Forest v. Brighton, 25 Nov 2023

Was there a red card check on Murillo yesterday down by the corner flag in the second half? No idea what was going on in the ground, other than we stopped playing for a few mins,.before their winger went apeshit.

We weren't great yesterday, but not deserving of some of the shite on twitter today. We were never going to dominate possession against that lot. We had barely had a kick in the couple of minutes before we scored - it certainly wasn't a case of sitting back on the lead as I've seen repeatedly suggested.

Murillo is a fucking terrific footballer that is only going to get better. He's pinging long passes with both of his feet now,. The last ditch tackle in the second half was outstanding.

He was absolutely amazing yesterday.

But.

We've conceded lots of goals. Is there a case for going back to something like Niakhte and Boly? Worrall and Boly?

I don't want that same back four starting against Everton. We'll really struggle.

Wouldn’t the argument be for going back to a three?

I think the objective next week against Ever-gone would be to not lose. Sad as it would seem. I would play Boly in as he is dominant in the air. (Although A miraculous Felipe return would be most welcome). Murillo was excellent yesterday and Aina was beaten for the header. The VAR check was because Joao Pedro had fallen over and Muriel was still trying to get the ball (even though it was blatant obstruction) and Pedro grabbed his leg. It looked initially like he was Kicking Pedro in the stomach but it was actually him trying to get his foot free.

Nothing to worry about. The Lad does look like he could kill you though.

AS for the Barry cock up. Yes I went back and watched it. He should have played the ball down the line to MGW but it was mishit under pressure. I think we made the mistake of not Putting a man marker on Evan Ferguson. Something Boly is good at but that would have disrupted the 4-5-1 formation.

Anyway, a win against the Blue Scouse is most welcome but not losing ground to them would be just as good.

Chicago: Playing the long game.

And me, ideally with Felipe. However someone told me yesterday he was about finished - hardly able to train regularly. No idea on the reliability of that though but his absence and links to Greece have been odd.

Yes, agree going to a three is probably for the best. I would like that at home too btw, which some aren't going to like.

I think we have the players for a three now, especially with Toffolo and Aina as potential wing-backs. Niakhate, Murilo and Boly/Worrall/Aurier seem a significant upgrade on Cook/Worrall/McKenna from the ill-fated back three days of early last season after Niakhate got injured.

Just seen a report Niakhate had to be helped from the pitch at end of game by medical staff. Can't say I noticed, but was on way out of ground.

Was sort of picked up on the MOTD highlights. He seemed to injure himself attacking the ball into the box from the final corner of the game and was struggling to get to his feet as the final whistle went.

Not sure if anyone's said, but I liked Toffolo taking some of the corners. Niakhte should have scored from one, or at least got it on target.

He was indeed (I know this as it takes me fucking ages to get out of the Upper Clough).

Five games, so two of the bottom three would have to improve dramatically and Luton slightly, even if we lost them all.

No chance whatsoever.

The midfield isnt working well often enough. for these fancy dan overseas players, the passing lacked zip and the movement was slow. I'd be tempted to go 4 4 1 1 and as @chicago likes Neco, maybe he fits into that

Everton win 3 games, Luton a win and a draw and we lose them all.

Oh cheer up. If we were safely midtable we would all be bored. Let's all have some excitement for a while.

Chicago: Living On The Edge.

Everton have won four out of thirteen. And now they are going to win three out of five?

2 out of 4 after they beat us on Saturday. Which will give them 4 wins from their last 7.