Holmes_and_Watson

Christina Unkel able to give the guidance on lightning strikes on the games. Good commentary line up on ITV.

Sadly, the cat didn't move until after I sat listening to the panel drivel on about Southgate. What a collection of clowns they are, offering not an original thought between them.

When Southgate said he had noone to fill the Phillips role, he was really kicking himself for not being brave enough to reach down a division for Downes. And to put KWP on the left of defence.

I wasn't really following him, but must have seen him in a rare couple of meh performances at some point last season, going by his stats. No idea if it was a return from injury, dip in form, or the whole team struggling. However, I did see him come off the bench in an Old Firm, and he drove his team.

Agreed. We needed to give Romeu support, but he moved on when we got Lavia. Too much dependency on Downes' role. Unless we're expecting Charles to make a sizeable step up, then we definitely need someone else.

There's all sorts of clauses in player contracts, and goalkeeping ones will be specifically geared towards certain aspects (higher getting in the squad as opposed to sub bonus, considering how often they are likely to come on). But in McCarthy's case, it was reported that: 1) He was one of the club's top earners. A contract negotiated when he was being considered nationally and taking over international Forster's also highly paid jersey. Forster got a big deal, in part, because the club had seen an exodus of its talent. To the point they wanted to ease the flow of that, at least a bit. So Forster, and then McCarthy, benefitted. A lot of of the other top earners have now gone. I read he was in the JWP basic ball park. 2) Beyond saving on all the match day bonuses, it was reported that there was a clause that would reduce that salary if a threshold of games played wasn't met. The club we're making very sure that this would come into effect. Prudent to make sure that goes on as long as possible, to make sure it isn't activated even in the case of injury. The basic wage was substantial enough that McCarthy chose to stay even though he'd not get playing. Staying through the last year even when no longer in the squad.

And all a fair point to make. I agree that the window has barely begun opening , and they could be looking at anyone. As it stands, they don't see Baz as a mistake. If anything, they seem determined to put the guy front and centre until he becomes heir apparent to Man City's 'keeper's jersey. Had we gone up with him injury free, he'd have been our first choice in the PL. (I was actually looking forward to seeing that a bit - with a few weeks of the window open, just in case). McCarthy would have gone, and we'd have been looking for hopefully a challenger. Agree, it doesn't look as though we're looking on wholesale changes there. They'll see a doing nothing brain fart as signing known cover of a level they are comfortable with, until their number 1 returns. And yes, that looks as though a fit Baz comes straight back in (unless Macca is sold for a replacement then). Financially great, but obviously not without all the risks we've watched over the last few seasons. I've mentioned before that I do think Baz's strengths have made a real difference to Martin's system bedding in. Just as Macca's strengths really helped confidence in getting over the promotion line. Around the time Baz signed, there seemed to be a load of keepers available of a higher standard to both. Flush with Lavia and Livramento, we went down this path instead.

McCarthy wasn't in the squad because the club, having failed to convince him to leave in order to reduce the wage bill, saved money by not giving him bonuses related to being in the match day squad. It was nothing to do with his ability. Prior to relegation, he was left out for similar reasons as well as the club being hell-bent on turning Baz into a sellable super keeper. Last season, Martin's system suited Baz a lot more. McCarthy would have been at least challenging, if not for the above. Telling that he was brought in when the club really needs him. The club must have weighed up their offer with costs of getting a replacement in, for what would be a season. They could have went for a loan, but have decided to go with someone already familiar with Martin's requirements.

Before Baz's injury, I can't say I saw this happening. Presumably, Macca is first choice, and we can see him at his best behind a defence that's now a lot more comfortable on the ball.

Good point.

