LAM09

Madueke just lost on the left. He has no right foot whatsoever.

Sanchez looking lost per norm. Estevao hasn't scored in this tournament. Ofc, he'd do it against us. Bound to happen. Joao Pedro on instead of Jackson is positive, though.

No idea what's worse, James in midfield after what happened in our only defeat or Nkunku starting a game of this magnitude. This isn't where you flaunt players on the shop window.

They wanted to renew his contract as well. Sickening.

You can always live in hope, eh. I might be mistaken, but I'm sure I read something in recent months that said we'd be willing to make exceptions for exceptional talent. Rodrygo would fit that and his age wouldn't be an issue like recent top talent we've been linked with. The rumoured transfer fee for Petrovic seems far too low unless there's clauses.

I've seen noise that we could be willing to let George go out on loan. Would be a very bizarre choice unless someone like Rodrygo was lined up (only played 23 minutes~ over four games at the CWC).

If Newcastle are bidding £55m for Elanga, Madueke, an English INT, has to be worth at least £65m+. Don't need to be giving bargains out, especially to direct rivals.

I see there's talk that Neto could be excused from tomorrow's match (completely understandable). I'd say he's been our best attacking player in this tournament by some distance. All I hope is that Delap starts without question. Jackson has to atone at some point for his behaviour. No more excuses about replacements not being available either.

Awful news about Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre. Just goes to show how precious life is.

Not at the rumoured price. Sunderland clearly have money to burn with the Jobe sale and PL money. If there isn't some sort clause (buy-back or significant sell on), it isn't good business.

Kalou could at least be relied on as an impact sub, more often than not. Jackson has been a certified starter for two seasons, and the most noticeable thing about him is his petulant behaviour.

I did seem like it was going to be a whitewash. In the end, Ramos probably had the best chance with a header just missing the post (they had a goal ruled out for offside, too).

If Maresca wants to keep playing him at LW when given the chance, there's absolutely no point in him staying around.

I constantly keep hearing noise about their financial restraints, so I feel if not this summer, he'll be gone the next, whether the Geordies like it or not. An awful refereeing decision effectively gifted them CL as is. Whatever the reason, if he doesn't gel with the person picking the squad, he's a goner. If we were talking about an untouchable like Caicedo or James, we would be having a completely different convo.

Don't know why, but I have a sneaky feeling about Monterrey. I honestly didn't realise they had that many big names on their roster. It's definitely shown so far, not to mention their manager was Pep's former assistant. Still puzzled as to how Kovac keeps finding himself in top jobs, though.

If he goes, I doubt it will be down to just footballing ability. There's been previous where his attitude has come into question and with Estevao set to be part of main squad, I wouldn't be surprised to see him move on. I'd seriously enquire about Isak should Newcastle have a real interest in him. Use any possibility leverage we have for a change.

That's what we are lead to believe. Either way, I'm sure we could have come to a reasonable agreement for one of the best CF's around. £165kpw for someone of his calibre was insulting.

When's this happening? 😉

Al Hilal are the first Asian/Arab side to beat European opposition. If the result earlier on wasn't a wake up call for the top sides, this ought to be.

If anyone just watched City's match against Wydad (team who finished bottom of their group), they would have realised this City side are probably the weakest they have been defensively in some time.

Played 80 or so minutes at CB tonight.

They are missing arguably their two best attackers as well (Al-Dawsari picked up an injury in their last game, and Mitrovic has been injured for a while). Games aren't won on paper.

They definitely don't seem to be the smartest bunch. Go all out for meh players and play penny-pinchers where game changers are involved (Osimhen, Maignan, etc).

I don't believe I've ever heard of such a clause. If we had pull the trigger early, we would have saved a decent chunk.

I feel Al Hilal could give City a real issue tonight. They really should have beaten Real Madrid, and City were in one of the easiest groups (Juve rested their main players).