Abacus

It's been said plenty but what a terrible time for a boxing day kick off. No thought to the fans whatsoever. Good luck to anyone attending.

.

Fun first half, that. We grew into it

So much danger coming from Murphy

There's what we've been missing

I did idly wonder if we were just set on Elanga a year ago and then just didn't update what we were after, given the summer's disruption. Anyway, personally not prepared to give up on him so soon, but in a kind light it does look the case that he's not being able to show what he might be able to do - whether that's due to the system, his confidence, or the general underperformance of the team, perhaps a combination of those, I'm not sure. There are some basics for him that most aren't getting right in the whole team either. Take the derby, as we must. You might have expected them to have come out of the traps at the start hoping to use the home atmosphere, so you'd need to shore up at the back and then hit them on the break with either of our pacy wingers and then get further forward later in the game when the quality gap should show. Doesn't sound a terrible plan on paper, if that was indeed the plan. It didn't play out that way obviously, we just got drawn into a slog, and neither winger had a good game, compounded by Wolte not really being set up to play that way in the first place and getting no support. The whole frontline isn't set up to play together yet and that lack of coherence up front seems to be creeping back into an increasingly frustrated midfield. What are they supposed to do? It also clearly wasn't the right occasion for Elanga to play given his performances to date and likely confidence going into it, but that's obviously hindsight. He needs at least a short spell out of the team with a few sub appearances to take the load off Murphy. Wouldn't be sticking Gordon in at right wing to replace him, or actually even Gordon starting on the left for a while either, at this point. Not meaning to single out players when the whole team isn't quite right and it's not all coming from just one person making mistakes or having bad games.

I only just read what he said about Bruno's comments and don't agree. There was a line in there about what you say publicly, though, and it made me think that even if he thinks the same privately about things being a mess he'd never say it publicly. Hopefully he does think the same privately about our misfiring attack - there's just no benefit to stating it publicly either for our own team or for our opponents. Much improved game tonight please.

If Hulk Hogan turning up in a charity match and a coach dying in the process is the solution, then I'm weirdly OK with it.

Oh just give up man, we're all pissed off and neither of you said anything bad.

I've very much enjoyed people arguing who has been the most nuanced in the real debate of the night.

Pretty bad performance, some odd selections and team set up, plus in game sub management wasn't good. Still no way I want Howe gone after a loss to these. I thought we'd be better though and that's what stings. Need to rock up at the home game.

Went to see a charity veterans game at Kingston Park, maybe, where the likes of Ginola came back to play. I would definitely be up for something like that again if Ben Arfa came back for it, he'd be worth the ticket alone.

From the radio commentary, match reports and then the MOTD highlights admittedly, it did seem like Burnley were on top first half at least up until the first goal. But hey, the 3 points is what matters, even if it wasn't a comfortable game. As an aside, anecdotally it didn't feel there was much enthusiasm for the match from a lot of fans. It's often this way for games we "expect" to win, so just glad we got this one done. Anyway, 10 points from 12, two big games coming up and Wissa looking lively in spells - all set up for a big week, which could be huge for the season.

In that interview, can't think his Liverpool team mates would be happy with him referencing collective failures to deflect blame when he's the player consistently rated as the worst player in the team, when he plays that is. Bet that interviewer couldn't wait to get out of the room after that sulky interview.

He was just standing around doing nothing at times - no service but also no effort. Ekitike at least put his foot in and ran about a bit, yet he's the one that's dropped. Splendid. Was half wondering if he really was downing tools for us at times last season, or if this groin issue really is holding him back. But then I thought I'd treat myself and choose to believe it's both.

I think all our wide men will benefit from having a more traditional striker in Wissa to aim for, or to be poaching in the box when they cut inside and they will all show better form. Not a criticism of Woltemade, he's been excellent, it's just that e.g. Murphy's strengths, like crossing often don't reach anyone and the ball comes straight back when we're ahead. Interesting to see who links up best with Wissa.

Yes, and another class act there. If we're going to have Eddie Howe's version 2.0 of the team spirit, I want them at the heart of it, with Bruno, when Burn and Tripps hang up their boots.

I think that chip was the point I was officially over Isak, whilst still wishing him and Liverpool the worst of luck. Woltemade being so talented, well it's just mind boggling as to what he can do. You get these mould breaking players so very rarely and I can't wait to see what he becomes.

Agreed. I think given the transition we're in, maybe we've focused on the things he doesn't do as well as Isak could, so it takes time for his teammates to adapt. But just as importantly it also takes his teammates time to adapt to his strengths. A lot of people weren't too confident going away to Everton, but I think he has such unique skills that if we adapt to what he's good at we'll be such a handful. Reckon the plan was to have a slower transition if Wissa had been fit, but maybe it's a blessing in disguise to have had to accelerate that by necessity. Because this guy really has something different and with his first touch he's so hard to defend against.

I'm over him.

Brought on after it looked like Ekitike pulled a hamstring, had a few good touches to be fair on the few occasions he did get the ball, and then watched his team capitulate. Mwahaha.

Gtfi