For once Howe made a change and fixed it when it looked like things were going to go to ****, ie Bailey was ripping Burn apart and bringing Tino on fixed that. Burn had played well before that but couldn't handle Bailey. Very deserved in the end, Villa were dire in the first half and only really did anything when 0-3 down, stick that one in your beautiful home record lol. Isak hopefully back for Luton, but I dunno.
Yes. Or, as I am not obtuse to your implication, for the past few months - when getting beat off the likes of Luton and Forest - play Almiron left, Gordon right and Isak/Wilson through the middle.
Saw Barnes and Wilson fit for Forest game, Willock the following week v Bournemouth, but also seen Barnes is going to be available for Luton, so who the fcuk actually knows
Have to say, we missed Miggy's work rate and movement before he came on. Murphy just stands on the touchline waiting for the ball and while he was involved in the 3rd goal, that's about all he did. Almost all of our threatening play last night came down the left via Gordon, Miley, Isak and then later on with Miggy. Whereas usually we are a bit one-sided with everything coming down our right flank.
Yeah very good switch by Howe to see it out. Night and day from the Fulham win, thought everyone played well across the board yesterday and at a minimum a "7". Big shout out to Dubravka who's come back in and is looking sharper by the game. Interesting that Miggy can actually deliver a ball if he's on his stronger foot... Who'duv thunk it? Hopefully Isak was just precautionary but Gordon looks a threat up top with his runs in behind so would have no issue with him up there if needs be. Kinder run of games coming up, need the lads and staff fully focused on delivering a string of results now to claw our way back into the Europeans spaces.
Newcastle have been playing Almiron out of position since the day we signed him, no? I guess Rafa played him as a CAM a bit. But Bruce stuck him on the right and Howe never bothered to change it I think it's been something called out on by average people on here for years, I just gave up even bothering about it Gordon's a good player but I don't think his finishing is good enough to merit being a striker
Also thought Botman is starting to look like his old self now he's got a few games under his belt. If we can keep the back 4 fit for the second half of the season and get Barnes, Wilson, Willock back fit and firing I don't see why we can't make a really good push for European places - top 5 is probably gone but 6th is a realistic aim now. 3 Down (and 3 of the current top 4) 16 to go in the second half of the season! 9 points out of the next five games and progressing in the Cup would be amazing.
No he ****ing won't. He's a number 10 through and through and without a change of formation he will always be lost. Lets change out the most exciting member of our team to make way for Almiron is as ****ing laughable as the mackems thinking they were going to pump us in the derby.
I don't know, think Gordon is versatile enough to handle the switch to CF/RW if needed - and looks like he may be up top anyway if Isak can't start at the weekend. Miggy has played 30 mins at LW and shown he can deliver with his left foot. I/we always moan about his lack of assists and one footedness so I'd be up for having players on their "natural" side. Also think Burn could benefit from having Miggy in front of him as Miggy will help him out more than any other winger we have. Truth is if everyone is fit I don't think Miggy makes the starting lineup anyway but I'd be tempted to move Gordon RW anyway. Willock and Joelinton have a great understanding down the left and I'd hope (if they are both fit and here next season) they can rekindle that relationship on the left hand side of midfield. Best squad if 25 fit players for me... ---------------Pope Trippier-Schar-Botman-Burn ----Tonali-Bruno-Willock ---Gordon-Isak-Joelinton Subs: Dubravka, Tino, Lacselles/CB, Targett/Hall, Longstaff/Anderson, Miley, Barnes, Almiron/Murphy, Wilson/CF
Good point about Almiron, not a fan of his but think the best use of his skill set would be on the left helping Burn and focusing more on assists than goals
