LAM09

El Clasico should be interesting this weekend. I was going to post something similar. The likely winner with a memorable hattrick on the biggest stage. Early days and all, but I can't help feeling that Mbappe was just another one of Perez's toys. An upgrade on Joselu & a starting defender would have suited them much more.

Two clutch saves from Thibo (one from Brandt at 2-0) will probably prove decisive. RM's defence is being held together by Rudi.

This stance of playing hardball is so stupid. If a player doesn't see himself being at the club for the foreseeable future, do everything possible to get the highest fee for them.

Playing Nkunku out wide is a complete waste. The right decision was to put him behind Jackson & Palmer go out to the right. Certain decisions made are baffling.

I don't get why Enzo didn't just make all the subs at HT. Odd.

Just like that. If you're gonna try to play offside, you have to be aware of runners. Level for a matter of minutes.

Something that is needed in such a position. His positioning always seems to be an issue. If there isn't someone next to him with experience, we will have moments like this every game. He just always seems to be in the wrong position which makes his life 10x harder.

Former player scores like clockwork. Colwill didn't learn from his poor positioning moments before. I'm starting to wonder why is there so much hype about him aside from where he's from. Jackson is such a liability as well.

If we play such a highline, we will pay for it.

I was on board with it being a harsh but fair call prior to seeing this in the replay. I've said it time and time again: You can have all the technology in the world, but ultimately, it's useless when idiots are in control. The speed at which the ref made the decision after watching the replay shows you everything you need to know about their ineptitude.

You were saying.... Two CB's with the goals today. Four points won in the last minute of games.

VAR to the rescue?

I'm slightly surprised James & Lavia are both starting, but I'm excited to see what is arguably our best XI. This is our first actual test. A positive outcome would provide a good indicator of where we stand as a team among the chasing pack.

I totally agree with you. I have no idea why we keep paying above market value for subpar goalkeepers. A top CF and GK would give us a real opportunity of becoming legitimate competitors once more. However, based on our transfer business since Roman left, it appears that nothing will change in the immediate future.

Costa just doesn't impress me in the slightest. He had a very up-and-down performance against United (bailed out by Samu). I just can't see us going for another GK unless two that currently on our books are permanently sold.

If they want to make money, they aren't short of options as you listed. His performance against us in the CL for Atletico was one to remember. The one time someone performed & we didn't end up snapping them up.

More drama 😑

All three PK's in that match were missed. I'm surprised Leao or Pulisic didn't take one.

His selection was insulting to the opponents (or foolish). When I saw that midfield, I knew it was going to be a long night, expecting Rice to be this all-conquering midfield general. Greece should have sealed up the game long before Bellingham scored. Regardless, they completed the task and most likely put an end to Carsley's prospects of landing the position permanently.

That is the issue, however. There wasn't enough of a sample size to expect him to be a consistent playmaker at the highest level. Unfortunately, Argentina's World Cup success just enhanced the hype surrounding him rather than his actually performances.

The highest goal involvement in Europe, IIRC.

I had hoped that with time, he would progress in such areas. He's basically a luxury at this time, which cannot be afforded at such a position, as opposed to forward.

They seemingly wanted €40m~ during the summer, but that fee will probably rise considerably if his form continues.

If we judged him off the price tag, we were robbed. I honestly don't know what he excels at or offers on a regular basis.

Marmoush with a 94th minute equaliser against Bayern (he was involved in all three goals). He rightfully snubbed a move to Forrest over the summer, but I'm sure a top EPL will snap him up soon enough.