OTF

Yes, Wood has to be used to create space by attracting defensive attention with Willock and potentially Joelinton moving into thay space more centrally.

Don't stop there, they're all going down like Italians.

That's a clear fucking foul that, tunneling under a player in the air. This ref is all over the place.

Khoulibaly trying to dishonour the Premier League Player of the month with an attempted tea bagging.

Miggy is quick but not that quick....

Let's be honest he's out there to work hard and maybe get on the end of something until Eddie introduces Wilson.

Trippier was onside there.

It's hard to judge Schar's condition as he's gone down on several occassions in the past and played on. Slightly surprised Eddie is warming up Lascelles rather than Targett (with Burn to CB) if Schar does need to come off.

Stop start nature of this game hasn't yet quietened the crowd down which is good to see.

I heard a couple of things, not sure what to believe at this stage. First that he was unfortunately lost at sea, and second that he retired at Bristol City. More to come.

The stunts to cu.... ratio is horribly off in this.

Sorry for your loss Brokendoll, great name for your dog as well. We've actually just welcomed a new dog into our family and so far she's an absolute treat. Our last boy passed away a few years ago after a very good 17 year innings. Between my folks and sisters we've now got five new dogs in the family (my SIL had her dog bred and we have one of the little or two). Dogs are amazing.

Love his face after the swig of water like "why does this pop taste so bland". Are we sure that this isn't Ricky Gervais with some prosthetics and make up?

BDB should have been brought into the picture when he was at Brighton, more heart than the rest of the central defenders combined.

Nice work Sepp and FIFA you corrupt pieces of shit.

Eddie clearly amused by Adam demonstrating his preferred fisting technique.

Shola got plenty of caps playing for us.

Should be good for a fair few bore holes.

He's going to have a shocked look on his face.

I'm still torn. In your corner also, we will be less ready for the additional fixtures next season than we will be the following one.

Agree. It's not simply about protecting your best players, you also need to keep your alternates match fit and pushing for a spot in the first team. Looking at the stats we were still well on top (unless I hear otherwise) so should still have been able to win without needing the penalties.

Botman can at least feel better having seen Bruno's attempt. At least Sven was on target. Our first three pens were great though, and that's where it was won combined with Pope making a nice save on their first.

Well at least now we won't have to pretend we're happy about being eliminated from the cup so we don't have it as a distraction.

Totally, though it would be horrendous to get rid of Howe for anyone. You can tell how well respected Howe is by other managers, including Pep, through their comments and body language, which is in stark contrast to Bruce before him where their pleasant platitudes were as empty as Steve's crisp packets. I'm looking forward to seeing how Howe reacts to the inevitable challenges we will face as the season progresses; cup team selections, injuries, switch up tactics mid-game and the pressure that will come from being where we are on the table.

I get what you saying but what do you expect? He does what I expect of a manager in such a situation but does it well by listening to the questions and answering them honestly without giving away too many specifics. It's not like he doesn't say anything, he frequently comments on how well he thinks we played in games regardless of the results, and what we need to work on. I believe that his comments about taking it a game at a time, although cliched, are so for the reason that that is absolutely what you have to do. He doesn't get drawn into speculation or mid-long term commentary which again is appropriate. Sure it might mean there are no grand media grabs, nor potential banana peels but that's not exactly a bad problem to have in my book. Of course he will be different behind the scenes, but I wouldn't call it a front, just his media persona. I'm glad we don't have a raving lunatic who pretends to be your best friend until you ask a question they don't like, or someone who blames everyone else, or holds a grudge, or is negative towards the players/ fans/media as all of them would just cause undue distraction. Here's here to manage the team not tickle the whimsy of reporters out to create a sensationalist headline.