Coffee_Johnny

Drop the young cockney?

Fair. Harsh, but fair.

Bassong wasn’t at the club when? The year he was here definitely overlapped with Carroll.

Mr Ed ?

Fuck me. It’s like lessons from the Art of War in here!

Ah! I thought it was Bassong and Carroll. Didn’t listen the interview.

Does it say who won @54?

Well, two shots at getting a ticket. Two misses. Wonder what the odds are of getting at least one this season? Like this if you have got a ticket through the membership ballot.

Well, guess it will if you do it well enough.

You deservedly won. No argument there. Looked a class above (as you probably are). However, you can’t complain about missing a few players, given the depth of squad. And KDB would be delighted to have the level of influence on a game that Foden had. Wish you’d play him in that position more (though not against us!). Re the whole ‘schooling us’ and Eddie under pressure narrative. We lost a man after twenty minutes and still played well up here. We were very unfortunate at Anfield (in terms of disallowed wonder goal and shitloads of added time). I do think that both their goals at SJP came from tactical preparation, and fair play to Klopp for working out how to get through our relentless press. Let’s see if his team can execute such a plan this time, 11 v 11.

Big test for us this game. And for Eddie’s tactical nous. Losing Pope halfway through the first half kind of scuppered any meaningful comparison between last year and this. But their two goals (from memory) came from great long balls which cut through our frantic pressing, albeit one-man down. If I recall correctly Anderson started this one, don’t think he will this game; though who knows, especially if mixing it up is required due to a Joelinton injury. Don’t think they looked too formidable away to Chelsea, and started slowly against Bournemouth. But Szoboszlai (kept hearing his name like it was coming from a scouse golf commentator ‘It’s a boss lie’…) worries me. One that got away and I look forward to comparing Tonali with him, in terms of influence, should Sandro start. I expect us to win by a couple of goals. If we do, it’s a massive statement for the season.

I thought so at the time and since. The sense of injustice will probably stay with you for ever. When I’m in the right mood, I still grumble about thinking Anelka handled the ball for the FA Cup final goal (I was level with him and convinced at the time) and that the ball was moving when Wise took the Chelsea free kick which led to a goal in the FA semi ?‍♂️

I agree. It is an impressive site with all the pitches and the other stadium. But the best thing about the Etihad (might have been City of Manchester Stadium at the time) was the Chicken Balti pies. Utterly scrumptious but I don’t think they do them anymore.

I wonder what his brief was last night. If it was different instructions to normal? Feels like we could have done with something sitting in front of centre backs. Foden had so much room. I know great players find space, and he truly showed his greatness last night, but he/their set-up exploited that space wonderfully.

I thought that. The punch and the other non-verbals. Maybe he was worried or pissed off about the lack of rest, don’t think there were any comments from Eddie/the club to warrant annoyance.

We’re still playing for everything. Just over a full league season you know that machine will just keep rolling.

I think we all just have such high expectations of him that when he doesn’t quite click, e.g. that shit shot against his international team mate, or the heavy pass, or dispossession, it clouds the rest of his generally solid game.

Feel, with benefit of hindsight, it would have been better to start with Wilson and Barnes and bring Isak and Gordon on to stretch them when they were evidently tired. I know it wouldn’t have played out the same way, but would have backed Isak running through the middle (instead of Wilson) for that opportunity late on.

Trying too hard. Got them nervous.

Admirable. And right. But I am more nervous than I was for the Carabao. Not even sure why ?‍♂️.

Ok for me too. Though a bit too much blue… .

That’s the ticket. Just bought a few bottles of Broon. (Not even that keen on it ?‍♂️).

Lots of fucking money. Good lord.

Mars Bar flashback ?

This is the big stage. World watching with bated breath. Doesn’t matter the relative importance of the game, let’s face it beyond the terminally optimistic amongst us, it’s a free hit; not many would blink an eye if we are well beaten. But putting himself toe to toe with players like Rodri, if he can stand out here, if he can make a difference, his transfer fee will look an absolute steal and his, and our, profile and reputation around the world will be immense.