Sir Edward of Howe’s Paggered But Awesome Beige Baiting Beauties vs Lorraine Chase.

[OTF 8412]

1 minute ago, Howmanheyman said:

Can't stand shitty, little southern clubs like Luton being in top division. I can't believe they've managed to slime their way back up through the leagues. Eddie has a bit of a rebuild on his hands in the summer I'd suggest? We can't afford to screw it up either. 

 

When you look at who we have coming back calling for a rebuild is a bit premature. Barnes just back with a super positive return, Willock, Anderson getting close. Isak to be back before long. If we start the season with everyone fit it's a different beast to what we've encountered this season.

 

On top of the above we also have Tonali back. We're quite stacked in midfield but we desperately need to strengthen our options up top. Having two strikers in our squad is crazy, even more so when they're Wilson and Isak.

 

I'm not sure what will happen with Hall, but it's clear that Howe doesn't think he currently fits into his vision and that's despite Burn being routinely showed up. We can't afford to pay big money for a chance that he will overcome his weaknesses so surely we'll be trying to get out of any obligation.

[john 81]

13 minutes ago, aimaad22 said:

Oh well. Did well to come back but that was still very concerning how we fell apart at home again. 

 

That Murphy chance in the end man... Really should have scored. 

 

If Burn starts again it'll be the first time I start questioning Howe. It's the most obvious thing in football right now that he's a complete liability. 

He was brought as a back up centre back and that is the most he should be, fukin criminal that Liveramento is left out for him, howe needs his headshaking.

[Renton 23659]

Just now, Holden McGroin said:

It’s fitness again. 3 games in a week is unsustainable for the way he plays with the same 11-13 players.  That includes flogging a 17 year old because there are no alternatives.

 

I'm not buying that against Luton tbh, who played the same time as us. We had 2 weeks off prior too. Reading the thread, I think you've got to criticise Howe for not changing things when it is clearly not working. He's a great manager in many ways but his in game tactics can be sus. 

[OTF 8412]

2 minutes ago, Renton said:

 

I'm not buying that against Luton tbh, who played the same time as us. We had 2 weeks off prior too. Reading the thread, I think you've got to criticise Howe for not changing things when it is clearly not working. He's a great manager in many ways but his in game tactics can be sus. 

 

Luton used a lot more subs. Didnwe have anyone left on the bench that could have come on to change the game?

 

We really should have won it with that Bruno cross for Murphy.

[aimaad22 4688]

1 minute ago, OTF said:

 

When you look at who we have coming back calling for a rebuild is a bit premature. Barnes just back with a super positive return, Willock, Anderson getting close. Isak to be back before long. If we start the season with everyone fit it's a different beast to what we've encountered this season.

 

On top of the above we also have Tonali back. We're quite stacked in midfield but we desperately need to strengthen our options up top. Having two strikers in our squad is crazy, even more so when they're Wilson and Isak.

 

I'm not sure what will happen with Hall, but it's clear that Howe doesn't think he currently fits into his vision and that's despite Burn being routinely showed up. We can't afford to pay big money for a chance that he will overcome his weaknesses so surely we'll be trying to get out of any obligation.

 

I agree with much of that but there are still big areas that need upgrading if we are to get back to the CL and compete. Miggy, Murphy, even Longstaff. Burn the most obvious one but we already have his replacement Howe just needs to get over the affair. There's the number 6 of course. And then a third striker obviously. 

 

So 4-5 good signings at least in the summer and move along some more of the deadwood. A lot of work. 

[Holden McGroin 7611]

11 minutes ago, Renton said:

 

I'm not buying that against Luton tbh, who played the same time as us. We had 2 weeks off prior too. Reading the thread, I think you've got to criticise Howe for not changing things when it is clearly not working. He's a great manager in many ways but his in game tactics can be sus. 

luton don’t play with a huge press like we do. Plus, does two weeks really help that much? 
 

Murphy hasn’t played for months and had to play 3 games on the spin. The midfield had no energy bar Bruno who vacated his number 6 spot to rampage around the pitch. 

[Howmanheyman 36586]

6 minutes ago, OTF said:

 

When you look at who we have coming back calling for a rebuild is a bit premature. Barnes just back with a super positive return, Willock, Anderson getting close. Isak to be back before long. If we start the season with everyone fit it's a different beast to what we've encountered this season.

 

On top of the above we also have Tonali back. We're quite stacked in midfield but we desperately need to strengthen our options up top. Having two strikers in our squad is crazy, even more so when they're Wilson and Isak.

 

I'm not sure what will happen with Hall, but it's clear that Howe doesn't think he currently fits into his vision and that's despite Burn being routinely showed up. We can't afford to pay big money for a chance that he will overcome his weaknesses so surely we'll be trying to get out of any obligation.

