Sibierski

It went as many predicted. But at least he got to play some dead rubber Europa Conference games. He's still got a handsome contract so can sit back and pick it up over multiple loans.

It is a wild take, but Tuchel will only be thinking about World Cup. And if Saka is the main guy on RW, he’ll probably be looking at someone who can just be a direct workhorse for the last 10 minute of games. His squads I can see being quite a bit different to what Carsley was picking.

Considering he’s only in job for 18 months to win, I think there’ll be some experience in there. Fully expect one of (if not both) Walker and Trippier in the squad. Probably some far left CM option too, as all the ones listed, none you want playing deepest if you are to get the best out of each one. With Bowen and Saka injured before first squad, if Murphy keeps up form, I think there’s a genuine chance he gets called up.

Theres a difference developing young players / playing good players, and what Kelly is. Like Burn before he joined us was a very good defender. He didn’t suddenly become better.

This is a crap game. One side with many bodies behind the ball, other playing slowly. But needs must to pick up points away.

Dry pitch, think he controls that first time and shoots.

Said other week, why not both. Both would still get regular minutes and both can play together.

Full strength Man Utd. So if it’s a crap performance where there’s issues with formation, what can be the excuse?

He needed another 12 months at least making mistakes / learning. I was keen on signing him and loaning back for a season because of that. Signing him in Jan to get ahead of others is still fine as he’s had more time playing as a regular.

But on his wages? He’s likely on a top deal that no other club will want to take on and for the length, so it would come down to if he wants to push a permanent move for less wages and remain in Prem whilst he has a reputation still. Or it’s multiple loans, us subsidising wages for many seasons in hope someone finally buys him. Can’t be trusted RCB, he’s 3rd in line at LCB, we will sign another CB, so he’s basicallly Hall back up. Which if Hall stays injury free and starts 95% of games, I think that’s fine. But he’s not a CB option for me long term.

Liverpool going deep in all competitions and needing to squeeze in 2 rearranged games at a minimum can fuck them up. But no-one is close to capitalise.

Big L for Prem if they lose a game to some snow, and it’s got to be squeezed in some mid week slot.

Our press was good again today first half. Feels we’ve finally got that sorted out recent weeks which has helped the change in form. Also the CBs are being aggressive again to pressing up. Occasionally it’s catching us out with lack of pace, but it’s a style we have to stick with so new plays can slot in easily. Does feel a RW and a CB with genuine pace, and we go up a solid level and cement ourselves as a top 6 side that can regularly be in the top 4 push.

If Kelly can’t be trusted to start a game, not sure why he would be trusted to come on for a good portion of the 2nd half.

Minteh looks still very raw. Think the money we got for him is very good.

Good to see that’s a pen and Gordon wasn’t.

Book the players for surrounding?

That first time pass to Joelinton is a reason why we need to keep him at all costs. It’s just a bit of vision that 99% of strikers don’t have, let alone pull it off. Get more quality around him and few others please. Make the most of these great buys whilst we’ve got them.

Arsenal should be signing Mbeumo. Can integrate him straight into side at RW, then move him centrally when Saka is back.

Scenes when we go for Ramsdale.

Botman playing another tough 90 so soon after today feels very short term thinking.

Wonderful. Going to have to be Kelly then

Thought the shot they hit post, it was a questionable save from Dubs. Seemed to get there in good time, but instead of gathering it in / palming it far out, he done neither so spilled out a yard away from him where he was nearly punished from a hard angle. That said, once again he was good with his feet. Allowed the defence to use him as a passing option, which then enables the switch to the full back, instead of us needing to punt it long. As a result, opposition are not setting up expecting us to use the goalkeeper so it’s an easy out, they start changing the approach it should then give Bruno / Tonali more space as something has to give (or one of wingers more available for a longer knock.

I’d ring the changes because quite a few looked leggy, which is understandable after three big games where you have to be at 100% to get the wins. I’d like to see: Dub: Trip, Schar, Burn, Hall: Willock, Tonali, Miley: Barnes, Isak, Almiron Feels going ‘full strength’ won’t actually help us because of the tiredness. As tiredness leads to silly mistakes. Rather freshen it up, even if it appears drop in quality, dog it out and have Bruno / Tino / Gordon / Murphy ready to come off bench for some fresh quality for final 30. Arsenal will rest some stars and do that too IMO.

If Villa don’t make Europe, don’t think he’ll have much rope next season.