AJ9

Is football cliches dead now? Not been any content in ages. Been giving POTT a go but it’s absolutely shite. Caulkin comes across like a grade a twat.

I don’t think he warrants being singled out as he was close to scoring twice and was really unlucky. The thing that surprises me is that we didn’t go for another option on the right in the market. There’s probably a number of reasons why, but the options down that side are pretty weak. However, I guess once Tino is up to speed we might see him come on in games. Actually I wondered if taking Trippier off at times might be the move because I think we’re a bit predictable down that side at the moment.

Maybe he’s the only Italian in existence that doesn’t give a shit about food? Used to have a mate that said he didn’t like food. It wasn’t like a disorder or anything, he just couldn’t be arsed with it. Weird.

If we’re rating the summer transfer business, then an important point to remember is that Gordon wasn’t bought this summer…

Yep, that’s what I was meaning around the arguable bit. My own thoughts were that it was a priority before the window, but then I’m not an elite football manager, and I think you’re right about Howe’s views. I think the bit about improving RW options is a point most can agree on, however.

9.5 as well. I mean, what we’ve done with the squad given FFP and the crazy deals that have happened this summer we’ve worked miracles. However, if you went into the summer thinking which areas would we strengthen, you’d probably say RW and CDM. Arguably we haven’t improved our options for these positions at all, which depends on whether you see Tonali in that role, and of course Howe’s tactical plan for midfield.

Yep, think that’s a sensible point.

Saw that on the guardian. Horrendous really. Shameful from our overlords and I don’t mind being asked about it as a NUFC fan. We have to live with it. It’s deeply uncomfortable though.

I know, I’m guilty of it too, though I’ve been trying, (in general life as well as football) to avoid the criticism in favour of saying something positive or at least something constructive about how the team is performing as a whole.

Might be in the minority here, but yeah I’d actually prefer a world where if we give praise to good performances and respond to poor performance by saying nowt. In more cases where players have been stealing a living (see C Jogback) then criticism is fine. But I think the other aspect of this is - Bruno didn’t actually play badly against City did he…it’s unwarranted criticism

I think the “short memories” thing is interesting. I totally agree with him mind. His every mistake is seized upon at the moment and it must fucking stick in the craw of someone that came to us when we were absolutely on our arses. People forget the contributions he’s made to the club on and off the pitch, all the while settling into a new area, learning a new language and being a new dad. Wish people would fuck off.

Chronic chat in here. Shame for the lasses, really enjoyed the WC in general. Think it’s a really enjoyable game to watch.

It's been this way as long as I can remember...talented NUFC players targeted by twats. Robert was a classic example.

Bruno was good, it’s just unfortunate that he made a total hash of that chance. He feels a little way off his best but he will get there I’m sure.

Yep, they pinned us on the right, and we couldn’t really answer that because they knew that Gordon was fairly isolated and for whatever reason Joelinton couldn’t really contribute in those areas.

Really not sure about that. Can’t see how it would have made a blind bit of difference to the result tbh

I don’t think we were awful, but they were so much better. Not sure how you actually hurt them, as they don’t have a single weakness. Having said that, we had small opportunities but no shame on any player really. The only teams that can get close to these are ones with genuinely world class players in them that take those chances. We don’t have those (yet). Massive shout out to Schar and Botman though. They were absolutely colossal.

Have to say, don’t think I’ve been so bored watching NUFC. Regulation loss at the Etihad. Passed off the park by an utterly ridiculous city team that makes football an entirely joyless experience. Like watching someone really really good at playing FIFA.

We’ve needed to be near perfect in possession and unfortunately we’ve made heaps of mistakes. I know this is common knowledge but they really do put you under so much pressure by the fact that you rarely get the ball. It’s insane how good they are.

Foden is a beautiful footballer man. Absolutely class.

Struggling to be too upset about this. We’re being beaten by a much better team. We look miles off their level. Don’t get the Gordon criticism at all. He’s been good, Miggy on the other hand has been shocking.

They’ve absolutely toyed with us here. They’re playing as well as they did vs Real Madrid imo

Absolutely, they’re zipping it about and we can’t keep up at all.

Chasing shadows here like.