Eire Saint

6 points from the first six games last season, 11 this. Good start. Another 3 on saturday and we should be in good shape going into the break.

JWP and Downes were okay. Poor performances all round otherwise. They could've been 2 up in the first 20, wasted some easy chances. Don't think Matsuki is good enough for the starting 11, plenty of enthusiasm, but gives the ball away far too much. Apart from one or two glimpses, Scienza has been a passenger. Azaz trying things but didn't have the quality around him. Subs were awful. Mubama in particular. Really poor, zero first touch, petulant, and lazy tracking for their goal. Serious work needed on the training pitch.

He's a class player. Have followed his career closely pre-saints. It's all about patience. He'll keep looking for ways to unlock a defence. Critics will focus on the times it doesn't come off, but he keeps trying. Threads the needle a few times per game. Shooting can improve, but has a peach in the locker (man city). A diamond at this level.

Scienza's and Fellows' heat maps tomorrow... https://ibb.co/572QkQ5

Not saying that was our strongest side but THB if he stays needs a partner, if not, we need 2 new CBs. Charles replacement needed to provide some backup and we are one Larin injury away from having zero threat up front

No result to paper over the cracks tonight. New spine needed. 2 CBs (or 1 to partner THB if he stays). 1 CM and a Striker. Dobbin already looks like he's going to struggle. Need the same standard of recruitment we had end of last summer's window.

Not sure he'll risk Downes. In the presser mentioned too important for us at the moment or something like that. Matsuki in midfield and I reckon you're spot on for the rest.

Two points off West Ham.

Ramsdale and Sugawara I'd argue were needed at the time, prem players. Valid point for the others.

The fact that we haven't been able to shift Ramsdale, Bazunu, Downs, Sugawara & BBD is the real issue. That's at least £35m we should be up. Weakens our position to be able to reject reasonable bids for others. There is still a sizeable financial risk until we start cashing in on some of the unwanted squad members. Charles, THB and anyone else who goes will be replaced. They got their Stewart replacement. This was all pretty clear from the start, don't get the meltdown.

First half felt like Russball again. Tons of possession did nothing with it. Pass, pass, pass, mistake, concede. X 2 Better second half. Another day we'd nick a draw. Not our day. F#%k it, onto the next game, it's a long season.

Mubama just announced. Would still like another option up front

Our first competitive away game of the season is in 4 days and we don't have an away kit yet. If it's blue we wouldn't be wearing it against Colchester, but strange for us to be leaving the launch so late. Still have my nineties blue flame away kit. Must've shrunk over the years though, it doesn't fit me as well as it used to! Got to be the reason.

They did scenario planning for a touchline ban at yesterday's game and afterwards when interviewed Tonda said he hoped it wouldn't be required. Pretty good reason to expect that's the sanction.

My guess is 10 game touchline ban. Not going to be a big deal, can still run and influence the game, only difference is can't shout at players from the touchline. We'll be fine. More annoyed about the 4 point deduction. Will take a while to catch up with the leading pack. What is Allowed During a Touchline Ban: Dugout Contact: Using phones or staff messengers to relay tactical messages to coaches on the bench. Location: Sitting in the stands or the designated director's box, away from the technical area. Team Talks: Entering the dressing rooms before the match and at half-time.