Ginola14

it's not that he's so good, rather the impact he can have off the bench especially and ability to rotate forwards also top 6 is merely 3 points better off and in Europe is a draw at home to Milan

reckon we'd still be in Europe and top 6 had he not been injured the last 4 months

can't remember a season as bad as this in terms of injuries when it rains it fucking pours

a few weeks out would be another MASSIVE blow our most dangerous, energetic and versatile player by far with Joelinton out for the season, Isak/Wilson both made of glass and Bruno suspension imminent, I think most remaining games this season will be a struggle like today

BBC match report today saying Isak out for "several weeks" not sure where that's come from but it would be so typical with Wilson back today ditto Gordon to now miss a few weeks/months with Barnes back today what a season

the idea that we simply roll over an in-form PL team without a recognised striker on top of all other injuries seems a bit mad. they've already beaten us once this season ffs if he's fit he should play imo

miss having him even just coming off the bench when he can be so effective

he's been ridiculously unlucky this season for so many reasons taking just the PSG and Chlesea away games had that awful penalty decision against PSG not been given we'd almost certainly still be in CL/Europe (the 97th minute ffs) had Trippier not made that mistake in stoppage time at Chelsea we'd have one foot in a LC final (or had the ref sent of Caicedo at least, or penalties had gone the other way) don't think anyone would be questioning Howe had those finest of margins gone the other way not to mention all the fucking freak injuries this season and Tonali suspension which has limited him so much in terms of team selection

would take pretty much anyone right now Man U got Sabitzar on loan last season - not a great player but played a role in their cup success would be happy with something similar

ah ffs - now I really fear the season will be pretty much over in 2 weeks out of the FA Cup and followed by an almost certain defeat at Villa Park hate to be so negative and there's always a bit of hope, but it's the hope that's the killer so perhaps best to mentally prepare for the worst... that said I think we'll be back much stronger next season sure Robson had two 11th place finishes before consecutive seasons in top 4 Howe has already had one 11th place followed by CL, perhaps this will be his second followed by another CL qualification and hopefully trophy to go with it!

2 game suspension for Bruno followed by 3 games after 15 bookings is unthinkable right now unless we're willing to write this season off if not then I think Phillips loan should be a priority, hopefully City are willing to play ball considering he's being completely wasted there

couple of chances to make it 3-1? one in first half another in second half didn't get to see a proper replay for first or anything for second great goal

if we'd had the likes of Wilson, Barnes, Tonali, Joelinton, Willock etc on the bench I don't think we'd have lost that - same goes for a lot of games this season

not getting embarrassed by City is usually a decent result for most teams to be fair - look at what they did to R Madrid last season at least we gave them a good scare anyone expecting more with half the squad missing is deluded City are miles ahead and it may take years to close gap

Villa Park next ffs also why is it every season we end up playing against Liverpool and and City back to back, twice? pretty sure it's happened the last 3 seasons nightmare fixturs for these difficult runs

Bruno lucky not to get a red in first half - seems like he's getting away with it a lot and there'll be another suspension coming up last thing the squad needs meanwhile City have Phillips sat on the bench for the whole game

it's heartbreaking to see so many crushing late goals but I can't remember the last time Howe has had any real options to bring off the bench to freshen things up or change the game 11 playes missing today ffs and people are complaining when this game was effectively a write off lol

even if they get a player sent off I can't see us getting much just think it's impossible to fill that massive Joelinton-sized hole in our midfield while they'll probably have Phillips warming the bench

ah so we do, suppose that's something!

ffs this is a funking joke at the same time so predictable we'd keep picking up injuries while the other 10 or so injuries are still out and the way it's going, without a proper break and the same players going again 3 times over the next 7 days... expect more injuries

Solanke would be a great addition to the squad if a good deal can be done. I think they need to sign quality players who can slot in and out of the front 3 in order to compete in multiple competitions. Not feasible for them all to be Isak/Gordon level, but can't be relying on them or others starting 3 games a week. Liverpool have done this well with Jota and Gakpo.

over a billion spent and this is what they produce in a semi final against a lower division side brilliant

of course they'll still jam their way to final in the second leg

love that Chelsea are ballsing this up but at the same time thinking how the fuck did they beat us

if Chelsea get knocked out by Boro you'd think Poch might not be there much longer Chelsea really need this cup