thunderball

I felt sorry for the Hibs fans, who to their credit turned up in terrific numbers, and I watched a few fans YT around the first leg and was surpised that they have a big young following - quite the family club. But the draw was such a mis-match and was hiding to nothing, but they were a credit to themselves and Sunshine on Leith has rarely sounded better (I bought that Proclaimers album back in the day!).

Thought Kellyman was great, what a player he could become; delighted by Duran and thought Revan was absolutely solid and trustworthy. Thought we were sticky during the first 10 minutes, but it was plain sailing thereafter. Was a little surprised that Tielemans didnt have more of an impact, and was also surprised at Dendonker who I thought looked totally comfortable and on-message in the midfield. And whilst I was dissapointed Duran didnt get 90 minutes, I did note how reassuring Watkins is in this side, he knows his role well and is a busy, physical presence, if he could only a few more chances into goals he would be the perfect striker.

At odds of 5/1 as the eventual winners, I think I am going to take a punt on us.

The kids are alright

In fairness that his second brilliant finish 

Cash 

Revan is a tidy, safe player, can’t see a break through yet, can’t see his X factor, but he’s never let anyone down on all his outings.

O’Reilly will get a run out second half. Where’s Traore? He is cursed.

Olsen fumble, pan to Unai, Unai:“Hmmm, have we got time to get in another keeper?”

Duran is so confident for 19y.o., he has 2-3 years before he hits his stride, he could be the new Drogba if he keeps growing. Hope he bags 3 tonight 

I really don’t see Coutinho leaving or Abde arriving. I hope we don’t compromise on either.

Watched a bit of Abde and he is still raw, his highlights reel is fantastic but I watched him in pre season and whilst he scored, he totally lacked the magic his highlight reel suggested. Not sure he is showing much better than Philogene which begs the question of his valuation (disregard the Barca premium).

15 hours ago, CVByrne said:

Fati to Brighton is not good. He'll do great there, wish we were in for him. 

If he stays fit. Very much in the Zaniolo mould, great potential but bad injury record. 

1 hour ago, Knutserov13 said:

I like the look of this Abde from Barca.

Quick, skillful winger. 21 years old. Doesnt have to come in and set the world on fire at once, he could grow into it and become quality over time! 

….incoming

1 hour ago, jacketspuds said:

Who is also no Jizz Hornkamp.

Who is also no Rod Fanni

54 minutes ago, Tomaszk said:

I wanted him because he's incredibly talented.

But the lad seems a oaf IMO. 

#1 of transfers, especially big ones...no dickheads.

No honestly, if he signs I’d be delighted, he is sublime.

Judge Duran in a year or two, he is so young, he is no Rooney/Owen but who is? I cant beleive anyone casting judgement given he has only had a few cameos. As others have mentioned as a 19y.o. he is an athletic unit capable of the rigours of the PL. I reckon they have all seen enough to know he has something - a decent run out against Hibs will help.

In other news, looks like Coutihno is off, expect a replacement......

3 hours ago, Zatman said:

He played 33 minutes in the last 2 games including a 5 minute performance, he has had good cameos but not excellent

He is the talk of Barca at the moment, Xavi congratulated him on his attitude saying he is determined to be a Barca player defying his detractors. He has scored two really important goals for them, and no one has scored more (yes, only two!). It would be a miracle if he ended up leaving or coming here, but would love him.

2 hours ago, rjw63 said:

I watched MOTD2 last night, and not only was this superb move not mentioned, it wasn't even shown in full (I don't think).

If one of the scum 6 had done this they'd be jizzing their pants and screaming "goal of the season".

And I didn't think I'd say this but, bring back Lineker!

We remain a story the media just isnt interested in, and thrown off the scent by our opening defeat to Newcastle. However I think the Telepgraph had an article by Percy today suggesting we might be a dark horse (behind a paywall - used to subscribe but no longer).

We looked superb today, the first half was a master class, they looked like they would never score. 

I just love how we play, it’s great to watch, we just play so well as a unit, anyone can score. We break through the lines so well, it’s why I am sad about Coutihno, I think he would be great in this Emery side.

Absolutely loving it at the moment, so excited about this team which gets better and better, you can see the quality we have now in rotation and substitutions, we are now a squad and no longer an 11.

1 hour ago, briny_ear said:

Can we go back and have a rerun of the Newcastle game now, please?

I did rewatch it and we were actually pretty good, the score line flattered them and when their third goal went in there wasn’t actually much between us. Mings was the biggest factor in our defeat.

We attack as a team and defend as a team now, his extra ability helps the team far more than the odd occasion he has a one on one. To have intelligent footballers with range is that extra % advantage we are looking for all over the pitch. 

Wow, already my favourite player, he is going to be a legend here. I love him!

OK, it seems there is a week left and with player outs we have quite a few £€ that we could spend (some suggested we had as much as £160m this window before sales). We’ve lost 2 key players and still needed an AM/#10 and forward (in fact more so with Archer leaving).

i can only assume we are working on some big deals as the final moves unfold elsewhere leaving the options for players to narrow, otherwise I have to say what is at stake and what money is available, to do nothing would seem like a seriously missed opportunity to double down on our momentum and given our now certain additional burden of the Conference league.

Looking forward to the window closing, it’s torture.

Nuno Tavares looks to be in the Emery mould, would be quite happy if we ended up with him as a 23y.o. understudy to Moreno.

Torres will unlikely move having played and scored for Barca yesterday. Felix just feels like it won’t happen and any deal would have no future as he see himself only destined for Barca.

Goncalves is still available, as is Vlahovic and Chiesa. Maybe we are putting as much money in the pot to land a top drawer signing. We still haven’t replaced Ings.

6 minutes ago, tezzaleed said:

hang on is this the same philogene that looked every part a first team starter in preseason and had Liverpool fishing around for him.  how is £5m a good price.  if there's a buy back then fair enough but if not £5m is a joke

https://x.com/greggevans40/status/1693534371259527354?s=61&t=7BneOdoj-6Dz_z6GoxSNNw

Seemingly Emery wanted him in the squad this campaign, but Philogene wanted minutes. We have a buy back. Can’t argue with the market? Is he out of contract at the end of this year?

It also suggests we need better?