Coffee_Johnny

I really find goalkeeper the hardest position to gauge, at least when it come to subtle judgements between those at top end of PL quality. But looking at their careers, Ramsdale has evidently been seen as being as higher quality in the early stages of his career (international appearances across the age groups and two big fees in his early 20s, £18m to SU and £30m to Arsenal). So I assume that even though 6 years younger and still developing he probably is a better keeper with greater potential to still realise.

Update on tracker towards a top six finish, taking account of the relative difficulty of games as they fall across the season. 29 points, at the end of December, puts us two points below a sixth place finish for the average PL season (assumptions in hidden content quoted). The losses against Luton, Forest and Everton haven’t put us too far below the curve; in fact two drawers would have seen us still on course for a likely sixth place finish.

I don’t think they knew it was coming from that stage. At least there’s no evidence of that. I think he seemed off/non-verbals and performances two or three games in. He probably got wind of it around then.

Don’t be too confident, “8-0, we only win 8-0…” (away, red and white stripes blah blah).

I really am. Firstly, expecting a reaction against Liverpool away. By reaction, I mean a better performance and maybe scrape a draw or narrow defeat, rather than something more remarkable. This will tee us up for a very strong away performance in the dark place. The planets are now aligned; the team who defeated Man Utd twice, plus Man City, and Arsenal; the team who put four or more past PSG, Villa, Chelsea and Palace; the team who recorded our biggest away win in our 131 year history, that team are back for the FA Cup. (Really weakens the rallying message to add ‘I hope’. So I won’t ?)

Actually, 7 losses and 7 draws at the beginning of the following season (Aug to Dec 2021) sounds worse.

I think it is three years (Jan to early Feb, 2021) since we lost more in a short period—7 out of 8 back then. 6 out of 7 now (so far…).

Yes.

Cuts both ways, how do you create loyalty and a sense of collective endeavour if you don’t back your stalwarts? we all love the team spirit he has helped create. It perhaps comes at a cost if the balance isn’t right.

Tier 1 last season. This season… fuck knows.

It’s based on last year. Could say, whatever we are, we’re not Tier 1 (on present results/form).

Quite a run of poor form. Since we beat Man Utd, 1-0 at home in early December probably one of the best team performances of the season, we have: Lost 3-0 away to a Tier 3 team (Everton) Lost 4-1 away to a Tier 2 team (Spurs) Lost 2-1 at home to Milan to exit European competition Won 3-0 home to Tier 3 team (Fulham, who were down to 10 men from 22nd minute) Drew/Lost away to Tier 2 Chelsea in Caribou Lost 1-0 away to a Tier 4 team (Luton) Lost 3-1 home to Tier 4 team (Forest). Losing 6 out of 7 winnable games. It’s been a while since we have had such a poor run of form.

2% probability of a win. Might lump on…

Couldn’t write it. Or you wouldn’t believe it, if someone else did.

Remind the fecking players!

It’s Boxing Day, Rasper. Do something different to your ordinary routine ?

All the best, everyone! ???

Gameweek 19 Newcastle 2-1 Forest Bournemouth 2-2 Fulham Sheff United 1-2 Luton Burnley 0-3 Liverpool Man United 0-1 Villa Brentford 1-1 Wolves Chelsea 1-2 Palace Everton 1-3 Man City Brighton 1-2 Spurs Arsenal 2-1 West Ham

Merry Christmas to you too, you beautiful-bread named rational ranconteur! ?

There’s a ‘Beatles drummer’ joke in there somewhere.

Wouldn’t be surprised, or disappointed, to see Tripps and Gordon on the bench. Isak and Almiron on the wings. Tino and Burn full backs.

? 8-0, we only win 8-0! ? (caveats: away from home; to teams in red and white stripes)

Beat Forest and, from memory, we’re still pretty much on track for 6th. I’d be ok with that all things considered.

?

Knobhead.