 

We desperately need to look at the striking situation. Long term replacements needed for Tripps, (Tino will need an understudy if he's the RB?) The kid at Swansea doesn't look he'll be ready yet. LB needs sorted, The midfield is a funny one as we've loads but they're never all available. Murphy showed a lack of quality today, Miley is being asked to continually play above his station, he's shown what he can do and will hopefully be so I've no worries long term. I've already kind of written off this season just purely through the bizarre injury situation but can we do another season expecting to breeze through it injury wise? Wilson isn't going to change his body, Isak can't be flogged as he breaks down. I'm hopeful we'll know what we're doing off the pitch and it'll be interesting to how how things pan out regarding FFP in the summer. Chelsea who we could easily have beat have Liverpool in the final of the LC. This side would've got fuck all against them at Wembley, hopefully we get past Blackburn but ultimately we're not beating Man City or the deal with the devil club, Liverpool. Once I've got over the four goals today I'll be a bit more zen but improvements are still needed longer term.

[Holden McGroin 7611]

40 minutes ago, wykikitoon said:

Money seriously needs to be spent in summer like.  We need to stop being nostalgic about certain players too.

Who are you thinking bar the obvious Ciggy and Burn ?

[ewerk 33214]

22 minutes ago, OTF said:

 

Luton used a lot more subs. Didnwe have anyone left on the bench that could have come on to change the game?

If he took Burn off for Tino as soon as it was clear that he was repeatedly getting done down their right hand side then we win that game.

[wykikitoon 22851]

1 minute ago, Holden McGroin said:

Who are you thinking bar the obvious Ciggy and Burn ?

Ciggy, Burn and MIggy the main ones.  Yes squad players, but not starters.  I am not saying get shut.

Its the lack of midfield options thats fucked us this season.  But, is Longy fully fit?  He's not looked great since he's come back.

[Kid Dynamite 7635]

1 minute ago, ewerk said:

If he took Burn off for Tino as soon as it was clear that he was repeatedly getting done down their right hand side then we win that game.

If he did his homework about Luton then he would know that their RW is the fastest player in the league. Not sure what Howe expected to happen with that match up today 

[Dr Gloom 23634]

I don’t get Howe’s hard on for Burn. He can be solid at times but teams are targeting him. He’s decent cover at CB but we surely have to stop playing him at LB when Tino has shown he can do an excellent job in that position. At the very least he has to rotate him when we’re playing against teams with pacey right wingers. He struggled against Villa when they brought Bailey on and he was poor again today particularly for the penalty. 
 

I thought the Villa game might be a turning point in our season but the midfield problems persist. We lack the balance to control games the way we used to when we had big Joe in there and we don’t have any depth with Joe/Tonali out of the season.
 

We were crying out for extra bodies in midfield and up front but I suspect the owners have written off the season and told Howe to finish as high as we can with the current squad then we go again in the summer when hopefully the FFP situation won’t be quite as challenging.

 

Disagree with whoever said the squad needs a total overhaul. We didn’t turn shit overnight but we do need to sell some of the Mike Ashley era players, or buy better players for now rather than the future so the likes of Miggy and Longstaff are rotation options instead of starting so many games. 

[Holden McGroin 7611]

7 minutes ago, wykikitoon said:

Ciggy, Burn and MIggy the main ones.  Yes squad players, but not starters.  I am not saying get shut.

Its the lack of midfield options thats fucked us this season.  But, is Longy fully fit?  He's not looked great since he's come back.

Yeah. Those are the obvious three but  we’ve been crippled in CM. I’m not too worried about this next season (if we keep the gang together) We could have played a completely different midfield today  of Big Joe, Sandro, Little Joe today with Anderson in reserve. 
 

in reality I expect some ins and outs across the board though.

[Holden McGroin 7611]

1 minute ago, Dr Gloom said:

I don’t get Howe’s hard on for Burn. He can be solid at times but teams are targeting him. He’s decent cover at CB but we surely have to stop playing him at LB when Tino has shown he can do an excellent job in that position. At the very least he has to rotate him when we’re playing against teams with pacey right wingers. He struggled against Villa when they brought Bailey on and he was poor again today particularly for the penalty. 
 

I thought the Villa game might be a turning point in our season but the midfield problems persist. We lack the balance to control games the way we used to when we had big Joe in there and we don’t have any depth with Joe/Tonali out of the season.
 

We were crying out for extra bodies in midfield and up front but I suspect the owners have written off the season and told Howe to finish as high as we can with the current squad then we go again in the summer when hopefully the FFP situation won’t be quite as challenging.

 

Disagree with whoever said the squad needs a total overhaul. We didn’t turn shit overnight but we do need to sell some of the Mike Ashley era players, or buy better players for now rather than the future so the likes of Miggy and Longstaff are rotation options instead of starting so many games. 

he has been targeted before but he normally gets to grips with it. Today he had no answers (and Howe saved him last game by tucking him inside). 
 

if you aren’t pressing successfully in midfield then he is the obvious out ball for the opposition. 
 

