Sibierski

Trippier into midfield almost felt like a last option, I’m out of ideas so trying what others are doing, approach. Looked horrendous, and hopefully something we don’t see again as we don’t have the personnel to do that. Think that and a 4-2-3-1 we tried earlier in season (can’t remember who against) have both been made during 2nd half’s and both been shocking. Certainly doesn’t feel like things players have trained on and it’s just on the fly change. I keep flicking between what I want to see moving forward. Just what I do know for certain, the same approach as last season isn’t it. Even if it’s a subtle change, something needs changing because it’s clearly not working with teams more knowledgable to expose the weaknesses within it. If we get back to making SJP a fortress again, the points tally for rest of season I have as a top aim of 28 out of 36. That would give 65 points which is a strong season IMO and on par for what would’ve been anticipated at start of season. 2 points from last 4 home games been so damaging though for our current position and means we have no choice but to hit that required form now. Having had 6 more points at this stage would’ve changed the narrative tenfold.

Almiron in for Murphy, and maybe Botman for Lascelles? That’s the changes I can see happening. Just can’t see how the XI changes that much moving forward. It’s more Howe can make changes at the 60 mark onwards now, but the actual XI to not vary that much.

Finishing aside in ET, he was superb. His constant movement and runs made us more threatening, and his energy levels are just insane.

If he’s going to be playing as IF, then we probably need the LB to be providing the width then, otherwise it ends up easier to mark him. Feels we’re stuck between two places. Don’t play with full backs hitting byline, so go centrally, but then we don’t have the players to move the ball around quickly centrally except Bruno. Ends up in stodgy stuff like last night. Feels we’ve got the personal to change it though, which would help with Barnes. Off topic, but felt Gordon was good through middle (finishing aside). Constant great movement and run, which enabled space for Barnes who just needed to hit the back post more instead of staying safe outside.

Think just like Botman, he needs surgery. Just not been full speed all season since that groin injury in what October?

Hoping it’s just match sharpness, and still getting to know team due to missing large periods, but not only was he poor tonight, I’ve not been sold on him yet. Seems more a moment player so far rather then out right performance. Which at £40m isn’t ideal. Hopefully by end of season we start to see more as both of the points highlighted at start improve.

Lack of changes and doubling down again on formation during game. Got over line, but same issues persist. Now more players are coming back, we should be seeing different things moving forward, as clearly our way from last season has lost its edge, which is fair, it peaked with players like Longstaff/Almiron etc. so it’s time to evolve the style. Need to work on better patterns of play IMO. Tino at RB was great, as he had the individualistic ability to just drive with the ball, which then creates space. Just does leave us exposed on turnover as we have no recovery pace in midfield/defence, so something to work on structure wise to mitigate it to allow that extra dimension in attack. Showed with corners that others can take them too.

Dubs only one that deserves credit, since we did try and chuck it

Dilemmas when the trigger clause is if we win a cup.

Anyone at home please. Just rather we fucked it on our turf if we did, not away.

PAPER OVER THOSE CRACKS BABY

RELIF

Saving 5th for Longstaff?

Schar is literally only player on pitch for us who can kick a ball properly?

That sums up his sub performance. Crap.

Miss all three pens and get it over with.

He fell over and just happened to bring him down.

Longstaff Just a comedy club this.

We can make 6 subs, and Hall still won’t come on. So laughable the situation. Fuck me.

Miley off Howe just gagging for the sack.

Tino so good. Just offers pace and taking players on, which no-one in our defence does, even midfield majority of time.

Lewis Hall would’ve volleyed one of these in.

Won’t be. Will just hear result, and if it’s an exit and Europe most likely gone, that will be the change made. If not straight away, be lined up behind closed doors for DOF and manager to come in together.

More like, subbed on 119th min, misses pen. Everyone wants him gone

For someone so tall with a good jump, it’s annoying how crap he is with his head. Should be a cheat player that gets double a season ffs.