Tomo

Against Brighton they got in behind us once, admittedly it was an absolute sitter but still. Today, what Mane's goal and i think one shot from Wijnaldum. Not to mention we haven't come close to conceding a set piece and this is before Mendy and Thiago S slot in. As i said i'm more worried going the other way, we've looked short of real ideas. I don't agree with @Puliiszola that we'd have for sure got the win (though we may have with a Werner, Kai or even Mount moment) but we didn't look like conceding.

Tbh i didn't think of it like that, i remember we got spanked by Rafa's Liverpool when we had many players out and that was our (and one of English footballs) best squad ever. I'm more annoyed with the lack of ideas going forward, defensively we have done well so far this season all things considered.

Problem is, that wasn't sustainable as shown the following season. If we want a title or CL at all costs this season fine play as shithouse as nessesery but we're suppose to be building our next great team, in a process like that you play "your way" and take the growing pains on the chin.

Well apart from Willian, which again helps make the point I'm trying to make.

Not when we were poor he didn't. In 15/16 he didn't score a goal Vs a team above 15th I think and in 17/18 he got like four goals. It was our well structured title team and to an extent Sarri's side that got the best out of him.

Backs up my point even more, these were the type of performances Pedro had when we were so out of it as a unit. Willian would have been quite suited to today's game as we needed a ball carrier when Pool strangled us.

Stick prime Pele up top, he'd have been average with this approach.

Couple of things I have to say though. 1. Kante was fantastic, I've been very critical of him last two years and still not convinced he suits certain games (like the one next week) but he was incredible despite the score. 2. We seem to be better at set pieces, not looked troubled from one in two games yet, maybe just maybe Barry has made an impact.

Can't really blame the players today, even Hazard looked shit when we played these tactics. I can take losing 4-0 going toe to toe (like we did at OT) but this is hard to take.

No Leeds lost. And were lucky it was so close. They had 3 chances and scored 3. Don't be results oriented. Same with the arsenal game. First half they did nothing. Yeah Arsenal literally got two gifts from VVD and Alison, they were as bad as we have been.

They worked until a mistake like these did today. For the record I don't agree with it, would rather lose going for it then to try and shithouse a 0-0, even if it was looking good to work until the red.

In fairness, these were the shithouse tactics Arteta played against us (in the league) and you praised him for them.

Ofcourse it's too early this time last year people were moaning we signed Pulisic because we had CHO and Madrid got Jovic for the same price.

Well unfortunately this is the down side to having such a good academy, some will leave due to there not being enough room (Barca had the same 'problem' in peak La Masia days ala Thiago and Cesc).

Can't believe i was the only one in my private league to put him in my fantasy team, was basically a cheat code at his price.

"you don't get that type of space in the Premier League"

If Souness targeted one of our players the way he does Pogba we'd be incandescent and rightly so. Remember Neville's rant on him after he missed pen vs Wolves?

Paul Pogba (and now by the looks of things Greenwood) are practically bullied by the media, lets not pretend they protect United at all costs.

Why are some of you suggesting back three? Did you learn nothing from Anfield? They take maximum advantage of half spaces that that formation leaves. 4-3-3 is the go to with these lot.

I went once a week to classes. In my opinion constant convo with a fluent speaker is the best way. Learned more in a month in Spain than I ever did in class.

Mendy thread?

Don't buy that, the likes of Sarri (Empoli) and Howe managed to get average teams playing excellent front foot football, infact Ian bloody Holloway nearly kept an abysmal Blackpool side in the league having turned into an attack based manager almost overnight on the recommendation of a friend.

Arteta has done a good job at Arsenal but fuck me, style wise he appears to have learned more from Moyes than he has Pep. Arsenal are utter wank to watch.

I do wonder how they would feel walking around England or going to a restaurant. When i'm abroad i know i have the safety net of not being too far away from an English speaker and have most things (like menu's, directions, airport announcement's) translated, they don't have that luxury. I guess it doesn't matter for footballers as they could hire a full time translator if need be but for an average foreigner moving here must be quite intimidating.

James doesn't so heavily rely on physical traits like Bale does though.