Some interesting tactical tweaks so far, Tripps inverting a lot and when he does Burn comes across to make a 3. Bruno playing further forward with Miley much deeper. Good start where we're actually controlling the game for the first time in a while.
@philheppenstall I've said for quite a while that Kraft and Dummet haven't had enough minutes given our schedule and injury crisis.
Burn needs to be viewed similarly to Miggy:
Love him and his attitude but his purple patch is over and he won't reach those levels again. Both need replacing to move forward. I'm glad he got his PSG goal and he can be really proud of what he's achieved.
The difference with Burn compared to Miggy is that there's an expensive replacement on the bench! Thats on Howe
@philheppenstall it's got nothing to do with where we were, it's about where we are and I just really want Howe to be here long term but I'm just worried about him not being able to adjust to managing a team with regular midweek fixtures.
Having said that tonight was the best we've been in a long time and Howe got everything right tonight tactically for the first time in a while.
It's days like today where we have to keep perspective on how far we've come. I kinda miss when there were no expectations, we'll never have another season like last year.
We've totally lost that Athletico Madrid style side of our game. Luton want it more than us. We're showing no desire. No intensity. We're too nice, no fouls to break up play. We have the odd good spell of possession but I imagine we're nice to play against.
Very surprised Howe let Gordon play on, and I don't think Ritchie is the right choice. Would rather see Tino go LW and Dummett come on with Burn going LB.
We are always so bad when we try and see a game out. We can't do it.
@mlawton@30yrdscreamer Me, too. For a while there in the 1990s they were everyone's second-favourite team, but the Saudi sellout has changed that for ever. I despise them now, second only to Man City.
@mike@30yrdscreamer I feel EXACTLY the same way. And so, knowing there is darkness ahead when the state-owned teams pave a gilded path to the top of the table, I will enjoy this moment of schadenfreude.
@philheppenstall Schar was crazy even trying that. Midfield then gets broken through too easily, and then Burn loses his man. Catalogue of errors for that second goal. Didn't think Burn looked right, Longstaff kept slowing everything down.
AC were able to effect the game positively with their bench and we weren't. Without the injuries/Tonali we probably get through the group comfortably.
@philheppenstall depends what the club's target's and ambitions are. I'm happy to finish wherever as long as I enjoy watching the team. But when they say they wanna win leagues in 5 years it's a huge set back and a giant waste of the opportunity Howe and the lads gave us last year. Feels like they took it for granted imo.
Injuries have been unreal, last season's luck has definitely been paid back and more.
Gordon is the only one who's shown anything. Becoming a trend. The rest of them are running on empty. Injuries really stacking up now and we're not even in the crazy winter period yet.
@philheppenstall I don't think he's ready and we keen throwing him in the deep end.
Previously I felt the injuries were manageable but it's getting too much now. There needs to be some internal reflection by the club somewhere.
We got extra lucky last year and definitely not this year. Never understood our arrogance in the transfer market buying for tomorrow and not today (not disputing any of the individual buys but we needed more for today in other areas).
@philheppenstall I think he'd be tearing up the championship with the saints, we were the only people willing to pay it. Glad we did though with the power of hindsight.
Disagree on Joelinton, hate him upfront, I'd rather have a school kid up top.
I preferred Gordon up there personally.
Definitely trust Eddie to fix the problems, he's done it lots of times, especially during international breaks.
@philheppenstall I think with Burn out, the overall shape is better with Tino bombing on and Trippier tucking in. It's a shame to lose Trippier's movement on the right but Tino at least gives the opposition something different to worry about, so it makes us less predictable. His ball in for Joelinton was amazing so it looks like he has good delivery too.
Either way the length of time they spent on that was a joke. I don't think it's a pen but it's definitely not clear and obvious enough to overturn via VAR.
On another day we sneak a draw, didn't deserve it though. Hard to take as we didn't play our best at all. First time I've thought Lascelles looked a bit limited, and the game didn't suit Wilson who also didn't bring his A game either.
Gutted for Murphy, honestly think he's an upgrade on Miggy most of the time. But, great to see Willock back!!
@philheppenstall post match Eddie said Murphy's looked serious :/ he said Isak's is a reoccurrence, iirc he said he might be out for a couple of games or weeks.
Trippier and Bruno had off days I think, like you say most of our crosses weren't great. Targett put in the best ball all game.
Willock will hopefully be that runner in midfield.
Finally gotten round to watching We Are Newcastle United.
Half of it makes my hair stand up with how great it's been and half of it has my eyes rolling with the Saudi stuff.
E.g. having an episode where the main story arc was the shirt sponsor and then getting Sela is the big win that Silverstone has seemingly pulled out of the bag.
Couple of things I've loved though, seeing clips of Willock playing, can't wait for him to be back and Howe saying "let's fucking give it to em" before the Man U league game.
