Infinitely Content

Played very well.

Appears Bruce's tactical arsenal consists of 'switch the wide men'. Moura scored so Almiron now on the left to cover. Son will score next and Almiron will be moved back to the right. Riveting stuff.

Certainly appears that way. I was a bit taken aback by the amount of criticism directed his way after the Brighton game. It was as if a poor 25 minutes completely undone the fact he probably kept us up last season due to his impact on the team offensively, and many people were alluding to his supposed attitude problems from Nice despite the fact he's brought nothing but positivity to our club since arriving.

:thup: Both offensively and defensively. Opposition runs right through them way too easily. Playing with a flat midfield two obviously isn't helping, but they cover ground way too slowly – and looses possession too often. Yes, I think if we're to progress as a club, we're not going to do it with Shelvey & Hayden in the centre of the pitch (and they're the best we currently have). If we are to truly see the best out of the attractive names in the squad such as Wilson, Almiron & Saint-Maximin and also give Joelinton a genuine go at displaying the talent he obviously has, then we need upgrades there. Hayden & Shelvey both sit far too deep and their games are too restricted to one or two good attributes. The pair of them should be no more than squad players. We have some good footballers for once, proper footballers, and we need to support them from deep and not just knock it long to them, and the key to that is a more creative, energetic and ultimately more competent midfield.

He's a good player, we've been linked with him a few times over the years, including back when he played in Ligue 2 with Lens. Available cheap if reports are to be believed. I personally think centre midfield is our weakest area, we have 4 or 5 players there but I don't feel any of them are truly good enough. I like Hayden and Shelvey in certain games but they need some genuine competition and we could use a player who is more energetic and willing to carry the ball.

Yedlin left back I think. Krafth---Lascelles--Clark---Yedlin

If I remember correctly, you've been bang on with your line up info thus far, so fair play. Happy to see Clark recovering like, extremely consistent performer for us and should be in contention for a starting spot in league games.

He's waiting for us in the next round with Newport County.

Well, my second bedroom in South Shields does have a certain je ne sais quoi.

Isn’t it basically what Thiago does who some are rating the best midfielder in the world currently?

Only one to offer any effort or threat today. Has to be the first name on the team sheet next match.

Almiron looking excellent.

Get Muto on.

Playing Carroll up top and hoping for a repeat of the WHU performance is lazy from Bruce imo. Brighton's centre backs are towering, we should have used the squad and started with the more mobile, agile players in Almiron and Fraser and got them playing in and around Wilson, occupying the 3 centre backs. As things stand Carroll is dropping deep and Wilson is left to contend with all 3 defenders, poor tactics.

For all our passivity and lack of ideas, I have been very impressed with Brighton, really easy on the eye and clearly very well coached. Fair play to them.

I'd be the most inventive midfielder if I was playing alongside Winks and Hojbjerg tbh.

Saint will baptise him.

He's not keen on the bay windows.

Madrid Madrid Madrid

Atletico Madrid.

Chases shadows.

I like Mourinho, but this playing style of Spurs (or lack of) is pretty terrible. That said I don't think their squad is good enough either, but certainly should be controlling the ball and looking more competent than they currently do. Their central midfield is poor, Winks/Hojbjerg is bottom half standard and the defensive 5 isn't much better.

Those two improve Spurs massively like, and looking at their squad they really need it too.

"What has stuck out for you in that first half, Tim?" "Robin's Koch"

What a daft Koch