Coffee_Johnny

The mouth does a captain’s job the eyes say something different…

Feeling you brother. Betrayal and rejection ; strong words but that is what it feels like.

Preseason tours aren’t just about playing. Not joining sends a huge message and my best guess is he is playing hard ball (would say his agent but Alex is in charge in that relationship) re contract. Can’t see that landing well with Howe et al. Pretty shit if this is the case. And surely Liverpool given their expenditure to date couldn’t buy him as well as Ekitike, could they? If not then there’s either another suitor or it is pure spitting the dummy at not being allowed to go and/or a new contract power play. As I said, pretty shit.

Mateee. Love your optimism, but Howay… .

Yep, regardless of the speculation I think the Ekitike-laa, interest from us only really made sense as an Isak replacement. Hopefully, now Isak will stay at least next season, be fully engaged (not on some work to rule agent imposed bullshit) even without the more than double my salary stuff which is being touted around.

The plane they’re using is equipped with very comfortable looking seats which turn into beds. No physical reason at all not to travel.

Reminds me of this (lyrics kind of work if replace Frodo with Isak). 🎵 Isak don’t wear the ring, I know it’s very tempting… 🎵 (rap version at 1:37 is hilarious)

Can you buy this beauty anywhere?

Some promising signs there: lovely touches, nice passing movements, good link-up play, decent with his left.

Sensible for them to be counting the pennies after they’ve spent half a bazillion already.

Too many meatballs? Swedes love their meatballs.

Cheese, tabs and wine though… steer clear.

Don’t recall reading of bids for any. Which given the amount of coverage/wasted words about any possible incoming this summer, almost certainly means we didn’t. Guess given all were clearly going to move a few of us no doubt entertained the idea though.

Only bloody got one! Apparently there was a problem as I don’t have a North East postcode and it is the Sunderland match (…not like there’s no Makems living in Tyneside 🤷‍♂️). Site was showing sold out but they rang me this morning (after email on 21st) and bingo! Happy days.

Fucking hope so.

His goal and assist tally last season looks great. 23 goal involvements (19 and 4). Much better than previous three seasons (15, 10, & 8). It’s sensible to be curious about whether he is creating those chances himself, scoring goals from positions where it is hard to score, or whether the free flowing attacking style he is playing in means lots of chances are coming his way: that most professional footballers, let alone strikers could score. Highlight reels give the opportunity to showcase what a player can do (beyond the simple numbers). The couple I have watched of his don’t impress me that much, personally.

Genuinely think he’ll do a great job for you if given the right role and a bit of love.

Not denying anything you’ve (sarcastically) said. Just a high percentage of scrappy goals and he doesn’t get my pulse racing, personally. Still would be a good signing.

Signing as many players as they seem to be, must create a lot of hope and no doubt false confidence for their fans. As far as I can see most of their signings are unproven, can’t see that they have increased their goal scoring options as yet. They only scored 58 goals last year (joint 7th) and conceded 28 more than Burnley (who scored 69) and 14 more than Leeds (who scored 95). They also lost their last five league games. If their newbies make the step-up it might not be as grim a season for them, but (bias aside), I genuinely can’t see them staying-up. If their new players (below) and any other additions (Xhaka would be a great signing in their position) don’t improve the picture then I reckon they will struggle to break the total points (24) they managed 9 seasons ago when they last graced us with their presence.

There has been a fair bit of ‘awfulising’ and annoying acceptance of notions about power dynamics and Howe wanting to have control/do everything (bollocks to my mind), but a lot (probably yourself included) are understandably disappointed to have missed out on some (e.g. Pedro) and frustrated that others seem stalled/no closer (Trafford, Scalvini/similar). I agree with your first paragraph but I really thought we would get some deals done early have three new players in before the tour.

A high percentage of scrappy goals, but he was there to score them. I’d be happy to sign him but can’t say I’m blown away by the prospect.

Do a bit of last season research on their newbies. May be a bargain to be had.

Agree. But doesn’t mean we shy away from ever trying to sign top tier if we think there is a chance of signing the best. Would just prefer, as would everyone involved no doubt, if it the process was all a bit speeded-up. In with a time limited non-negotiable best offer and then onto the next on the list.

Started typing a reply in the style of Finbarr Saunders, but can’t bring myself to inflict them on you. Fill in the gaps (an accident!) yourselves/answers on a postcard.

Surely ‘Jordy’ Henderson did? Oh wait… as you were.