shen

Depends how you look at it. He's performing well, for sure, but he's also in the spotlight a lot. And just because he is performing well, it's a bold claim to say he's "the best". E.g. Many of the top keepers don't get to showcase their shot-stopping that much because their teams don't allow as many (good) shots as our team does. But I don't watch near enough football to be able to judge who's the best out there. I hope Hermansen becomes as good as his potential promises - I'm a supporter of both teams he plays for after all.

You got Netherlands confused with Belgium there.

Nice post! Re: Daka, based on the performance on Tuesday, that's a bit harsh. If he plays like that, then he'll be a very able deputy. His inconsistency is his biggest weakness, but if can be a threat on the counter, then he can become a real asset. Re: Hermansen, I think that's a bit blue-tinted there... He needs to seriously bulk up and have better upper body strength. The chaos that ensued from him not catching the ball at the end of the first half and the embarrassing punch into his own goal are evidence of this. He's good with the ball and has been great at stopping shots this season, but we've also seen a few areas that need work (i.e. getting caught in no man's land against Wood) - especially if he's to be branded "best in the world".

Kasper is still in goal for Denmark because he keeps making big saves and is a natural leader on and off the pitch. It's the last bit which I think is the main reason he's still first choice. It's also the biggest question mark over Hermansen at this point. He's a growing presence in both squads and his recent comments on wanting to properly challenge for the first team spot in 2025 tells me he is very ambitious and can grow into another leader. The Danish NT have been notoriously slow in replacing their starting goalkeeper for most of my life (P Kjær to P Schmeichel, P Schmeichel to T Sørensen, T Sørensen to K Schmeichel*) so it's almlst culturally embedded that there has to be a sharp decline in performances before the replacement takes over. *there was a short transition period with S Andersen/A Lindegaard before Kasper took over the reins.

Bit insulting towards Spartak, that. I think people are blinded by Daka's inconsistent ability to control a ball. First half, it has to be Mads, with Vestergaard in general the best of the outfield players. Second half was a different proposition entirely. Soumaré, Ndidi, Kristiansen, El Khannouss, Daka, Coady all very decent. Incidentally Mads had a poor second half and was spared massive blushes by the ref.

Leysen MOTM?

Ruud van Nistelnoooice!!!

Faes you numpty... just play it!!

He was pretty rubbish first half. Much improved second half. He's still positionally and physically weak in the challenge.

DAKAAAAA YOU BEAUTY!!!

Sure, but he needed a lot of luck tonight - and he got it. It's not too dissimilar to our performance against Spurs in the opener where they should have been completely out of sight by half time. Good commitment from the team, efficient counterattacks and good fortune at both ends. Not complaining in any way! Let's see this game off and use the result for some momentum and improved performances.

Shame for BDCR. But my word is Ruud a lucky charm or what?!

Bilal has shown great vision and has probably been more effective than Kasey. Both probably need subbing before 60 minutes for Ayew and Mav.

How we've gone in ahead at HT, that's a mystery and a gift! Let's hope Ruud gives them a boost and tweaks things a bit so we can get something out of this

"The Hammers haven't been nailing it"

Bouba is doing OK under pressure. But we're not going anywhere forward with him and Ndidi in the middle.

KDH would have been an entirely different presence in midfield. Just his mobility and responsibility would strengthen that central midfield substantially. I wonder if we can ship Edouard back and loan KDH for the rest of the season in January.

Vestergaard brilliant there. Eff off Cooper for not using him more.

Lacking confidence and proper game plan. Missing Ricardo, Winks, Mavididi, Fatawu and KDH from the side that did so well last season.

I'll take a draw now if offered

We're so weak in the air. Justin, Kristiansen, McAteer, Buonanotte, BEK are pretty useless aerially. Vardy will never win many duels either.

Squeaky bum stuff and we're only 24 minutes in

Sheesh, even I recognise that robot. And I haven't had access to BBC for over 20 years! Get with the times, Daggers

McAteer will be subbed after 55-60 mins and Mav will get a chance against a tired defence. Surprised BDCR hasnt been dropped entirely for Alves or someone from the youth team.

Mav, young?? The guy is 26...