The Fish

Then, and I don't say this lightly, Jesus Wept.

Everyone just looked a little jaded. They need a break, a little competition for their place. Honestly think we need another midfielder or two just to give Bruno a break.

That has to be a Newcastle fan on the windup, surely?

That seems needlessly wordy, when "Low Block" describes it well and more succinctly. And when I say something is too wordy, you can take that to the fucking bank.

Yeah, fuck it. Lets resist change. Call it asoccer, lets say Bruno's a half back. If I wasn't such an ornery cunt, I'd give up on the lot of you.

As a term for a handheld electronic device? I bet they fucking do.

That's not necessarily a low block though. You could have your midfield way up the field, couldn't you?

what if they don't play 4-4-2? Didn't think about THAT, did you Mr Smug?

You lot are like my 76yr old Dad whenever I use a phrase like "tablet" or Cappuccino. "arty farty coffee if you ask me." Go and get your slippers and book of sudoku, you ungrateful pack of geriatrics.

It's exactly what you think it is. Coaches' Voice | The low block: football tactics explained (coachesvoice.com) The organisation of your defenders to block the opponents, near to your own goal.

Martin, be fair. Ask me about comics and I'm gonna dominate, but quiz shows are your thing.

He was, but he's got a straight line approach to the attack. To get through a low block, we absolutely need someone who takes a more fancy-dan approach. A fancy-Dan, French, flop-to-the-floor, five-stepovers, prick of a winger.

The fuck did I do?

If we sold ASM and replaced him with Anthony 'First kid at school to try Meth' Gordon, I wouldn't be happy at all. I'd be sad. I'd be very, very sad.

Saw that, what was the link?

They'd be the only fruit in the Christmas Tree house.

Both have to go to CT's house for lunch. Whoever manages to finish the duck pizza and 6pt of Bhuna gets the tickets.

For whatever it's worth, they don't seem remotely upset at the prospect of him leaving.

We've got plenty of time between the two fixtures (and they have a game in between) ASM can easily play a large role in both matches. I also think, in this game, Southampton will try and sit deep, break up play with fouls and what not, they're a lock that needs unpicking. At home I'd fancy our intense pressing to wear them down, away from home I think we need a little more guile.

Amortised over a 100yr deal, it's a drop in the ocean.

Gordon is a player with some of the traits that Howe's system needs. High pressing, bit of a shithouse. In the last 365 days he's; in the 95th percentile and higher for tackles, interceptions, blocks and all that. He doesn't get off a lot of shots, but those he does are generally on target. The biggest issue in his game is the passing. His passing stats are atrocious. 5th percentile for passes attempted, 5th percentile for pass completion %. He only attempted 23 passes per 90, on average. By comparison Almiron and ASM are significantly more involved in knocking the ball around, 34 and 35 per 90 respectively. He miscontrols the pass more often, per 90, than MA and ASM as well. Now, that could be because he's a winger playing in a shit team that doesn't see a lot of the ball. Or it could be because he's bobbins... Like others have said, I trust Howe and Ashworth (they've not got much wrong so far) but I just don't see what they see in him.