Gonna post this review now while we're at the lowest point we've been probably since Eddie was in charge. Losing to Bournemouth and having an almost balls drained fatigued squad. It can surely only get better from here. I think we've only really had one really bad result and that was Bournemouth, but injuries and fatigue can excuse that. The only other result that you could argue was **** was not holding on for at least a draw vs Liverpool. Our league position is reasonable considering the circumstances, but I expect us to be higher at the end of the year, which i'll discuss below. We;ve been incredibly unlucky with injuries but also our squad depth issues have been well and truly revealed. After our first team we really have very little to offer. Ratings so far - Some players not included due to low involvement. Pope - 7.5. He has had plenty of quiet games where we've kept clean sheets and he hasn't had to do much, and also losses where he couldn't really do anything about the goals. The only massive mistake was against Brighton. Besides that, he has, especially recently, but also vs Milan away, been close MOTM in certain games. When we needed him he made numerous good saves. Unfortunately he wasn't quite good enough to carry us vs Bournemouth but almost did. His kicking and technical abilities are limited, but his shot stopping abilities and handling aren't beneath anyone in this league besides Alison. Trippier - 9 - POTS so far. 6 assists, statistically currently the most creative player in the league, close to maddison and Bruno F. Our only consistent source of creativity on the right side, can play LB if needed, great defensively and attacking wise. Our best player. Schar - 8 - Hasn't done much wrong, provides attacking and defensive quality. Lascelles - 8 - Has really stepped up in the absence of Botman. Hasn't done much wrong. Burn - 8 - 2 goals already, has really become more of a goal threat and has done very well helping us get 8/9 clean sheets in all comps so far. Longstaff - 8 - Has really been the most consistent CM for us easily whilst Tonali and Bruno have been remarkably inconsistent, and Joelinton and Willock have been unfit. Huge goal in the CL game and a couple in the league. Joelinton - 6 - 0 goals and 1 assist so far. Has had a few good games but hasn't looked his normal self. He was fantastic against City in the cup but definitely not up to last seasons standards and not fully fit. Not bad, but definitely not his best. Bruno - 5 - Although he has been much better the last few games, overall his discipline has been shocking and could have had at least 2 red cards already. Overall not impressed. If I don't see a better 2nd half to the season, then 100m is looking quite tempting. His ability is there but just not consistency. Discipline ****e and has cost us goals which is pizzing about in dangerous areas. If it wasn't for his recent good performances I'd give him a 3. Tonali - 5 - A few good games, has shown some good pace and skill on the ball but nothing too impressive yet. Anderson - 4 - He was present, but didn't really do much to impress. Can't fault his effort but really not sure what his best position is but looks like it might be LW. Gordon - 9 - Couldn't really ask more of him. 8 attacking returns, creates and scores, works his arse off, can play game after game. 2nd best player after trippier so far. Only criticism is far too many yellow cards. Isak - 7 - He hasn't looked great at times but I think our lack of quality in attacking midfield at times plays a part. He has still showed up and gotten a decent goal tally despite not being 100%. Wilson - 7 - Decent goal tally and holds up the ball incredibly well at times. Sometimes anonymous but again due to our difficulty creating the right sorts of chances. Has missed some good chances but taken enough to warrant this rating. Murphy - 6 - Performed well when called up, but not much game time. Almiron - 6.5 - Has worked hard as per usual. A shame has hasn't gotten more attacking returns though. He isn't creative and if he isn't defending or scoring he's not doing much. Hopefully he'll have a purple patch soon. Only 2 goals so far came in the 8-0 sheffield game and 2-0 against Burnley. No assists. Eddie Howe - 8 - Has done incredibly well to get the best out of, at times, a shakey depleted, tired team. His win at Man Utd while playing 5 fullbacks was impressive. At times his approach was questionable though. Dropping Miggy and Gordon against Dortmund seemed poor. We really should have pushed to get the first goal in that game as the second that a team like Dortmund get that first goal they're playing counter attack which is our weakness. His game manage of Liverpool wasn't good. But besides that, he's been again fantastic. ------------- Decent season so far but I'm hopeful for the future as our fixtures congestion issues will likely be less of a problem and we've got a great run of games towards the end of the season. Prediction for final league position - 5th. Our fixtures from february onwards are - Luton Forest Bournemouth Arsenal Wolves Chelsea Palace West Ham Everton Fulham Spurs Manure Sheffield Burnley Brighton Brentford I believe this is the run that will allow us to solidify a top 6 place, maybe even top 4 if another team slips up.
Not much I'd massively disagree on think Tonali and Anderson at 6's, Bruno a 6.5/7 and Trippier 8 - POTS - Gordon so far.
Honestly mate, I'm sick of your posts. You just seem like you take the opposite view of most people. I've been on here a long time but I'm tired of you. If the rest of you can put up with him, then hey ho! I can't .I'll stop posting but might comment, occasionally.