The table is meaningless at this stage of the season, particularly as we have played a game more than almost everybody. But given that we are eighth I shall be screenshotting it anyway.
I'd like to see him keep playing the same way. I'd just like to see incremental improvements on actually hitting the target with his passes, and making better decisions on the ball.
He's critical to the way we play, particularly pace on the break...if he goes into his shell we would be substantially more fucked.
With MGW playing the role he does, I'd like to see Johnson more willing to move across the pitch, pop up on the left and cause their right back some bother at times. On this season's showing, we'd be mad to turn down £40million for him. Elanga looks better forwards and backwards.
I thought Johno looked terrific tonight, especially early on. He was running at Osborn, consistently making the right decisions with the ball, and tracking back. That was a Johno who either wants to be a more integral part of the team this year and not find himself on the bench when we're in tougher games, or one determined to show why he should get a big move.
It's not really either or for me. Johno had a great season last season, and he's a lovely player to watch who plays in full flight (just don't mention the heading). I would take £40-50 million happily, I'd also be happy if he stayed. He's got nothing to prove...equally that sort of money would be good for us. Elanga is similarly lovely to watch....stronger, better all-round, player...not quite so easy on the eye or clinical with the cross or finish....but bloody good. We've pulled a right stroke getting him for £15 million if that's the deal. That's partly the power of SSC....don't underestimate the desire of players, particularly young players wanting to make a mark in the game, to play for him. I think that's ultimately what will eventually get us to established in the division....if we stick with him. Young players with ability, making their mark with us, because they choose to play for Cooper knowing that he can develop them....but it's going to be a long slog...and there will be times when our belief in that will be tested.
No, me neither - I was clumsily trying to make a bit of a joke that it was both. One will frankly inform the other, playing like that will make teams more inclined to think he's worth the money.
I also agree with you re Morgan. I'd much rather he was trying the audacious things that only he can do even if they don't always work, than dropping back to do the things that half a dozen other guys on the team can also do.
Nobody feeds me opinions. I saw with my own eyes that he kept backtracking and going backwards when he had every opportunity to be progressive.
And stop trying to put words in my mouth because it doesn't agree with your world view. I am a big fan of Barry but he was poor tonight. Ryan Yates showed everyone how it is done.
I thought Danilo was poor tonight. As everyone else said, we massively miss Yates. Still think we just don't look quite right when Brennan, Taiwo and MGW are all playing. For me, it needs MGW to play ten yards deeper than he does if all three are gonna play.
Loved seeing Elanga tracking back effectively.
We made hard work of it, but all that matters is beating them cunts. To be fair to them, they were less aggressive than expected. Still enjoy watching Benny Osborn.
I joked about it being a must win game tonight, but in terms of putting them down, and settling us in to the season, a win was vital tonight. Massive result.
I never disagreed with that view. This was the game we really had to win and we made very hard work of it. This season is probably going to be another nail biter. Everton being docked points in October will probably help.