UpweySaint

Agree neither have had much to work with though neither offer the physicality or pace to force space. We're reliant on clever play and we don't have too many who appear capable on an individual level and the team build up is often so ponderous.

Honestly willing to admit it may be utter nonsense, my question was surely Hughes couldn't be turfed until we have a new DOF to appoint a replacement?

Not claiming to be itk but friend, of a friend apparently works on the matchday program and has been told to remove any mention of Mark Hughes. Could be complete b*llocks mind you!

I could copy and paste from a number of our half times. We've shaded a first half low on quality but not taken a chance, nobody horrendous, nobody shining. Though I am a little lonely in rating Stephens so good to see him looking tidy enough thus far. Expect Bournemouth to come on strong in the second. Shame we lack a bit of pace and mobility to hit them on the break if they do kick on.

I agree but the counter argument is that he probably isn't the solution either.

Not much in it with real quality lacking for both sides. I would like to see more overloads out wide, between Ings and Austin it is worth trying to get some service in (or Austin off with Redmond or Armstrong behind Ings for more movement). Hoedt is not having his best game, lacks composure at times. Hoj probably been our best player so far, has shown good close control and looks to be playing with more confidence.

Lots of positives first half; Bossing the midfield, lovely finish, Hoedt and Vestergaard looking reliable, Redmond very bright, The pressing is great to see - I know Long lacks in other areas but winning the ball back so high up creates chances. We just need to keep our foot on the peddle in the second half and resist the urge to drop back allowing Brighton to dictate the play.

To be fair to Rashford he always seems to do well when given a chance up top. He could do with a lukaku/sanchez double injury to get a run up top for utd.

To be fair MOTD made it look a much closer contest then it was. Hodgson conceding they were second best for 60-70 mins probably sums it up,very gracious and honest from him.

Yeah, the lack of place at cb still worries me with a vest/hoedt paring but I think a settled first choice paring can be a massive plus for any side. Long and Ings seem to be working well in tandem.

You know what, I think we look decent so far - only issue being I said that last week and we conspired a way to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory ... Long is doing well to bring others in to play, Ings shows really good touches and link up play (I have to concede I hadn't thought this was a such a strength for him), Hoj looking decent spraying balls out the Cedric, Redmond looking bright. Our defensive shape has been fairly decent and there seems to be a clear idea of attack. Just need a goal for our hard work. I daren't say anything too critical less it should come back to bite me but Benteke must be so frustrating for Palace fans. He bullied backlines for Villa!

I'm not crying into the cornflakes about it, just came across the article and made me wonder why we couldn't quite get it over the line. Probably a combination of our desperation, premier league premium, contract six months further along etc. I can't comment about his mentality but I liked his quality, his pace is something we still lack a little.

https://en.as.com/en/2018/08/29/football/1535555770_918311.html As above looks like he is going to Sevilla for significantly less then we were quoted. Can't help but speculate on why we were allegedly given a £30mil plus pricetag while Sevilla, by many standards a 'bigger' club, are getting a reasonable deal. Real shame as he looked the sort who could have added something to our team.

And manon is probably the most footie appropriate name....

Very much spots up for grabs behind Pickford as clear number one. Bertrand must fancy himself over Rose as well.

Apparently Southgate will be in attendance, the article says largely to watch McCarthy; https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/aug/17/gareth-southgate-england-alex-mccarthy-southampton Few of ours probably have a point to prove (RB) and others may not be far from call ups.

This. Don't see why some are so keen to run down the academy boys.

Hoedt doesn't cover himself in glory, fails to hold a line with other cb's.

This really. His movement looked good, bit of pace and power albeit a little raw. If he was available for the right price I would be very happy to see him in our team.

The hat adds a few inches

True. Bit of a unit by all accounts too.

Phwoar what a pick out from Dusan, how it didn't go in I have no idea! He has having a good game by all accounts.

Signing to be made with a vowel in their name. Utter wang.

If we could afford a shopping spree why not but looks like we wont have much to play with. Rather see what pennies we have go elsewhere.