Just my opinion on how the squad has faired since Howe took over, just to be clear I’m not blaming Howe for any players decline as of yet, it’s too early to say if it’s him or just years of neglect and poor coaching. Improved or stayed the same: Joelinton - has become a key player, delighted for the lad as he’s always tried his best Wilson - stayed the same, good striker but needs help in January window Fraser - definitely starting to see signs of a decent player after a terrible 18 months Shelvey - stayed the same really, still our best passer though Lewis - showing signs of improvement lately, still young so I’m willing to give the lad a chance Manquillo - same, but is a decent bottom half PL defender Schar - same, our best ball playing CB Lascelles - he’s still useless so the same Hendrick - haven’t seen enough under Howe, he’s a strange one as he had come into some good form with Ireland, not sure Howe has a place for him Hayden - same but he’s not a premier league player Fernandez - still remains our best CB in my opinion Murphy - same as Hayden comment Krafth - same, too light weight and slow for this league Darlow - Same, should be 3rd or 4th choice keeper in a decent squad Gayle - presume he’s the same Regressed Dubravka - has become an injury liability, new GK needed in summer Almiron - I want to like this lad as he always gives 100% but he’s an attacking player that offers no goals or assists. Bit like having a really good horse in your stud but he’s firing blanks Max - I agree with Roy, I think teams have sussed him out but to be fair the opposition know they only need to worry about him, if we had some other threats it might take the spotlight off him. I’d question his hunger for the fight too. Woodman - completely blew his chance at the start of the season, not Howes fault though Ritchie - wingers tend to decline pretty fast as they get older due to losing their pace, unfortunately for Ritchie he can’t cross, pass or score either Clark - thought he had been solid last few seasons, but he’s become a total liability now Willock - the biggest disappointment of all, makes sense now why Arsenal let him go, not sure he has the mentality required at this level, I’d still give him a chance if he had better players around him Longstaff - seems to be getting worse by the week, no doubt effected by lack of confidence but seems crazy when you think Manure were ready to shell out £50m for him, Ashley still has nightmares with that one
No i can see what's different and I can see a huge difference in the way we're playing. There's alot more passing and pressing.. We've just been playing the best teams in the world right now.
They try to play now and I can't believe he can't see the difference. A few bits of quality and Howe's aleady shown me it'll be good stuff
Spot on although I think ritchie can cross a bit with his left, but was only effective when Rondon was in the end of them. Joelinton is our best footballer by a mile actually
If you wrote down the names of the squad in “get rid” order, Joe is bottom of the list. The rest of the first XI should be our reserve team. All the current reserves should be sold.
I'm genuinely baffled as to why people think that Howe is 6 weeks (including being absent due to COVID) can undo 2.5 years of sub par training, ****ty management, a losing mentality and zero morale. Truly baffling.
I’m also guilty of impatience, but you’re right here and we also have to factor in how **** this squad is.
Personally the main issue with the players is their complete lack of professionalism. Most of the players have been footballers for a long time, well before Steve Bruce, and have played under numerous managers so they are well aware of the fitness levels required but they really couldn't be arsed.
Not really,.I've got Newcastle staying up. if not an instant return will be a good bet, but it's a funny old game. Every chump team will be looking to put one over, every game will be a Hereford away!! Good luck with the rest of the season.
Ah I see so it’s going to take time. Or is it the players being ****. Or is it the 2.5 years of **** training. Or Mike Ashley. But Howe is bullet proof and immune from any mistakes or mismanagement. May I remind everyone of Gerrards record since joining Villa is played 6 won 4. In less time. But I suppose that because the players are better. Not because Gerrard is a good manager. Most of you if not all of you where saying pre appointment that Howe was not an upgrade and that he was a useless manager. That all changed when he became manager and now seems to be completely ignored.
I don’t think Joe played in CM. He seemed to be everywhere on the pitch. First half what was Willock doing? I don’t remember him doing anything whatsoever.
Shelvey playing means the players go back to a default setting of stupidity, which is get it to him in his own half and run up the field hoping that hollywood pass comes off. It's disruptive to the entire style of play. Same used to happen with Carroll, players would immediately think "long ball". I'd argue that ASM creates the same issue - it's give it to him and hope he doesn't **** it up.