I also think Eddie is sticking with him on the back of last season where we were solid as a rock. 
 

A really bad day for him today. It’s now a choice for Eddie. 

[Renton 23659]

57 minutes ago, wykikitoon said:

Ciggy, Burn and MIggy the main ones.  Yes squad players, but not starters.  I am not saying get shut.

Its the lack of midfield options thats fucked us this season.  But, is Longy fully fit?  He's not looked great since he's come back.

 

Is it? When we're conceding the amount we are, do you not look at defence too? How's that been since we lost Pope, which does seem to me when it all went to shit. We miss Joelinton and Willock, sure, but I don't think that's the core issue. 

 

Personally I think Longstaff and Almiron are not remotely the problem here, they were ever presents last year when we were outstanding. Every time either of them misses a shot people get on their back. People were getting on Longstaffs back today despite scoring a brace. My caveat here is I didn't see the game today, but I don't think losing either of these players will make us better. 

 

Burn is a different matter. Can't help feeling Howe is too loyal to him and Trippier sometimes. I don't understand why Livramento and even sometimes Hall aren't starters. But then, I'm not a football manager. 

[Anorthernsoul 1222]

1 hour ago, Dr Gloom said:

I don’t get Howe’s hard on for Burn. He can be solid at times but teams are targeting him. He’s decent cover at CB but we surely have to stop playing him at LB when Tino has shown he can do an excellent job in that position. At the very least he has to rotate him when we’re playing against teams with pacey right wingers. He struggled against Villa when they brought Bailey on and he was poor again today particularly for the penalty. 
 

I thought the Villa game might be a turning point in our season but the midfield problems persist. We lack the balance to control games the way we used to when we had big Joe in there and we don’t have any depth with Joe/Tonali out of the season.
 

We were crying out for extra bodies in midfield and up front but I suspect the owners have written off the season and told Howe to finish as high as we can with the current squad then we go again in the summer when hopefully the FFP situation won’t be quite as challenging.

 

Disagree with whoever said the squad needs a total overhaul. We didn’t turn shit overnight but we do need to sell some of the Mike Ashley era players, or buy better players for now rather than the future so the likes of Miggy and Longstaff are rotation options instead of starting so many games. 

 

Burn was woeful against Forest aswell, to get done by Chris Wood is shameful. At CB he can get away with his complete lack of pace with other players covering but at full back he's wide open to a speedy winger which we've seen this week. Tino is a complete different player and a lot more versatile in that position.

 

I couldn't believe how wide open the game was from the first whistle, both teams were stretched for the whole game. Surprising after our solid defensive display at Villa, we played some great stuff in the game and should have been more clinical, inches away a few times in the second half from snatching the game. Criminal conceding 4 at home to them though, I didn't think it was pen as the foul was committed outside the box.

 

Hopefully Gordon isn't too serious but it didn't look good with a moon boot on. Great to see Barnes back and on the scoresheet.

 

WE MOVE ON, HEADS HELD HIGH LADS

 

 

 

 

 

[Nefilim 14]

Across the two games against Luton, we just allowed them to compete and drag us down to their level. Credit to Luton, but conceding 4 goals at home to them is unforgivable. On the whole a truly pathetic display.

 

I really miss that Big Joe-Little Joe interchanging partnership down our left side we had last season. Think that was really a glue that held many other things together, and made us so good last year. We we're never amazing at the slow build up, but solid at the back, never out fought in midfield and hard to play through whether we sat off, or pressed higher.

 

They always seemed to take in turns in playing slightly higher, or slightly deeper/narrower - whilst both of them being able to press and close down either a RB, or midfielder. When we we're at our best it was like playing with 4 CMs, and 2 left wingers. Knock on effect of not having that is Burn is much more isolated having to engage that 15-20yards higher.   

 

Pope's miss has also fucked us obviously - but whilst we might moan about his kicking, Dubs being better on the ball than Pope is causing us bigger problems down the line. We're not a Brighton type side that can lure a team onto press us 20yards out our goalline, then be in behind their midfield.

 

Dubravka being better on the ball than Pope has actually made us far easier to close down when playing out. Pope would either not be given that extra pass back in first place, or boom the ball long. Dub's more comfortable on the ball, but we're just not suited for that - especially with sides allowing ball played into Burn before closing us.

 

All in all, we just seem to be far softer than last season, and easier to play against. Bruno, Longstaff and Miley should have been able to control a midfield 2 of Barkley and Nakamba/Lokonga both home and away fixtures, but as a unit where piss poor. Especially today, just shows how much they let themselves down as a unit on the basics - Bruno's outside of boot assist, his chance made a end, thought Miley was decent, Longstaff scores twice but robbed by Barkley.

