CanadaSaint

As much as I like KWP, we were vulnerable with him at LWB today. So much of Watford’s threat came wide down our left, and KWP is much weaker tackling with his ‘wrong’ foot and less accurate with clearances. He’s a better player than Perraud but we can look more vulnerable defensively, and that exposes Salisu as well.

The way they’re attacking us, Salisu is really vulnerable to a second yellow.

We need a new stat - points lost from Ralph’s stubborn refusal to respond to the opposition’s adjustments. Doing my head in.

Armstrong for Elyounoussi is urgently needed.

What a jewel Salisu is turning out to be. A top player and, as this shows, a top guy as well: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IK1cAoTh700 He doesn't fit the mould of the self-centered, privileged footballers that are infesting the game these days, probably because he's so conscious of his family and his roots: https://www.timeout.com/accra/travel/where-to-go-in-ghana-kumasi That's why this sport needs to protect its roots at all costs.

Really! Thank you. He took a physical step forward last night but I hope he didn’t take a mental step back. There’s a decent squad player in there.

I’m drawing a blank on this, but who was taking those corners in the last four minutes? They were hard, quite flat and damn near deadly. And we had two CBs up there who looked willing to go through a brick wall to get on the end of them. There were many good signs last night, but that one could be huge, given our challenges in scoring from open play.

Lyanco brought some solid defence tonight, dovetailed well with Salisu, occasionally looked like a Brazilian playmaking CB going forward, and gave us a real threat at corners, not just a token tall man presence. But he brought something else that we've lacked - and grown too accustomed to lacking - a bit of PASSION. He's not a "ho hum" type of player, and if celebrating getting a free kick fires him up, it fired me up too. One swallow doesn't make a Spring, but at least he looks like a swallow.

It's a long time since I've felt so positive after a loss, but there was so much to admire tonight. Guys who haven't played much performed admirably, Lyanco was outstanding, Salisu grows with every game, we got a sniff of a RWB/RWB combo on the right, and Ralph got most things right. Theo probably played himself farther down the pecking order; great guy but his sell-by date is pretty much up. Hopefully, the squad will pick Smallbone up because he's shown a ton of character in working his ass off to get back. And, to set the seal on it for me, a lot of those who drown this form in a torrent of negativity are struggling to find anything to post about.

Yep. Missing it is one thing. Damaged confidence much worse.

I thought Longy was going to fall over looking for a penalty.

Regardless of the result, this feels like a turning point for or season. Lyanco discovered, multiple line-up permutations work, we absorb the arrival of Long and Theo without missing a beat. And all that against Chelsea. Lots to like tonight.

Our squad depth is light years ahead of last year.

Trying hard not to pre-judge these subs, but shit.

No, but the point is that their interplay down the right is causing Chelsea some problems, which is what many feel would happen with a Tino/KWP combo.

Funny that Ralph is willing to play Valery and KWP with one playing farther forward (even interchanging), but not - as yet - KWP and Tino.

Two free headers in two games. That needs to stop.

It’s not fashionable to say this but Burnley are a decent side with some solid players. Disappointed with a point but I’ll take it. With remotely decent finishing it would have been a comfortable three. Theo is too soft for games like this and should never have started. But with S. Armstrong coming back to full fitness it’s unlikely to happen again. Bednarek was my preferred option to partner Salisu, but not any more. Faultable on both goals. We need Stephens back.

He really needs to pull Theo now. Game on a knife edge and Theo too soft for what’s coming.

Livramento didn’t react well enough by any means but Bednarek took himself into no mans land

That’s Bednarek’s clanger - leaving him to double mark Wood

Thank you. Halo earned this time.

Is it just me, or does Livramento seem to flag a bit at around the hour mark? We seem to lose some effectiveness down the right flank after half time. I don't think there are any fitness issues, but a PL game is a lot of physical and mental stress for a 19 year-old. They're always careful with younger players for fear of throwing too much at them, too soon. I'd keep Perrault in because he brings things we need - and he's left footed, so we don't become too narrow up front. And - if we haven't used subs on injuries - I'd try switching KWP for Livramento at around 60 minutes

I think it would be neat if the band would further celebrate the club's history by personalizing their shirts to our icons of the past. Over here, the hockey teams honour their former greats by retiring their jersey numbers in a formal ceremony. It's (rightly) considered a huge honour. I'm not suggesting that - just adding another unique touch to what could become a long-lasting tradition.

Absolutely. Since moving to SMS we've never really got close to the Dell's intimidating atmosphere. If it helps to do that pre-match, fantastic. I still have dents in the back of my head from being hit with pennies aimed at the Albion Band's target. I think that's why everyone was so quick to let us kids move down to the front. 🤣