OTF

That first half was a true joy to watch. The second not as pretty but as effective. We were the better team in every single respect. That they resorted to dirty tactics despite being in their best form in recent times says it all. The goal from Schar was spectacular, Longstaff's was a joy bringer. Dubravka commanded his box extremely well, all three of our central defenders were individually excellent and as a unit had fantastic cohesion. Manquillo had a good game too, as did Hayden in that supporting role as defensive midfield. Almiron's runs were excellent, he'll want to be involved more but he more than played his part as it was. Likewise Rondon's strength and control was on show, effectively setting up Longstaff's goal. Dummett's hair is terrible, Ritchie was a bit flat in the second half after a good first 45 and Joselu, well, he was Joselu, but today I don't care.

I agree but expect to see them on the bench. Quite what the point of signing a player on loan that doesn't make the squad is, I'm not sure, but can understand Rafa not wanting to mess with the existing cohesion. ....that said, it's a short turn around so this is where it would be logical to call on squad depth... #RayvinHedge

Big Little Lies is so much better than Dirty John, but if you only half watched I can understand it not having the full effect. The Dirty John podcast series is much better than the netflix dramatisation, but now the ending has been spoiled.

Because Mike Ashley paying 1/6th of the value of the club that he is purportedly attempting to sell for a single player is so completely believable. Some lazy agents at work on this one, must have seen something about us breaking our transfer record on a south american forward and slipped the 'breaking news' to a 'journalist'.

Perez definitely buoyed by having Almiron out there.

Yeah, that's not great, Rafa will hopefully sort it out. Clearly though it didn't impact on hiis communication on the pitch.

It's on the record that Ashley is shit, Rafa is not afraid to call him out as well. It's dysfunctional but it can still work. They'd be mad not to do eveything they can to hang on to him including freeing up more funds for transfers, the problem is we already know they're mad.

He also wants a club that's near enough to where his family is established.

On the strength of this season he should be cheap. Potential is there but application wise he's gone backwards. Possibly the only way we could sign him permanently.

Well done Almiron, lad will be buzzing from the match and the reception he received when coming off. Would have been nice to get some more goals, it will be a different affair against Burnley, but 3 points there would properly clear us from the scrap. Good that Wolves and Bournemouth split points.

More than a bit of a shame to take Almiron off.

And to think we very nearly missed out on him due to some classic Ashley penny pinching. That would have been fantastic for Longstaff to score there.

That was a brilliant save by their keeper who has kept the scoresheet from getting embarrassing.

Geez, unlucky not to score there. Almiron's link up play and general passing and teamwork is immense for someone so new to the team.

Ritchie absolutely cannot help himself.

Not really, well taken by Rondon after a very heavy touch from Hayden who was setting to shoot inside the box. Second one was good.

Lovely goal. Fill yer boots lads.

Hayden's touch so bad it was good. Time to really go for the jugular.

There was a patch where he wasn't lazy, but now I'd have him behind Longstaff, Ki and Diame in the pecking order. It feels like a matter of time before Hayden is dislodged by Ki or Diame, but happy for him to stay for the moment. Yes! There's the start we needed.

They'll be dying to get back out there after that many good chances without making it count. Rondon owes us a goal or two, the missed header from Longstaff's cross and not squaring it for Almiron earlier. One goal will break them, Almiron ro get it early. I don't like having Yedlin out there on a yellow given he's our cover defender when we take set pieces combined with his frequent clumsiness in challenges.

Far out... great ball Longstaff... Rondon wasteful there.

Their whole side is rattled, let's hope we make it count soon.

Gave the yellow because of their player's reaction, agreed very poor refereeing.

The problem with the iteration in rugby league is that the on-field referees overuse the video ref for simple decisions. Most of the time the decisions are right but the effect of the stoppage impacts on the fluidity of the game. If the same began to occur with football it would have a greater negative impact on the game because football has fewer lengthy stoppages so is inherently more fluent. I'm definitely in favour of it, but only used where absolutely necessary and put a limit on the time the review can last. I also wouldn't mind if incidents were reviewed when the game has resumed and retrospectively righted. It gets more tricky in that scenario depending what has transpired after the incident, but at least the free flow of the game is maintained.

I'd keep Ritchie in the team. Guaranteed to give 100% and to kick at least one opposing player.