Holmesy

There’s no embarrassment in losing by 2 goals to city. But for better first touches and a bit of luck we could’ve had 2 ourselves. They would probably have kicked into another gear and won anyway though. What I’m disappointed and frustrated with is that the game left me with more doubt over Eddie’s decision making. Largely I think we had all come to the conclusion that Hall must actually not be very good. Burn has been a disaster this season and yet Hall and Livra have stayed on the bench while the former has consistently cost us goals. It was only a short glimpse admittedly, but Hall looked more than ready. We know Livra is more than ready. So what the fuck?! How can we do anything but question Eddie when he will not replace one of the worst players in our team with a better, more mobile, faster, more positive and more effective option?

He actually looks like he could positively impact games, similar to Trips and Tino. Why the fuck are we being punished with Burn every week?

Don’t get used to it.

At times it looks like our players have never played together. On 4-5 separate occasions tonight they’ve nearly run into each other ffs! It doesn’t scream organisation.

His first two touches have been class

Who’s the little blonde lad coming on? Looks familiar

I’ll be a happy man when Dan Burn is no longer in the first team. Might have to wait a few years unfortunately.

There’s no reason Bottlejob couldn’t have sacrificed one of 9 forwards ie. Rashford to give Mainoo a deserved cap. 5 central midfielders, including Henderson is bullshit. The balance of the squad suggests he’s going to favour an attack-minded approach but he won’t. It’s not in his nature. Swap one of the attacking players we know he won’t play for Mainoo and let Hendo have his influence in the dressing room.

Gallagher is the epitome of the modern footballer - runs further than everyone else consistently, presses, grafts and influences teammates but you'll never see him do anything specular. Unfortunately Michael Owen said it best recently - there are very few actual ballers in football these days, just athletes. And Gallagher is a really good athlete

The prospect of capturing the next generation of Portuguese stars is mouthwatering! I like this link

So, do we think he makes the England squad lads?

They’re very impressive!

Having someone like Mudryk breaking from midfield onto our pedestrian defence was pretty soul destroying as well. Pace is such an effective weapon, especially late on in games, and especially against us. I don't think our defenders even saw him until he was running past them

I can't see them going anywhere near Mourinho. I think the team we have in place are too intelligent and considered for that. I don't see them being knee-jerk at all tbh. I think Eddie will get the rest of this season, the summer and at least half of next season (if things still don't improve). And it will be the right call.

Tino's performance, Isak's finish, some of the balls Murphy put into the box. He'll have a more granular view than us. There'll be stuff they've been working on in training that he saw glimpses of. To the naked eye it looked like a clueless, shite performance but I don't think Eddie can say that in his post match

One thing that cannot be denied is whatever they’re doing to coach the defence isn’t working at all. We know Burn is shit and costs us goals but the rest of the defenders, individually, have proven themselves to be excellent. So what the fuck are they working on in training?

The most concerning thing is another 3 goals conceded. We can’t defend for shit.

Fucking hell, I forgot Murphy was playing ?

What is wrong with Sean Longstaff?! He’s regressed back to his Bruce-era self. Fucking tragic footballer at the moment

Gallagher is impressive in a really unimpressive way. He’s absolutely everywhere, but then doesn’t do anything sexy at all. I can see why teams are after him and he’s the kind of player that’ll be loved by home fans but not very exciting at all

This is exactly how i think we should play although i'd swap Tripps for a proper left footed full back and there's an argument for swapping Gordon for Grealish (when fit). I understand going a bit less all out attack against some of the big boys, but we should be playing to our strengths and making statements against any team outside the top 10 in the world really.

Pickford Walker Maguire Stones Chilwell Henderson Rice Phillips Milner Mainoo Kane

Is there another CB who can do what he does, anywhere?! Passing, ball striking, finishing, all combined with exceptional defensive positioning and intelligence. From the point of view of replacing him, we’re not going to be able to do it like for like presumably?

Far far too good to be warming the bench. He’s absolutely class. Obviously he’s the natural successor to Trippier, but he’s surely not going to be happy as a bit part player for another season or two?!

Can’t imagine it’s doing wonders for Livra’s motivation