He’s going to get Smith-Rowe’d I think

Is this Saliba 'matter of days', the same 'knock' that kept him out in 22/23 for most of the back end of the season?

If he’s to play, it needs to be like he did v Olympiakios and the cameo v Newcastle - drifting right to left constantly and slipping balls down the channels. If he’s going to be standing where Zubi is and picking balls off the CBs it creates redundancy in our attacks. Back to the horseshoe.

Saw someone make a very good point - Pep thew the game v Leverkusen to give his players much needed rest knowing they’ll qualify top 8. I think Mikel is an exceptional coach but my biggest frustration with him is that he doesn’t trust his squad enough. Players are burned out already.

He is a brilliant player, no doubt. But we revert back to everything going down the right. It can’t be like that. It was sussed out seasons ago.

Our best performances this season - Newcastle, Bayern, Atleti, Spurs. Zubi and Rice with Eze at 10.

@clivepafc.bsky.social said exactly this. Look at his touch map in first half. On top of Zubi. Collecting balls off our CBs. We don’t need you there. The uncomfortable conversation is coming - we look better and more varied in attack with Eze at 10

I find it mad that White is now just not an option at all now. I know injuries play a part, but he was genuinely one of our best performers three seasons running. PL experience, excellent on the ball etc. His last game there was v Liverpool (H) and look at the assist he provided.

100% agree. Neither CB looked convincing yesterday and they purposefully let Mosquera have the ball. Know he’s had injury problems, but I do find it a little baffling how he went from one of Mikel’s best and most trusted players to barely usable.

Theo really is a wet flannel isn’t he

Bloke*

That is a disgusting tackle

Honestly can’t believe it. I remember coming in 2013 and see us just get absolutely battered by Bayern and the shoreline flatter us. This team is so good.

I think Noni and then one of MLS/Mosquera come in, that’s it.

Mik knows ball. He was brilliant

A proper dum dum, him.

Always admired Frank, but my word, that mid table mindset doesn’t translate to a “big” club (if you can call them that). Absolutely awful and got everything they’ve deserved