BenTheFox

We would have conceded well over 40 goals this season already if you replaced him with even an average Premier League goalkeeper.

I'm aware that Buonanotte can't play against Brighton, Stephy will probably start by default.

I thought this. Mavididi is a far better footballer, but it's not always about picking the best footballers, it's about striking the right balance. I thought Stephy looked a threat when he came on but he's going to have to work much harder if he wants to win his place back. Until then, Kasey starts.

We conceded a lot of chances, however, that appeared to be more down to us losing the ball cheaply than organisation or structural issues. Generally we looked far more organised and can at least see a clear shape and some idea of how he wants to play. Hopefully with a bit of confidence, more time on training ground and most importantly, a few decent signings we get better. Pleasing start.

James McClean's explanation for not wearing a poppy is completely reasonable and I wish that people wouldn't make such a big deal of it every rememberance weekend.

It used to be that Man City fans could be considered among the most honourable. If you're from Manchester, then you have a genuine excuse to support Man United. Supporting Man City was only considered a more difficult gig than most based on who their inner-city rivals are. This was especially in the mid-to-late 90s when Man United were dominating English football and winning trebles whilst Man City were in the 2nd and 3rd tier. Otherwise they've had it no more difficult than most football fans in the country.

This is true I'm afraid. We really have so little going for us. We can improve with a coherent tactical plan and better coaching, but that's only going to take us so far. We ultimately need better players. It's obvious that we need better defenders first and foremost but unfortunately that's not where it ends for us. Apart from Hermansen and Buonanotte, you could make a case for us needing to upgrade in every position. Obviously we're not going to get that in January, but we're going to need more than just a centre-half and a full back.

I know this is pretty standard banter, but idea that Man City were in any way a small club pre-takeover just isn't true. They'd still spent most of their existence in the top flight. How bad they were in the mid-to-late 90s clouds a lot of people's judgement in my opinion.

His reasoning being that they'd have a hangover from Klopp leaving like Man United did from SAF leaving and Arsenal did when Wenger left... Just one thing he's forgetten here... Liverpool have a far better squad than Man United and Arsenal did when SAF and Wenger left. Arsenal literally finished 6th in Wenger's last season. They had a better season under Emery afterwards.

Reminder that Gary Neville predicted Liverpool to finish below Man United and outside of the top four at the start of the season.

That's what I meant really. 3 or 4 players can transform a team.

I don't think we're completely beyond hope yet. However, we really need to improve the squad in January. If we can't bring in 3 or 4 players that improve the squad then I think we're down. We have to stay in the fight until then though.

As players they didn't fall into the legendary category but Brian Clough and Alex Ferguson were also pretty good players themselves.

Yeah, Guardiola's playing career is actually underrated because he's been such an incredible manager

Lineker knows better as well. Him and his kids are Leicester fans. He even mentioned a few weeks ago that he fears for us because our performances have been so poor. He just chooses to follow their line more often than not. The Ranieri one is a little bit different. He argued it only from a sentimental position. He knew the football was horrendous.

I'm not disputing how much better Brighton are behind the scenes. However, Potter was still a huge gamble. Especially given the backlash they'd received from the media for sacking Hughton.

This is why I do find it pretty funny when people compare SAF with Guardiola. Many people that worked under Guardiola have gone onto be very good managers, whereas I'm struggling to name anyone that worked under SAF that has proven themselves to be a good manager.

Southampton sacking Nigel Atkins for Potch is another great example. Atkins had achieved back-to-back promotions with them and had them outside of the PL relegation zone. He was replaced by a manager who couldn't even speak English at the time and it proved to be an inspired decision!

Remember when Brighton sacked Chris Hughton, who'd got them promoted and kept them in the Premier League for two seasons? The backlash to that was pretty big. They replaced him with Potter who had previously managed in Sweden and had just finished 10th in the championship with Swansea. That decision in time transformed the club, through granted it took a while. They then appointed De Zerbi who had predominantly managed bottom half or mid-table clubs in Serie A and now have a manager who is literally 31 years-old. Every appointment they've made has been a gamble and they haven't looked back. Had they listened to so called experts and continued plodding along with Hughton, they certainly wouldn't have played in Europe and be finishing well in the top half of the premier league.

This is a massive risk. However, one thing I noticed about him when he took over at Man United for a few games is that he has an undeniable aura about him. He looked like the idea of managing a club that size didn't phase him. I'd like to think he'd have the respect of our players.

But both are those are near us in the table. With us he has the opportunity to have a number of games before January.

I'd love to know what Potter is holding out for. Been out of work for a year and a half, the England job is no longer available and he's not getting a top Premier League job. I know we're not great at the minute but if he can keep us up this season, then suddenly the club is a decent prospect again.

I reckon if you're a Palace, Wolves, Ipswich, Everton or Southampton fan, you're hoping we don't go for Moyes.

Cooper is probably not the worst manager but he was the worst appointment.

This is why I lean towards Moyes. His recruitment at West Ham was generally good. Bowen, Zouma, Soucek, Coufal all signed under him.