BlazeT44

Aye, you're right. But we've got a combination of Burn, Thiaw, Woltemade, Joelinton and Botman all potentially defending set pieces. If we need Pope to command the air then we're fucked

We don't need a second Nick with a 'groin strain'

Woltemade loves the Toon! Complimentary of the support and how its helped him settle

3 points off 5th place We're back!

3 points off 5th place

I've never seen a stadium that empty at FT

I'm really sorry

Not that I want to be too critical, but I do think that since Elanga has been so shit in most games, any thing that is even positive we blow out of proportion. Apart from the one ball over the top that he chased to get the assist, he's not done much?

And indirectly, Tonali getting a full rest will be good in the long run.

To start on Tuesday? Woltemade played a lot of football this week. Howe could have brought him off after 65...

And only 19. Crazy.

Remember the commentary stating that Tino would need help from either Elanga or Miley to keep Grealish quiet I laughed then, and I'm laughing now

I'm still nervous

Great finish to be fair

Fuckinghell, things are bad. They're bringing on a tennis player

That was so, so good. I'm going for a lie down

"You’ve been important for us, but your confidence looks low at the moment. I want to take you out of the spotlight for a couple of games so you can reset. Publicly, we’ll say you’ve picked up a minor issue. This protects you and gives you space to get back to your best. You’re still a big part of the squad" Happens all the time. Framing it as an injury removes humiliation and lets him step aside without confirming he’s been 'dropped' which protects his confidence and reputation. It prevents the media from viewing the decision as giving in to public pressure, keeping authority and stability on your side.

Paraphrasing. Pope felt something in his groin and is having a scan. Hopes for Pope and us it's not serious. Clearly lying. Pope has been "benched" but he's done it in a very clever way. Then asked a silly question about squad rotation being related to away from He answered yes, it's part of it but we've just had 2 big games vs City and Marseille with travel, late nights and lots of energy expended in games so rotation is not just related to searching for the results away from home.

MAGA style cover up. And it's actually good management, if it is. Particularly with a goalkeeper. To not "drop him" allows him to return, if needed. But if Ramsdale plays well, he won't get back in.

Great answers from Eddie on Sky. Handled the Pope situation well Happy Birthday, King Edward!

I'm not sure he knows what his best XI is right now. That's not necessarily a criticism (as some players are so inconsistent it would be hard to say), but it is a problem

Yes, but in fairness, no option but to play someone up there our of position With Osula and Wissa crocked, we can't keep playing Woltemade every game for 90 mins

I'm a bit worried that he's not getting more game time, even as a sub. Clearly Howe doesn't think he's ready, or able to influence a game...?

Great post mate! Agree with everything and the ratings FWIW It's mental how we seem to go 1-0 up and lose the plot (West Ham, Brentford, tonight....)