Checko

I don't this was a great performance where we got really unlucky - we had basically one chance all game, and that was from their fuck up. After we scored, we barely even tried to leave our own half. The main issue for me (and this was the same against top teams like Milan (a), PSG (a), Dortmund, or against others like Bournemouth and Everton) - when we are under a bit of pressure we cannot keep the ball, particularly away. So we kick it long to an isolated striker, Wilson or Isak, neither of whom are particularly good at physical hold-up play stuff. So we don't win it long, and then we are back under more pressure. Over and over again. Moderate pressure and we go revert to Pardew ball. We don't have the players and energy to really press hard as we would before so we're not winning it high up the pitch. So we need to get another way of moving the ball. Yes energy levels obviously make things more difficult, but from the 16 minute mark we basically couldn't keep the ball all game. And this wasn't an odd occasion, it's happened a lot. That's not just about fatigue, that's about tactics and mentality.

Fuck me, a month ago he was the highest rated RB in Europe according to Sofa Score. Now some seem to want to send him off to the knackers to turn him into glue. Surely we should at least keep him for stud. He's had a few bad games and made a few errors. It's very annoying but happens to all players & his have also all been punished recently. He hasn't gone from world class to shit overnight. He'll be fine.

I really don't think Howe trusts him defensively enough to play LB, which is fair enough for now. I don't know why he couldn't have come on just for a bit of pace and energy at some point on the wing. I mean I understand that it takes a while to learns systems etc, but we're fucking desperate for someone who can just bloody run right now!

I have no problem with Trippier or Ritchie taking pens. Ritchie's been the clubs penalty taker before & his pen was decent. Trips is technically excellent, a team leader & has taken them in penalty shootouts before. Sometimes players miss penalties. Shame theirs were all really good.

I'm assuming his was a planned sub. Hope so anyway.

Almost Pardewed the shit out of them but wasn't to be. We didn't deserve to win but still pretty gutting. It's getting a bit annoying that teams only have to press us with moderate intensity and we can't play at all.

Gone into PSG away mode since the goal - feel when the momentum's against us we don't ever seem to be able to take charge of the ball and wrestle control of the game. It's felt like a goal's coming. Hopefully we're pacing ourselves a bit and can see it out.

Yeah, though I guess he's got a good name for a reason at least. Let's face it, Man U are richer and more prestigious that us, so you can see why he might want to go. On the other hand, we'll hardly be short of cash & can offer him the chance to build something for the first time, which might be appealing, who knows.

Just to elaborate: squirty cream goes well with everything. Especially more squirty cream.

Definitely.

I dunno. I've decided that I'm not going to care about this particularly and what will be will be. It is a bit annoying if Man U have noticed our tactic of going 'who's a well-run club? We're having your staff'. Would much rather they keep floundering about like a Dutchman on mushrooms, but it's basically the way football works.

Being a radge Brazilian? I'd expect Bruno to assume the responsibility.

Looks too lightweight. Bet he wouldn't even get into double figures these days.

Good player was he?

If it doesn't we should definitely register him as a player ASAP.

Who's Sidney Sweeney? Sounds like he played up front for Arsenal in the 1930s.

On a serious note though, if Kew Gardens was to try and pilfer Monty Don from the BBC, what would happen like?

Yeah that's a fair point.

I bet all of Howe's friends are highly qualified. Can't imagine he'd want to spend his time with anyone less. They probably all meet up to discuss who's made the best friendship bracelets and how they could be made even better.

Yeah, if I recall the first time he played there he scored a header within about 5 mins and then never did anything there ever again. Cisse was a brilliant instinctive goalscorer, but wasn't particularly good at anything else.

Isn't it based on a rumour in the Sun saying he is on Man U's shortlist of potential candidates? (which you would expect tbh if he is one of the best at his job).

Not worried about that personally. Pizza Rob gives away all our targets anyway.

WHY IS THERE NO FUCKING FOOTBALL ON RIGHT NOW? IT'S NOW BEEN OVER 72 HOURS SINCE WE LAST STARTED A GAME AND I'M BORED. GET PLAYING YOU LAZY BASTARDS!

Also, with a name like van de Beek I was hoping he has an absolutely massive nose. Disappointed he doesn't.

Any particular story with him? Was he injured, or not professional enough, or just not as good as thought?