 

 

[ewerk 33214]

Big Joe and his agent tonight discussing his new contract.

 

[Andrew 5150]

Not going to go into our deficiencies here, seems like that’s already been done to death.

 

What a match! Luton are absolutely staying up on recent performances, wouldn’t have given them a hope at the start of the season.

 

We scored a few great goals today, 1 and 3 in particular I thought were fantastic. Miles, Trippier and Longstaff for the first all did brilliantly, Longy in particular usually can’t finish for shit, took both his goals today really really well. If he did that with the good chances he gets just a bit more often he’d be some player, perhaps he’ll get a few now he’s got going.

 

Trippiers goal was an amazing finish, the control on it was world class, Bruno’s cross with the outside of the boot too was amazing.

 

Had the chances to win it too. Murphy I think it was had one he should have buried late on but there were a couple of others.

 

Hopefully we take some defensive lessons from today, would like to see tino given a start at left back. If we do that and can still attack like today we’ll murder forest.

[Ayatollah Hermione 14671]

I can understand Howe sticking with Trippier through a bad spell because, as we stand, he leads the league in assists from right back. Burn seems like a bit of blind loyalty from the outside but, at the same time, a lot of our set pieces, both defending and attacking, see benefit from having his height. I do think the way forward is clearly Livramento and, tbh, I’d be amazed if Howe doesn’t think that also but I do think it needed a game like today for the trigger to be pulled. Burn will know he was shocking and can’t complain if Tino is in against Forest 

[wykikitoon 22851]

Elanga will murder Burn next week if he starts. 

[Ayatollah Hermione 14671]

That’s true. Even more reason to drop him is that he got battered in the home game. Timo being on the left side will help compensate for losing Gordon’s play also 

[toonotl 3427]

Terrible performance in terms of controlling the game and all aspects of defending across the entire pitch.

 

I feel like there is a case to argue that Howe needs to develop his thinking around the selection of defenders too. He has stated that he likes to keep his back four selection consistent. That's fair enough. But for me there has to be more willingness to make tactical switches (like for example when your slow LB with the turning circle of the Queen Mary is up against the actual faster player in the league). He was quick on his feet against Villa in switching to a back five with wingbacks and pushing Burn inside to left-sided centre back. But prevention is better than a cure. Burn needed to be on the bench today.

 

As it is now, Burn cannot be starting next week. That's a performance that requires him to take a seat. Terrible penalty to give away.

[sammynb 3923]

Well that was a very Newcastle game, wasn't it.

Unfortunately I don't think wor Eddie is up to it tactically, good tacticians are proactive not reactive and Howe's reactive responses are ponderous. He obviously realised BDB was going to have an issue with the fastest player in the league and that's why Miggy started on the left, to help out. And you could see it in the amount of work Almiron was doing defensively, which not only stymies the team going forward, it's impossible for Miggy to get back when we turn the balll over cheaply and they launch it straight to their rocket. As soon as it was obvious he needed to change it up.

 

What was with the instructions for Bruno today? Against Villa he just sat in and we controlled the game so much better, as Ciaoman said, today he seemed to be running all over the shop, it just made it easy for Luton when we cheaply turned the ball over as there was a huge hole in front of our backline.

The team has also lost that calmness on the ball we had last season, gone are the triangles playing themselves out of trouble.

 

For me Luton's first goal they don't score against Pope, Dubravkia got caught in no man's land and stopped when he could have come for it, then he's not attacking the ball or on his line.

 

And in Miley, it looks like we will have a great player but it's obvious that after 45 minutes he's spent mentally. Yeah he can keep running but watch the difference in his decision making between the first and second halves - the game is passing him by when the team needs him, all part of why we are falling apart in the later part of the game. Not his fault, he's a fucking bairn playing men - the way that cunt from Villa, McGinn manhandled him being prime example. If Miggy wasn't injured, he should have been moved into the centre.

 

Disappointing and just when it felt like we stopped being the team to give the shite, lower half teams easy points, we've returned to being just that,

Edited February 4, 2024 by sammynb

[Dougle 3677]

1 hour ago, toonotl said:

Terrible performance in terms of controlling the game and all aspects of defending across the entire pitch.

 

I feel like there is a case to argue that Howe needs to develop his thinking around the selection of defenders too. He has stated that he likes to keep his back four selection consistent. That's fair enough. But for me there has to be more willingness to make tactical switches (like for example when your slow LB with the turning circle of the Queen Mary is up against the actual faster player in the league). He was quick on his feet against Villa in switching to a back five with wingbacks and pushing Burn inside to left-sided centre back. But prevention is better than a cure. Burn needed to be on the bench today.

 

As it is now, Burn cannot be starting next week. That's a performance that requires him to take a seat. Terrible penalty to give away.

 

Not that quick, took a goal to force his hand