Realistically you need 3 strikers even if you aren't in Europe. That and only having Almiron and Murphy as right wingers was a bit of a strange decision. We need to have a busy January window this time.
They need upgrading to improve on last season's placing, but the simple fact is they're all playing well above our expectations of them by now. Especially Longstaff who was keeping Tonali on the bench and everyone is wondering why he hasn't had an England call up. If they're relegation players, then relegation teams would kill for having them in their teams right now.
Exactly they've overarching and need replacing to push on. I doubt they'd be excited about lascelles Murphy longstaff or burn.
Me either pal, I was actually most sorry for the players who I thought were in the main superb all round - if it had been a draw Dortmund couldn't have complained and we lacked that little bit of luck to get something out the game. If we'd got a point no one would be talking about who needs replacing, where we need to strengthen etc. we'd all be buzzing to be on 5 points and second in the group - instead we are 3rd with 4 points (which we'd all have taken at this stage before a ball was kicked) but because we've started well, now we need to replace 4/5/6 players from a 1-0 loss to a very good team. Slim margins! Genuinely think if one of the early chances (Gordon or Wilson) goes in I think we go on and win it. Crowd was very subdued last night but that's because there wasn't much to shout about until the last 20 mins. If we'd got one the atmosphere would have been electric. Dortmund are a mint team with quality and experience and I think that experience showed last night, especially their defense was immaculate!
I guess it's all dependent on management and coaching too, ie Longstaff, Laecelles and Murphy were dire under Bruce, but improved massively under Howe. I doubt those clowns at Sheff Utd and Bournemouth would have them performing.
Improved isn't enough they've got to be replaced for Newcastle to push on mate. Newcastle are aiming for the very top and these guys are the worst players in the 11. There's better players at Sheffield United.. Hamer is better than longstaff.
He lost the ball in their half, what cost us was Tripps top far up the pitch, leaving Lascelles with a 2 on 1. Pass inside to midfielder who scores while Joelinton was trotting back not covering his man - watch it again. At least Gordon was trying to get something going
Po Possibly Gordon up front and Willock/Joelinton back on left Joe has not looked the same player when slotted into midfield
Joelinton, has been fortunate, that he’s strong so doesn’t look out of place in midfield but he’s very average there
Blame anyone but the person out of position losing the ball.. hmmm. Also I'm only defending Almiron really because people seem to be picking him out for a coss he didn't control... it didn't lead to a goal.
Players who really need replacing: Manquillo Krafth Dummett Ritchie Gillespie After that you're probably looking at Targett, Lascelles, Karius and maybe Murphy once that lot have been sorted.
NO! In short. In long - Home grown - Dummy, him, Anderson and Miley are currently the only 4 homegrown players we have. Until we have the next Steven Taylor come through he will be playing for the club until further notice.
Another problem with the ballot system is that groups of mates can't sit together anymore, it makes the atmosphere worse as you are more likely to sing when others around you are. When you are sat on your own and try to sing you end up getting weird looks from the people who just sit in silence all game. The club say they want a good atmosphere yet they put obstacles in the way to prevent it from being as good as it can be, people near the strawb corner but not in the standing section have been getting letters telling them to sit down. Also the pre game announcer bloke is an absolute wet wipe.
Come one man I thought the idea of Steven Taylor would have made you realise we are lucky to have him as 5th choice CM!
