them. I once thought Li Tie looked promising so tbf my opinion on everything is utterly worthless. I remember him quote fondly, although the recollection is blurry. Kante-esque man, ruined by injuries

I'm probably more exaggerated in my distaste of him than most of our fans. But I dunno, he's one of those players who isn't particularly good at anything. If he had especially good technical ability and kept it simple in that sense I'd be fine with it, but he doesn't. Think he gets by on "working hard" and "keeping things ticking over". I got told in Year 9 I was really good at keeping things ticking over and I knew at that point my football career was over. Genuinely think he only looked good tonight due to playing one of the worst PL teams in history. We've got about 25 of them.

It's quite sad that there's more than just a hint of truth in that.

Werner came to the PL with a good record, and looked very dangerous early on when he was used as the main striker. Haven't watched much of Chelsea for a few months, but get the impression he is used more out wide now? If used correctly i think he'll deliver. Wrote this on Havertz back in september: https://www.newcastle-online.org/forum/index.php?topic=102957.msg7316002#msg7316002 Not much has changed since then. He did really well at his former club Aye Werner's record bordered on sensational numbers-wise. I do think there's truth in Wullie's above statement though regarding the Bundesliga. 21 & 24 the two lads, plenty of time to adjust yet but early signs are really bad for Chelsea, in that they may need to spend again to plug the gaps left by those two underperforming if they want to mount a serious challenge next year, 'cause this year's is done.

That's true like. Definitely deserves time and I don't think Lampard has helped him much. And with Havertz the fee means they have to stick by him and play him. However I see him as a hindrance to the team, especially when he often starts ahead of Kovacic or Pulisic depending on his role and he's nowhere near either of their levels.

I get that and tbh perhaps I'm wrong to somewhat dismiss their records in an albeit easier league. However I just remember hearing both on here and in the media that Werner was one of Europe's most deadly strikers. He really isn't, the lad can't finish. He needs sitter after sitter to register, and he's playing in a team which creates lots of chances. As for Havertz, no idea what he's meant to bring. Doesn't appear to possess any outstanding attribute.

His stop from Aguero's close range effort was fantastic. I'm beginning to think the shouts for an England call up weren't all that premature. I think he can hold his own in amongst the current crop of keepers.

Will be interesting to see how he does when fans return. It is interesting, epitome of a confidence player like, but there's an air of self-belief about him this season that I like a lot.

Is it obvious? Neither have done a single thing in England to be considered anything above average tbh.

There was a period of time after he signed where most fans would agree his main issue was a lack of courage, self-belief and confidence. He seemed overawed by the crowd sometimes. Now however, he's one of our bravest players, willing to make runs, take players on, take shots from distance and whip in crosses. He's come a long way and I'm glad he's part of the squad this season. Well deserved.

Chelsea finally starting Kovacic & Kante together in the midfield. Not sure what Lampard has been playing at starting Havertz or Jorginho over Kovacic like.

Should be. He's England's most talented player by miles.

For some reason my uncle bought me a £20 bet for Newcastle to win 1-3. I would end up with something like £2,500. I asked him if he could adjust it to 6-0 City but alas... We'll probably win 2-1 now. Would be sick

Up to our turbans.

They need a whole new back line imo. Wan Bissaka is probably alright enough but the rest... fuck me. Would be better off with Smalling, Jones & Evans. They've spent an absolute fortune on them too. Terrible recruitment.