Tomo

Stat padding against the lesser sides. We don't really have a game we should on paper be winning comfortably for a while after this one. It's the winning comfortably on paper games that (I assume) is the main reason we've brought Rom in.

So you don't think we will challenge because we ain't proven over 38 games? Ok lets say i accept that, why on the same basis do you think United have a chance of seriously challenging despite their current squad and manager's track record of producing 0 out of 10s when the medals are on the line?

We will likely try and put Kepa on in the last two minutes, I could easily see technically competent teams managing to keep it for a relitevely small amount of time. Is there any reason that subs before the shootout isn't permitted? Seems bizzare tbh.

You literally poured cold water of any top four chances in the prediction thread, don't move the goal posts. If you're going to slate our proven winner players and underestimate our proven world class manager while wanking off our rivals (which include a team who have bottled their last 18 shots at a trophy) every time we don't play great and/or drop points, atleast have the bollax to put it record.

Just typical that the one game in the first two months that's tailor made for Lukaku he most likely won't be ready for.

I tell you what, it you're so convinced this season is going to be shit, would you be willing to put your money where your mouth is? If we finish outside the top four I'll donate £200 to the forum, if we finish inside it you do. If for any reason you don't bet money wise, loser forefits posting rights for the following season. Deal?

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I wonder now the cats out of the bag regarding our keeper stragedy for penalties, teams will start playing keep ball against us at that stage to prevent us making the change?

He conceded at Villa Park aswell. I disagree, while I'll accept Frank's system isn't the biggest help for keepers Edou played in the same system and still did well. I don't really want to go any further into it at this moment as he deserves his moment so I'll leave it there.

As much as I don't rate him I never doubted (even during Sarri gate) that he was a good person and quite clearly well liked by his teammates. Unlike the previous two record transfers from Spain I'll have fond memories of him despite everything and moments like this help further.

It's actually embarrising that the pundits and commentators haven't done their research on Edou's penalty record.

It's possible for both to be, but if we achieve above what you think either is capable off then something isn't adding up.

I'm just pointing out the fact you want to seem to have your cake and eat it.

So achieving top four with a squad not good enough for top four, is a shit job? Got it!

But we were only 5 points off a top 4 position that this squad is (according to you) not capable of achieving as per your post in the prediction thread. So going by your logic he was doing as well as we could expect, if not overachieving!

If you think this squad is so "dead" why on earth did you demand Lampard's sacking?

So when we play good (which included this first half "it's fooled us" When we don't "this is defiently how it's going to be".

Fixed.

Pulisic is starting to annoy me, he ghosts games far too often.

Maybe i'm old fashioned but I've always believed team chemistry trumps personal stats. If he (all comps) scores 30 but it is pretty clear his presence is holding us back despite that (ala Mario Gomes at Bayern) and we finished 3rd or worse then I'll be unhappy. That's actually my main worry as I was a big fan of our fluidity with Kai in that position. If on the other hand he scores 15 but we piss the league and make a big go at our UCL defense, then who cares? That's why I don't really take part in the Werner bashing outside of banter, because despite the frustrations infront of goal, both the stats and the eyes quite clearly show we're a much better team with him in it.

The idea that Haaland would have been long term is extremely naive. Raiola would have his next move mapped out before he even signed.

Are you on about the stand or the forum?

I agree with the club world cup. Super Cup? I'll trade that one for three point against Palace let alone the title.

I'm a little worried, most of our games in the first two months are big ones and if he fails to score in them the pressure and scrutiny will become absolutely unbearable (on both him and us as a team). It's typical that the one game in the near future that is tailor made for him (Palace at home) he may not be ready for.

I would be all for it if we were guaranteed the 15/16 version but after the last few years he's had it's too big a risk even for a squad role.