Dahnsouff

Ayew has looked better than Fatawu thus far El Kanouss don`t know, but he is ours so would prefer him to start, but agree that Bounanotte has done very little wrong Just hope this is a more attacking tactics/display

See this all the time, but why would Cooper not start Ricardo if he is able and performs well in training? Feels like no reasons have been provided beyond "Well Cooper is a knob, so...."

In place of?

Would tend to agree, I tend to consider circumstance (not all players in yet, not trained enough together yes, tough teams to start, etc) but the lifetimes of those reasons (excuses?) are nearly at a end, the next few games need to see points gathered, as we cannot keep kicking this down the line. (This thread, and not for the first time, feels like a contemporary version of Aesops fable, the boy who cried sack-him-now wolf, as he done ok so far, but now we must see better)

This guy kept a team up, did Rooney? That’s a stat I can get behind.

Well, that is him getting a fine and a touch line ban then, still glad he called it out, assuming the evidence is as water tight as he made it sound.

Not true, it now seems almost fashionable to slate everything and wear your disdain like a badge of pride.

Rangers …. …. …. Rangers and Everton

Would probably not call it a comfort game, but this years Still Wakes the Deep is one that will one I return to many times due to its ridiculously high production values and the emotional nature of the story. Highest level of emotional investment I have found in a game, but imagine this is a personal choice.

Nice one @StanSP

Just wonder if it could be tactical, I know plenty are not keen on Cooper (no Forest accusations) but not picking Ricardo seems self defeating if Ricardo is anywhere near his best. Cooper has proven not to be irredeemably stubborn as he picked Stephy last game (Although you could argue that was because assumed favourite BDCR was not back from internationals….)

You haven’t answered my question even remotely You did what I specifically said I did not want, your childish name calling…. Do me a favour, block me, you clearly have nothing useful to contribute.

Did you not see the bit about baseless name calling? MUST USE CAPITALS IN FUTURE.

This is it. When JJ has been underwhelming, even in the scope of a single game and having Ricardo on the bench. Why not sub Ricardo on? It’s baffling, but not interested in baseless name calling, genuinely interested what the reason could be in Coopers mind? Must assume it’s either tactical, strength or minor injury concern that wouldn’t keep him from the bench. (No idea what such an injury could possibly be mind!)

Why do people think Cooper is not picking Ricardo? Out of spite?

Everton v Southampton is a life sucking void of hopeless inevitability. Really must turn it off.

No arguments here, and that would naturally start with a footballing director who could legitimately be left in charge of footballing matters and they would set and agreed long term identity for the club.

It’s more about what is most important I would suggest, but I am sure few want to see tedium without results nor results without excitement. Also do not think talking in these reductive terms is that egregious considering the way the club has been of late. Using last season as a statistic is also divisive (on here at least) as there was much discontent with the way Maresca had us ‘play’.

Good points, this season is certainly a mess. Would we have gone for Cooper without the points deduction, without the likelihood of more action? No idea, would like to think we would have looked to be more progressive, but hard to say. Change now? Do not see the point as we are underway, and players if not fans seem to be on board, so unless we fail to gain points over the next 5-10 games, he gets a stay of execution for me.

Old bugger alert

These the only reasons you can come up with? (Edit: iPad fail, early post) Seems weird, but maybe he is too fragile? Has a knock? I fail to understand what possible reason Cooper would have for not playing him if he were fit, was currently capable to play at the required level, etc. I realise people love a conspiracy, but why undermine yourself? He is only damaging his own reputation.

This season is about survival, nothing else and if he helps us survive, just like when Enzo got us promoted yet left, I would wish him well and then hope the club see’s sense and opts for a change to progress the club with a manager more suitable for building a team (club even). This season is not about style or principles, it’s about getting it done.

You are correct, I was culpable of what I protested against, but at the same time there is very little balance in this echo room, so I was merely seeking to suggest an outcome not dissimilar could have occurred whatever sub was made. Of course, Coady was brought on and we did indeed cede the momentum even more, but the point was that an alternative may not have helped, we could even have lost in another scenario.

Take villa out? Why?

I am sorry, but who thought Brexit was supposed to punish the elites?