House

Closely, as in watching a lot of Norwich games. Farke played quick, out from the back tactics but making a lot of use out of two rapid attacking full backs, of which Aaron's was one. Those full backs could then supply, often just the one up front, or attacking midfield. Some of the rest of their midfield contained lumps. Great when it was working. Opponents struggled to deal with the fullbacks, leaving space for Norwich to exploit. In the Prem, it was found out a bit. Midfield lumps, protecting iffy centre Halves, with full backs further was exploited. Because they always played out the same way, the full backs were pressed, and it often didn't end well. When it was all going well Aaron's was being linked to top European clubs. Pressed, and having to rely on defensive skills in a meh side, they died away. I've not really seen him at Bournemouth. Since they only got him a year or so back, I'd wonder why they'd part with him so soon. He'd certainly be used to a lot of how we play. Fairly quick, attack minded and can link in with others. If we add that to Russ providing him with a tactic that helps defensively, and gives him options to beat a press, then could work out.

Signed last year on a 3 year deal, ending 2026. New one is a 3 year deal, ending 2027. A good length for all parties, regardless of what happens. No doubt with upticks on rewards for PL deliverables too. Sensible . If we go down like Burnley, it's more compensation for PSG to pay us. 🙂

We can all see how much energy, focus and resilience it takes to run a relentless campaign. It takes a cumulative toll on everyone involved. The thought of Biden deteriorating more isn't pleasant. If he's currently fatigued, god knows what they'll do to prop him up. No shortage of others with their eye on the job. But, as mentioned above, the timing, the optics of a change mid stream, the polls all count. Behind that, they will look at their own careers and want to pick the best time. And then there's all the in-fighting and maneuvering to pick a replacement. That's a key reason Biden was up again. Not necessarily the best, but the one they could agree on. That's going to take time and look ugly, handing even more to the Republicans.

Rover

And who does he reach out to, for grooming tips? A certain Mr Lallana! You've done it now Convict Colony. Now he has a reason to come here. 🙂

A good deal all round. Wishing him all the best.

Plenty

Footage

Tactical, by the looks of it. Cautious back line, always able to get back. Relying on those further up to unlock a defensive team. But it also had a lack of passing and/or penetration to push through the middle, even with Foden moving in to give more numbers. No pace in passing out wide to allow Saka to move into space (so deep a lot of the time as was Kane) and no one there at all in Foden's case, when he cut in. Trippier out left limits him as well.

I was hoping that it would allow Rice more freedom. That between them, they then be able to string some passes together. It was actually Mainoo who got that freedom, but England did nothing with it. And yes, it was crying out for Gordon for most of the game.

Had to bring on TAA at some point. 🙂

So glad I was there for that great closing moment. England getting a shot. Slovenia's defensive line remained solid. England utterly failed to get past it, preceding a risk free passing it back and forth in front of it. Mainoo was mobile to start with, popping up to get things going. But there wasn't much else going on around him. Foden and Bellingham faded more and more. Palmer livelier. But not really until Gordon, did we get someone willing to run and stretch their full back. Foden's cutting in, just made no difference up until then. Better sides are going to be a bit more expansive, which may well suit England, giving them more space, while keeping that risk averse set up. But if they concede first against anyone capable of putting up a decent block, they are in trouble. The player with the best eye for a forward pass was Pickford tonight, urging the team forward.

Mainoo on. Should have come for TAA in the last game and for this one. Southgate got there in the end.

Slovenia organised, with no nonsense, structured passing moves. They've not picked up a few good runs too. England got better, but that was really because it followed Slovenia possession and there was a bit more room. Some sloppy passing. Neither Rice nor Gallagher ever choosing to push through the middle, when they could. Instead, always out wide and then back. Saka is marshalled out there. Kane dropping deep, but Bellingham not pushing up. Foden more involved. Has license to go infield. But only the one move where Bellingham then moved out from the centre to give more link up options, did that really work. Foden not best pleased with right footed Trippier at times. Yet Foden did a nice run for the offside effort. And a Foden run allowed Trippier to come in on his right foot to put in a good ball. Patient and with lots of possession. But lacking the drive and incisive passing as yet.