S-Clarke

Absolutely, I'm not talking 500M on superstars either, just a little bit of flexibility financially to enable us to get that extra 1 or 2 players in a window for e.g. Or compete for that one special player who could make all the difference (Dayot when he wasn't so heavily sought after, for example!). I don't think he's been backed as much as he deserves, but his coaching and improving of players has mitigated the need for the entire overhaul we once required. I do agree that he's a good fit for us, I always thought we pulled off a bit of a coup to get him here based on his rep. I'm glad the Seemens and co stuck to their guns last year and backed him in a job sense, they've gained a lot of respect from the fan base on that decision - I think they could see he was a manager that we shouldn't really have, in terms of his ability and our stature at that point, so they weren't going to budge. They knew more than us what a good pick he was.

I'd still keep the same team, no need to change it. Ralph didn't even change it with any subs until 86, so it shows how well it was working. Theo on the bench as you said, probably in place of the young lad. Villa have started the season strongly, but if we get in their face like we do to everyone, they won't have it as easy. Frustrate Barkley and Grealish.

Not seeing anything - just a big white space!

Looked really good on the ball. That turning when receiving the ball is an often underestimated quality, but it can put a team onto the front foot almost immediately. Doesn't look like your typical powerhouse midfielder, but with that he looks to have good balance and agility with the ball. Be interesting to see how he grows into the side. He offered so much more than Smallbone ever did in that 'Stuart Armstrong' role in those 5 mins.

I'm not actually too worried about him going any time soon. He seems honourable and both sides deserve credit for sticking - yes after that 9-0. He was lucky the board weren't reactive as I'd say 9/10 boards would have dumped him after that, so based on the fact he seems honourable I can't see him looking for a move any time soon. If we don't want him to go, he won't go.

A really comprehensive win. I wasn't too surprised by Everton as that's how I remember them most seasons, they have been the media darlings so far this season but they still don't have enough quality to sustain at the top. They'll drift back down to top 8ish levels I'd have thought. We were very experienced in our approach though, we knew how to play it to the letter. We frustrated them, kept them at arms length, defended against them really well and just frustrated the hell out of them. Our passing and movement off the ball has improved so much since the restart in July, very sharp and quick - too much for most sides. JWP and Romeu have really settled into a terrific partnership, they know where each other off the ball so they can pre-empt the moves and passes - it makes it flow so much better through the middle. It's only 6 games though! Long way to go. We started last season okish, we had like 8 or so points after 5 games...so it's only two more, but it does feel a lot more complete in terms of the performances we're putting in. This is now a continuation of where we left of last season, perhaps this is just our new norm?

Trying to make a story out of nothing. He was primed to come on for about 2 mins and when it became obvious he wouldn't get on, he went down the tunnel with the rest of the subs to the dressing room.

It's 2020, nothing ceases to amaze me. They'll probably say goalkeepers can't use their hands next.

Top club in an obscure league, maybe. He's not going to make it at the top level.

I fully assumed tonight's PL game (Villa/Leeds) was just a normal Sky 'Friday night football' fixture. But no, it's been nabbed as a PPV one. This is ridiculous really.

It was never in doubt. Bit of mind games earlier in the week!

Jesus christ.

Saints are interviewing our summer recruits for the programme this weekend. Theo and Diallo. Not Salisu. You can't even throw the 'he doesn't speak English' at Salisu, as he speaks better English than most of the squad. Something doesn't feel right, it's all very cloak and dagger.

Almost did....!! But Villa won it 1-0 in the last few secs.

Probably more career limiting, rather than threatening I'd say. He'll certainly never be at the level he was back in 2018/2019. But he'll still play at the top level for a few more years I'd say. Will be interesting to see if Liverpool go big in January to replace, I think they'll have to.

Completely impossible to say, I think he touched the ball once from memory. Was good to see him involved so soon though.

All that's going to do is add to the speculation.

You could have just said 'No, he can't next week'.

His strength down the channels is excellent and it really opens opportunities for us. He wins balls/competes for balls you feel the CB's have all day long. Look at Zouma for 2-2 for e.g

Strangely Bedernek has taken the 'dodgy' centre half label so far this season. Jannik seems a bit stronger to me, but he still gets a bit over excited sometimes with the ball at his feet and it does scare me. Up against a really quick and mobile attack he'd prob still struggle though. (I didn't really rate Chelsea's attack, even though the commentators were jizzing over it all game).

We were absolutely terrible when we were losing though, they were pummelling us. Credit where it's due, we turned it around 2nd half, but that first half performance should be confined to the bin!

He grew into the game I felt. He was pretty rubbish for most of that first half, but as the second half wore on he started to find more space and pop up in between the lines. He's certainly not quick anymore, but he looked to have something about him when there was space to wander into.

They were playing for a draw at that point, they didn't want to risk it again given what had happened at 2-2.

Where the fuck did that come from? Honestly, 30 mins gone we should have been 3/4-0 out of sight. We obviously gave ourselves a shake in the 2nd half, I don't know why it always needs to be like that? (we're often chasing games due to an awful first half). Second half excellent though, lots of pressing, lots of pressure. They obviously tired and once again our higher fitness levels shone through at the end. Theo grew into the game and started to find space as Chelsea tired.

This is inept really. Waste of time. I hope no one paid for this. That's me out, i'm going to go and find something to eat!