S-Clarke

I must admit, I wasn't expecting to see Iwobi. He was stretched off with Oxygen in the last game, talk of broken bones and all sorts.

He reminds me of other young keepers who have come into this league and initially struggled. De Gea for one, and Kepa. Both a bit flappy when they first came here, but they did get better. I think it's way too soon to be writing this guy off, the things he does in games come across to me as a lack of experience rather than outright ability. I would agree that it's risky to have him in a struggling team right now though, and I'd have preferred a more experienced keeper with him on the bench, but we will just have to be patient.

I didn't realise I posted that in here

Chelsea have no real strategy, as shown by their bid for Lavia just a few weeks into his career here. They wait for other clubs to scout, then go sniffing and get them anyway (Felix another example). Not really sure what their end-goal is, they look all over the place.

Now I've got my breath back, I'll try and share some views. We didn't play badly at all, throughout the game. First half we had some good opportunities, we kept Everton at arms length for the majority of it and were only let down by awful set piece defending. From open play our shape and defensive discipline was spot on throughout the game. What we lacked in that first half was a bit of attacking balance. We had KWP left, Ely covering for Lyanco right side and it unbalanced us and removed our opportunity to break. The press was a little bit off as well because the players didn't seem as comfortable in their positions. As soon as we altered that in the 2nd half we looked more comfortable, KWP a key part in the JWP equaliser. Elyounoussi was also a little more free on the left hand side, although he is still a bit too slow for this league IMO. My MOTM was DCC, I think he's a monster of a CB. He adds the composure and calmness that so often goes missing in Lyanco's and Salisu's games, so he compliments those two really well. He's getting better and better with more game time. This was a huge win, make no bones about it. So pleased with the character to turn around a game like that, it was huge and it will add even more belief to this group. I can see what we're trying to do now, against Forest I think we were rightfully all very confused and bewildered, but the last few games we have a clear approach and the team shape is bringing the best out of certain players. If we can get ourselves a real number 9 (Adams tries, but he does struggle when he's isolated) then I think we have an excellent opportunity.

This is the big thing for me, we're getting the best out of JWP by removing the shackles from him. He had to do way too much when Lavia was out and he was part of a 2, it muted his game. But now we're getting the best of both, he still provides cover and bite in CM but has the licence to push forward and pop up anywhere across the front. This will give us much more of a threat, as he can pick a pass as well.

Just saw the Liverpool result, wtf?

GTFI. Coming from behind to moot. And now breathe. Huge day. And in amongst all of that, we fucking won at Goodison.

concentrate on the game FFS. You haven't got time to be posting on here.

I'm staying on the toilet for the next 10. Just to be safe.

There's going to be space on the break now, hope we can capitalise on it.

FUCKING GET IN. MLT V FUCKING 2.

The delay on peoples streams are very confusing. 🤣

Oh Bazunu, jesus christ. So, so lucky.

To be fair he did well there, had to take one for the team. Give him credit where it's due, but generally he's had a tough 2nd half so far.

That's the big difference in this second half, Adams is holding it and playing better passes. There's something here for us.

Diallo is so shit.

Forest and Wolves winning, we've really got to get 3 points here.

So lucky there, Diallo nightmare.

Come on Salisu FFS. The way he's going I'd bench him for ABK when he's back.

The goal actually came from a KWP ball from the right, so straight away it looks more balanced.

Awesome, for the first time Adams wins the ball and there is JWP playing in that position which is perfect for him. That's what we need Adams to do more of, as the threat is around him! Great start, just what you need.

Not on the game, to be fair. They're been pretty shit, but we gave them a free header in the box. Apart from that they've not really caused us many difficulties, the shape has been good and we've kept them at arms length, that's what makes it so frustrating and why there is an inevitable feel about it all.

The shape and approach to the game is correct, having 3 and pushing JWP further up 'works'. Our problem today has been the horrendous quality in that final third. Adams/Edozie are not pressing, winning the ball or doing anything of note. Elyounoussi has been restricted in his role, but he struggles to then escape further up field as he's so slow, whereas Moussa had the legs to push higher. So, tactically it's not all wrong, it's the personal that is wrong. Mara may have been tired after the Weds game (he's a young kid Afterall), but it just shows up the lack of quality in the squad. I know Jones speaks about ''we may not get a number 9'', but that is exactly what we need - a competent number 9 who is able to hold the ball up, because without that then we're toast already.

We're always going to get good saves from Pickford today, just inevitable. We don't create much as it is, but then he'll save the few opportunities we do. This has an inevitable feel about it, and sadly if it ends like this the curtain on our PL life is halfway down.