Sibierski

Young full backs were needed. We had none, and they now mean we don’t need to spend big there for rest of decade. Our issue is more we don’t sell well. Started to do so in January so hopefully that’s the start of Mitchell ethos, but in summer 23 and winter 24, we did sell as much as we should’ve to refresh squad. Blinded by loyalty because we got to UCL, and it’s hurt us since. Because so many of the team should’ve been moved on, didn’t matter if they ‘deserved’ a chance. It’s like a newly promoted club, if the players are not good enough, they have to be moved on.

At what does him producing this game for like the umpteenth time, sees it being his normal game and when he actually bundles a goal in it’s actually a surprise and not his norm. He’s been more shite than good for 18 months now. People pin some hype on him for a season many did not see him week in week out.

And all the sides we are competing with for top 5 are in winnable cup competitions so may take their eye off the ball for some games.

This Obi striker I can see why he’s scored so many in youth level. Looks rapid and can batter the younger defenders. Looks way off yet for adult game at this level, too raw still.

He’s been there like a month hasn’t he?

Hall fucked for final, then we’ve got to go 5 at the back IMO. Botman in there too if fit, then 2 in front of Bruno / Tonali and Murphy / Isak / Barnes to play on counter. We’re never going to beat them going toe to toe without a full squad, so just got to dog it out and hope we can frustrate them as game goes on. Would need to come with Salah having a 7/10 game and all our players being faultless.

Bet they are come off in training though…

Yep. Only be seeing one surely if it’s to see if surgery is needed or not, for maybe ankle ligaments?

Hall out for season then

See for me, Howe hasn’t shown he’s reached his ceiling when he’s needing to still play Murphy RW, only has like one striker and the slowest CBs in the league. Can only fully judge Howe IMO as a certainty, is if we signed GK / CB / CM / RW, then added a couple young raw squad players. If we’re seeing same and not pushing on, then we can say ceiling reached. Two cup finals is something, whilst a win off top 4 too.

If referee gave a yellow, I don’t think he gets sent to the monitor and that’s what may save Gordon in his appeal. I’m clutching at straws.

He won’t ever be moved on in summer. But the signings 100% for me have to be with a clear plan for being better with ball, so if we had to do the unthinkable and sack him, the squad is set up for many managers. At the moment, I don’t think our squad is good for managers and Howe is getting best out of it, whilst being inconsistent at times.

Only way he gets away with a red on appeal is if his push was on back to start off with and it’s enough to get doubts thinking it’s violent conduct. Won’t be holding my breath though.

There’s no reason the ‘intensity is our identity’ can’t be there next season. As the top teams under Klopp would press for periods, then sit off and just knock it about. The 2nd part is what we can’t do, players or coaching wise, and is something we have to see next season or we won’t move forward as a club. Possession is dull, but to challenge at top, you have to be able to do it for periods of games. Otherwise, you reach a ceiling.

When Barnes is LW these next games, people will soon realise how important he is when the LB turns to shit as a result.

We should not be selling Gordon Peoples early hate of him bubbling back up and showing IMO. He’s comfortably our 2nd best player. Get him a LCM that’s not Willock / Joelinton and he’ll be even better IMO. He was causing them issues all game, the yellow against Lamptey was prime him and people saying he doesn’t work hard That was working hard. Plays on edge so always going to get a red every blue moon, as so many of our players seemingly do.

I will not be going to London to watch it down there now

Doesn’t step up next three games, then I’m not having any chat he has to stay. He’s the luxury signing for depth and now needs to show it.

Gordon never can be sold. He’s a very good LW and Barnes needs selling. Can’t be signing 4 wingers in summer Get Gordon someone on LCM who’s quality on ball, he becomes even better IMO.

This for me with Howe. Too often, we look a badly coached side with the ball, where it falls down to individuals to try and do something, rather than patterns of play to disjoint a side. Think he’ll be helped by players being signed who can do that, but then is that the players Howe wants?

The young players with Isak, Gordon, Botman and Burn. Would look to include a purple in a sale, it being one of Tonali or Bruno to generate more funds to buy. Sick of seeing our midfield be shit with the ball. Get some fucking ball players in there.

If we don’t blow up this squad in summer, then I don’t know what the point is. Massive changes are needed.

So are we.

All cheering on Man City to win cup now. Can’t take it for any other side when we’ve tossed it away.

Ourselves to blame again. Yet again (and at home) we’ve gifted an average side a win.