Upthemags

Part of the frustration is that Eddie seems to have a much longer leash for Sean. We all know it takes raw reps to get up to speed in the league, and Tonali, in some large part due to his own gambling issue, has yet to be given an extended run to really bed in. Would like to see him given a stretch of games so that he has an actual chance to adjust to prem play. A game or two, followed by a benching for not meeting our standards, not only feels unduly harsh given the leash others are provided, but also just poor management. We should be doing everything in our power to get Sandro up to speed because he's one of the few players we have who, by his talent alone, can singlehandedly impact the game and our fortunes.

Sean's wages off the books probably outweighs keeping him around - regardless of any fee we might fetch. We should let him go thrive in the Championship, where he belongs in terms of his talent, and where he will excel. Part of all of the invective he catches from fans is simply because he's being asked to shoulder more than he can handle, and its not fair to him, either.

Think Eddie would be absolutely fantastic for England. Not that they'll be able to get him - imagine it would cost (much much) more than 5m for PIF to even consider it.

I guess this would make sense maybe 3 months ago, but it's pretty clear Burn is a level above Kelly. Cutting out the former for the latter, when Burn won't even be demanding high wages, just doesn't make and practical sense.

Bodes well for our January spending - many will need to offload talent to make ends meet before the next acct period closes

As nice as it is that teams with sweetheart loans from their owners will be reevaluated, that won't have any bearing on our ability to spend. The issue remains: are we allowed to transact with PIF portfolio companies in advertising deals? The answer to that question still seems hazy, and, I would imagine, will be re-litigated by the Premier League as those issues arise. Haven't read the opinion, however. I think we would agree that it's time to act now, nonetheless. No more sitting on our hands looking to avoid legal conflict over anti-competitive rules.

From the PL: '"The decision represents an important and detailed assessment of the APT Rules, which ensure clubs are not able to benefit from commercial deals or reductions in cost that are not at Fair Market Value (FMV) by virtue of relationships with Associated Parties,” a league statement added.' This looks, largely, like a loss for us since the rules will stay in place. We can afford the best attorneys in the world and can do exactly what Man City are doing, however. It's time to fly close to the sun and sign deals with PIF's portfolio companies. We can litigate these issues with the PL on the back end, and draw it out for years as we build up revenues.

A muddled ruling. It's time to start slaming major interested-party advert deals, and litigate the challenges as they inevitably arise. We've seen from Man City that litigating these issues can allow for a massive leg up, as we can build up revenue for years before any sort of punishment comes down. Both sides are claiming a victory here, and APT rules have been upheld as a whole. Time to play dirty like the rest of them!

Think Chelsea and Villa are both appreciably stronger based on performances this season. Do I think we could knock one of them off for EL? Yea, I do. Knocking both off seems highly unlikely imo. Fact is we play in a current competitive mold where the top 3 champions league spots are all but nailed on. And that's not factoring in either of Tottenham or Manu waking up. Maybe I'm in the minority, but I think either Conf or EL would be a massive success of a season with all that in mind.

You don't get Champions League football if you're not battering the likes of Everton - think i heard Pickford hadn't had a clean sheet since last spring? On the off chance (one in a thousand?) Callum and Isak can stay healthy rest of the season, sure Champions League would be well on. But expecting significant absences for both, with virtually no cover in Osula, just can't see it with how strong the league is. Europa or Conf would be huge if we could nick either.

It's because one of a small cadre have to bump it with the same, boring post: "wow such shite this lad, great business" Just so happens this week he scored about 15 minutes after that post was sent.

The game yesterday was actually surprisingly open. A lot of countering opportunities from poor Everton play. I think we've learned this team was and is much more about individual brilliance than any system. We need a stroke of genius from a Gordon, Isak, Bruno, Barnes, Fabian, and if we don't get it, we will not win. You watch a Villa or Tottenham, and the system is immediately apparent - I think we're more the ManU category where you end up scratching your head at what it is we aim to do.

Just not good enough today

In the name of all that's holy and good please keep longstaff as far away from the pitch as possible 2nd half

I feel bad for the lad because Parish has played him up to be the next Van Dijk. Gave another stellar opportunity away as time was running out to Jota. Clearly a talented passer of the ball, but he probably doesn't get in over Burn in their current form at the moment - would drive Eddie mad to see the opportunities he allows.

Good to see Nketiah still has a knack for smashing it directly into the keeper's midsection

Shocking shocking defending on Liverpool's goal from Guehi. Convinced we'll stay away come January and move to more clever business.

Still has his pace but agree his ability on the ball doesn't seem what it was, some marking lapses in concentration, etc.

Might be the kick in the pants he needs - needs to find that attacking drive again

He was scintillating in the champions league last season, and some league matches as well going forward. Can only speak for myself but genuine a head scratcher we haven't seen anything of the sort from him.

Grim but we just don't have technical quality in the side. We know when teams sit deep we aren't going to create, especially so without an Isak on the pitch to save us with some brilliance.

Flashbacks to a certain Champions league match with that one

Vlachyyyyyy

Would like to see Hall slot into midfield a bit