MagSA

if you're trying to make sense of that referring performance, you're fresh out of luck.

Welcome back Sandro, excellent today. Hopefully his mojo is back now that we need it most with Bruno out

That was worse than Sunday League officiating. Official complaint must me made. atrocious from the entire officiating team

They have no midweek game so likely full strength today, while after this we travelling half the globe to play Wednesday. Usually positive but without Bruno and other injuries, good chance Rogers and Watkins tear us a new one

agreed, but it also hasn't spurred any of the two into action when it happened recently.

None of them deserve to start to be fair.

Really illustrating that you can have a number 10 in your midfield 3 and give the opposition loads of problems.

I am not sure you spend that amount of money on a backup striker. I dont like writing players off and I dont know what work goes on behind the scenes to get the best out of him. I can only judge from what I see on the pitch and based on that I am really concerned about him being a long term solution. There are crucial PL fundamentals missing at the moment which many have mentioned before. Not writing him off, just really concerned about the direction of travel.

Formation 5 4 1

The early miss will stick with me for a long time. Had the entire goal to aim at and it was easier to score. For a while now finding myself really frustrated by his form on the ball.

once again a very positive cameo, looks a lot more assured and confident. Should start away against City.

Just like the PSV game, not sure what to expect to be honest. PSV shot themselves in the foot and we were clinical in taking advantage of it. Hoping for Villa to do the same today. Top 3 in the league, its expected of them to come here and play on the front foot which will play into our hands.

nah, his wife found out a while back already

Man of the Match in my opinion.

It's been a slow build up over recent games but today the monster was released. It looked like he was playing against some kids, just bullied everyone who got close to him.

cracking first half, has a real love for the CL

I trust the gaffer with the lineup, might be that he is thinking this is a game for our most experienced heads, and rotate at the weekend

yeah, wasnt predicting Trippier starting, his legs looked gone when chasing back. Hopefully he was just getting up to speed again but I have my reservations

If the plan is full on in your face pressing, would go agree with your team having our quickest front three have a go at them. If we being a bit more cautious, which I hope we aren't, then would swap Gordon for Barnes and which will suit a counter attacking approach more. Agree with Tonali on the bench. At some point in the near future, could the real Tonali please stand up. ffs

Did we not wear the green kit vs WHam and Brentford away? would want to avoid anything related to those performances.

I like Gudmundsson, he looks assured and was always looking to go forward with purpose, against us. Would be a really good backup if he is available in the summer

Incredible, I am still trying to figure out how on earth you make that choice

Was thinking along the lines of lesser known players who Howe can work with and improve. Like a Bruno or Schar (admittedly he was here before Howe), but players with potential that would fit our system, and over time become crucial cogs in the machine at a price point we can afford. Not sure we have the funds or the clout right now to consistenly attract players who shift the dial immediately. Thiaw has thus far, the rest of our summer signings not so as yet.

True, was hoping by now he unearthed some rough diamonds for Howe to polish. Can't say I have seen his impact but at the same time I accept its quite difficult to judge by what is shared publicly.

So back of a cigarette box scouting then?