JuanCrablo24

We are in a bit of a slump of form last 6 games or so, but every team does. Even when Man City win the title they normally go through a patch of underperformance, finding it hard to break teams down. But what makes them elite is even in this form they scrape 1-0 wins, get last minute goals and at least don’t lose the game. We are starting to show this. Normally a slump in form means getting beat 2-3 games in a row, a big loss, a drop off in work rate. But that is what makes Emery an elite, he is managing us through this slump. 1 loss to Utd, but still grinding out 3pts or at least come away with a draw in the other games.

FFP is obviously an issue, we are ahead of schedule in terms of what we have achieved so far this season. CL football next season would be immense, but not if it comes at the cost of having to balance the books moving forward and Everton like sanctions. I am sure if the right top class player is available at the right price we could move on it, but unlikely to happen in Jan. Pretty much every team in the league is in this position this window. A lot of sitting back and seeing what happens with these latest round of sanctions. Smart risks and patience is what is needed. As long term we are setup much stronger than most.

For anyone underwhelmed by these 3 young ‘development’ players we have been linked with. Not saying they will all definitely work out, but this is the exact same lauded model Brighton use. Sign unknown young players through good scouting that fit the right profile, and have maximum potential. I imagine when Brighton started being linked with players of the same Ilk their fans questioned it, but now after years of success with it actively welcome it. Much safer model in the current climate than buying over priced players, on high wages, that may adapt to the league or fail and be impossible to move on until they run out their contract or are sold at a massive loss.

Bruce definitely did steady the ship last season and should get credit for that. He stopped us being a soft touch, who concieded a ridiculously amount of last minute goals, who were mentally weak and he did bring a sense of harmony back in the dressing room. The negatives are he underperformed and with squad he had promotion was the target. He was ‘there or thereabouts’ with a playoff final but he failed to meet his target. Also there were some very good games but overall the football was dire and uninspiring. Ideally would of loved Smith from the start of the season but can fully understand why we kept Bruce over the summer as we were in a lot of trouble and actually needed Bruce’s stability. This season we then regressed massively under Bruce, became a soft touch again defensively and he looked out of ideas from the limited style of his approach and was rightly sacked. Que Mr Smith, I’ve rambled long enough. But simply put Smith is better, a lot better! Long may it continue.

Someone needs to make a montage of all of McGinns arse tackles. Or we need a chant for him. Mcginn is f**kin class! He tackles with Arse! someone with more talent than me can finish the song

What is this arse block/tackle he keeps doing, and why aren't more top players doing it? It is super effective!

McGinn is immense

No Jedinak at CB! I thought Moukoudi was only being brought in as cover for the back 4! Bruce out!

I think our defense will get better given time. Playing people out of position doesn’t help, but I think the main issue was spending all pre season experimenting with 3 at the back, only to revert back to a traditional 4 at the back once the season started. It has put us weeks behind in terms of preparation and being a solid defensive unit.

I know we aren't winning. But all that over reaction to Jedinak being at CB, had a solid game so far.

See how it plays out first guys, I’ll take 3 points with Jedi in net.

Absolute roller coaster this transfer. One more day of crap to put up with, then we can focus on winning the league!

Bump. The Prophet deserves to be top of the forum for the next 24 hours.

Give him the number 9 jersey!

Here is a novel thought why don't we see how the match goes, then judge it then based on actual facts. UTV