Armchair Pundit

As much as I don't like Everton (and I really don't like Everton), I dislike and disagree with the whole FFP nonsense more.

I still don't see how it can be assured that Ashworth isn't working, albeit indirectly, for Man Utd already. I know he's contracted to us currently, but how do they stop him working on the sly via an intermediary? I don't trust him and I don't trust Man Utd (or the FA for that matter, they'd probably facilitate it if they could!).

Still think a 10 month worldwide ban is completely disproportionate to the crime, especially seeing as none of the matches bet on were any that he played in.

All down to the witches that were hung by the old gallows gate during the siege of Newcastle in the English civil war...

I'm inclined to believe there's a lot of truth in this, the lack of being able to adequately rotate the squad is a strong possibility - too much, too soon, with not enough quality depth.

Something decidedly iffy with all the continuous injuries we have, especially this season. Whether it's down to crap medical facilities, inadequate staff or bad training regimes, something must be causing it.

The pessimist in me thinks that even if it was the beginning of the end for FFP, there would still be some unfair ruling put in place that would stop us from spending the same as the already established clubs, regardless of how much our owners could afford.

So, what's the general consensus on this? https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-13188487/Premier-League-clubs-shot-EFL-deal.html (Couldn't see the article anywhere else)

I just want to know how we've gone from the defense we had last season, the defense we've had this season... And where was Longstaff tonight? Worse than the invisible man!

An extension to the ban would be ridiculously out of proportion with what he's been done for... though I'm sure the scumbag six are likely pressuring the FA in the same way they pressure the Prem.

I keep seeing stories over the last couple of days about Ashworth supposedly already doing work on behalf of Man Utd... but he's supposed to still be on garden leave and we've not received any compo to change that, unless I've missed something?! (... I'm presuming it's just the usual lazy journalism, but I hope our owners are keeping a close eye on it, would love to catch Man Utd out and get them hit with misconduct)

That's them and Liverpool today then, though I doubt Villa got as much help from the officials as Liverpool did.

In fact...

I think they've scored 5+ in each of their last couple of league games haven't they?

Any chance we can blame the shit this season on Ashworth being an earworm to a few players in his build up to leaving? Maybe sewing some discontent and trying to turn heads?

What the hell? Why is Tino and Botman suddenly playing pants?

The fact we would only be 1-0 if it hadn't been for an unlucky deflection sounds tremendously flattering after how we played in that first half, we need to be more bruising with the noncey London wanks.

Results and performances like this, especially after last season, make me worry for Howe. It makes me wonder if Eddie struggles with alternate tactics and was more of a one-trick pony last year with the possession, pressing setup we had and it maybe having been been found out. I know we've had probably mitigating reasons for being poor earlier in the season, but is there an excuse now? We should really have started this match going in strong on Arsenal and not giving them the space/time on the ball, but we seem to have lost the motivation to play for each other and get at them.

Fucking hell, the Talkshite commentary are bumming this, cunts

Nothing more than bad luck there, shit happens

Anyone else having problems connecting to the commentary via the club website?

Would be hilarious if there was an actual controversial goal by us that got us something from the match, blubbing Arteta wouldn't be able to hold in his "It's a dissssgrace" whining ... sure the cheating fuckers will dive to glory though.

Interesting about toes previously being stepped on since Ashworth had come in and Howe/Nickson preferring to have more control over the recruitment side of things - could explain some of the issues around the more recent transfer windows.

Sure there was some mention of a continental candidate who's had lots of CL club experience, can't remember who it was though.

Anyone that chooses to jump ship from us is dead to me, I'll not thank them for work done or wish them well, they can fuck off and I hope their lives all fall down around them. ... bit harsh?