OTF

Yeah, terrible game, we got the ball into dangerous positions routinely but never really looked like scoring.

Good centre for Rondon from him there.

And he doesn't dally in making a decision. Always decisive and always moves after passing. Well coached, intelligent player.

In a game where our end product has been sub-standard here comes Atsu...

Harper then?

Almiron's attack minded passing is impeccable, always the perfect weight on the ball. Impressive.

He does. I like him but it's like Pardew's tactic of hitting Williamson from corners. It literally never works and yet he sticks with it.

Ayoze for Muto at some point soon, he'll be eager to impress. So glad we don't have Joselu on the bench.

Absolute gilt edged chance that one.

Rafa protecting Longstaff taking him off on a yellow, we'll miss his passing with Diame on.

They've struck the perfect balance of physicality and being soft fannies to draw fouls, with the referee obliging. We need to be a lot better in posession and.... everything else.

It's true, though we have got the ball into dangerous positions routinely it's just that our final balls have been terrible. They've been better by a distance and they're getting all the calls but most of all we're doing ourselves no favours.

Forgetable half that one. Will be interesting to see if Rafa changes things up.

Where's the abort option on this thread?

Looked nothing wrong with that challenge, not sure how that was a yellow.

There's a case for a farcical tackle like that being a red. Cracking ball in behind by Longstaff, Perez's run gave Manquillo nothing to aim at with the cutback.

What a prick Noble.

We're no strangers to being behind, still looking lively with the ball. Agree that the defending was poor but it was also a well taken corner and good header. Our crossing has been terrible.

You absolute dickhead. That Rice is an odd looking fellow.

Quit it. Listen to the podcast instead.

Still holding out hope for Muto, language barrier and Asian Cup have hurt his chances so far. When he's played he's not look bad. Tidy goal he scored against manu.

And don't call him Shirley.

Hopefully it's not just being at a new team trying to fit in, but Almiron looks like he gets joy from linking up nicely with his teammates, as opposed to Kenedy who appears much more selfish.

Tough run in for them too. I expected them to do better after finishing last season in hot form and splashing a bit of cash. Unfortunately for them you can't leak goals like they have and expect to pickup points. No fortitude.

Think he was likely exhausted. If he's upgraded I'd like it to be someone with the same intensity, but at least slightly less prone to giving free kicks away.