brookfox

To be honest I think it’s bravest manager wins. Either side is there for the taking (for slightly different reasons) and it’ll be the manager who is willing to be go for the win as opposed to accept a draw that’ll come out on top.

Happy with this for today. Wordle 1,213 3/6 🟨🟩⬛⬛⬛ ⬛⬛⬛🟩🟨 🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

Genuine question as I don’t know, did Trump do a good job in his last term? So on whatever metrics count; employment, economy, world relations, immigration, healthcare etc, did they perform well under his leadership? Lazily I never looked beyond him (as a buffoon at best) to consider the actual job he did.

Harris is starting to look a bit like Starmer; probably not good enough for the task at hand but definitely better than the alternative.

Given Southamtons style of play, I'm expecting Winks for Ayew with Ndidi pushing into the 10 spot and Bounanotte on the RW. Put pressure on their defence and try to win it back higher up the pitch. Although now I've said it there's no way I can see Ayew dropped for this so Winks for Buonanotte unfortunately.

Great; xY > xG + xA, just what we needed!

I just think we’re seeing a 21yo playing in probably the toughest league in the world and making a few mistakes in the public eye. He’s not perfect (if he was he wouldn’t be playing for us) but for me he’s putting in decent performances each week and will only get better. I know Ayew gets the focus on the age front but we actually have a pretty solid base of younger players; Mads, VK, Okoli, Fatawu, Skipp, Bilal, then the youngsters out on loan and another group in the 25-28 range. He may need a better understudy but for now I’m happy that he’s playing and developing.

I think of all our players, he may well have the highest ceiling in their respective positions. Very much a modern keeper, can see him ending up at a very big club. Let’s be honest, probably Chelsea!

@StriderHiryu, interested in your take on Ayews contribution and what he’s bringing to the team. Think (along with Ricardo) he’s the name in the team that most baffles the fans, but is he bringing something to the team beyond the traditional attacking stats of shots, assists and goals? Was trying to watch him objectively yesterday and yes he presses a bit, carries the ball up the pitch a bit and gets fouled, but even on this he’s a bit meh.

Did we overpay though? He’s a 23yo English midfielder with 70+ Prem games, 20+ U21 games and a pretty decent 7/10 across the board skill set. Not sure you pick these players up for £10m in the current climate. Will he prove a shrewd investment? Only time will tell, but so far he looks decent value and I’d say we look better when he plays.

Pleased for him that we got a win yesterday. He took a job nobody wanted, put together a decent team and in parts got us looking competitive. I can even forgive some team selection decisions. What he absolutely must improve on is his in game management. It was clear to all that Bournemouth were pushing hard for an equaliser for all of the second half and he doesn’t react. I guess in part you have to trust the players you have out there, but surely there’s something he can do. And why not look for the second goal to give us a cushion. The approach has already cost us more points than it’s won us so please Steve, learn from it!!

Only 26 as well, should be coming into his prime.

Well it is what it is, not much we can do now other than get behind the team and hope for the best 🙏🏻

Feels like blasphemy to even say it after last season but think I'd go with a midfield of Ndidi and Skipp with Buonanotte in front of them. Just not sure Winks has hit his previous standards now he's not in the role ideally suited to his skillset.

Actually watched the game, it was a weird one. Pompey were dreadful and both teams gave up for the last 30mins. Loads of fans left after 80mins (familiar!) as it’d become so drab! As for Cannon, obviously his finishing was on point, he strikes them so cleanly. Keeper was poor for his first I thought. His all round game was ok I’d say, nothing mor and he looked like he was carrying an injury to his lower back/hamstring (couldn’t tell). Not wanting to piss on his fire and 4 goals is worth praising but there’s a massive gap from a Prem defence to what Pompey put up last night. Should give him a platform to kick start his season though.

Novel idea; why don't we use the Cannon thread to comment on him and praise his performance not make petty remarks about Cooper.

I can see it now... Tom Cannon (6.1 + 4 goals - 57 mins) - Stoke City 7-1 Portsmouth

Geesh, keep up mate

Cannons boomed into life!

You sure they’re not text messages?

Hope is never a great strategy! Realistically is there anything we can do in this situation other than suck it up and take the compensation? Yes we can offer XYZ and a path to first team football (or not!) but if a bigger club come knocking is that just tough luck.

The boxing equivalent of Usyk vs a bloke down the pub who’s had a few pints and is getting lairy. Sure we might get a lucky punch in, but the odds are stacked on us getting a good thrashing. Fancy them for a couple from corners, then it’s about keeping it respectable unfortunately.

I enjoyed my 2mins of glory! Well done 👍🏻

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