Optimistic Nut

Think this and his ability to play the early ball behind the defence was under-rated. Vardy fed off that.

Probably the club he wishes he'd bought in 2007.

If we sign him and his chant isn't simply, "You're Smit, and you know you are", then we really have failed.

I miss the days when it was just his kicking we were concerned with. His sweeping is becoming iffy, he's not as confident with crosses, his shot-stopping is what you'd expect from a Premier League keeper. His confidence must be shot to bits.

Definitely his biggest test coming up. So far he's backing the players who've probably over-achieved the last 2-3 years in the hope they keep it going. Issue is these players are getting older and it's hard to maintain. He bought a fair bit of fresh blood in the summer but other than Thiaw & Woltemade (Woltemade forced on him pretty much due to no alternatives), it's pretty much the same. Said it last night, I'd get a run of games with the likes of Elanga & Ramsey in the side. Give them a chance to find their feet and some form here. I'm sure when we spent the money in the summer on them, Howe wasn't planning on them being bit-part players come December.

If we'd won yesterday, a draw v Leverkusen & win at home to PSV would have given us a good chance of top 8 regardless of the PSG result. Big chance missed.

I know it was the first friendly of the summer, but the goal v Celtic where he came tearing out only for the ball to bounce over his head for a tap-in should have been a big enough warning for us. I'm not even that arsed about his poor kicking at the moment, he's failing at the basics.

He was great for 6 months, he's been good to above average since the sending-off, he's now costing us points in Europe and the league.

I know they're out of form and fitness, but I think he needs to make: Ramsdale Tino Hall Thiaw Botman Bruno Tonali Ramsey Elanga Barnes Woltemade his core XI, with changes for genuine rotation. I don't think our home results would be worse, our away results definitely can't get any worse. That on paper is our best team imo, the team that in 2-3 years time you could see a lot of that side being key players in still. Run with it. He's spent £100m on Ramsey & Elanga, he must have had a plan for them? Granted form hasn't been great but he needs to start backing them and himself a bit more. Getting the best out of players is meant to be his thing. Needs to start proving it again for me.

I liked how Hoddle described a few saves from both keepers tonight as, "keeper did his job". No over-reaction, just nailed the description. The decision to keep him in is costing us a proper run at the top 6 and now a top 8 finish here. The change has to be made at Everton or I'll be looking at Howe thinking what the fuck are you playing at.

If he's a world class keeper, then this might be sustainable. Giving shots away knowing the keeper will save loads while nicking the odd goal, fair play. If he's over-performing, it won't last.

3rd fewest touches in oppositions box. 5th lowest passes made. 2nd fewest chances created. 2nd lowest expected goals scored. 4th most shots conceded. Fewest shots on target in the league. 4th fewest expected points. I didn't want you here, but you're here now so well done. Welcome.

Any chance Liverpool look to Howe shortly to solve this problem?

Fair chance that South Shields will be highest placed of the North-East clubs next year and that Gateshead v Hebburn could be a League match just one level below.

Yesterday perfect example though. Leeds were better v Villa yesterday and lost a game where Sunderland haven't been as good yet won/drawn. You've got the points on the board which should just about see you fine, but you're way over-achieving based on most metrics.

Your tap water comes from our reservoir Sunderland's a massive club

Anyway, about time we got some luck our way against these. Beye red card in 08/09 & Aguero offside goal 15/16 could have been the difference between survival & relegation both seasons.

Well in play still.

He's a fucking idiot.

Could have let Lascelles go and kept Targett on. Having an excellent season with Boro. Not great but offered balance.

Is that you, Hugo?

I hope that draw at Villa doesn't prove costly. They were fucking awful and we had them on toast. 6 points gap rather than 3 points.

If we beat Everton I can see us being top 6 by the time we play Chelsea.

Performance wise they're way over what they should have. They've probably just about done enough to get through the rest of the season to pick up enough, but I don't see them as being any better than Leeds & Burnley when I've watched them all play.

West Ham & Forest seemingly sorting themselves out. I still think they'll be in the scrap come May.