Matchday thread - Toon v 'Ammers

[seaside nipper]

Flat flat very flat.
We score, we slow down, the inevitable happens.
We lose our shape and pace to the game
ASM looks like he’s elsewhere completely
Could be a defining game for AG if / when he’s called for.

[Sanchino]

Cheers guys!

Yeah we look like we are missing Bruno's composure in midfield. All a bit headless chicken at times resulting in giving the ball away.

This. Too many sloppy mistakes.. losing possession carelessly. This is why getting another ''cultured' midfielder (Maddison, etc) who can control the tempo, be creative and add composure is essential. We missed a trick this Jan. Hope it doesn't come back to bite us.. also Burn at LB was OK to start with but we need someone with more pace, energy and attacking prowess (Targett when he's back) or new signing down that left-hand side if we don't want to be so predictable on the right with Miggy and Trips all the time.

[Don Sholeone]

Dunno what's worse, Big Joe's finishing or that attempt at a dive

[Don Sholeone]

Why do we suddenly want to wait 5 years to make a f***ing pass man

[seaside nipper]

So very frustrating.
No ball moving quality in midfield.
AG looks enthusiastic
Straw grasping over ……..

[Don Sholeone]

The dip in quality when Bruno isn't in this team is ridiculous. Makes the lack of a CM signing even more baffling.

[Remember Colo]

The dip in quality when Bruno isn't in this team is ridiculous. Makes the lack of a CM signing even more baffling.

Or the fact there's only one available striker right now. To leave ourselves so short at CM and ST is criminal.

[originallad]

I agree we are short but if the players aren't there to be bought in Jan, there's nothing we can do. Unlucky to have Isak concussed too at the same time Bruno is suspended as well.

[seaside nipper]

EH in pre match almost alluded to this performance today going on about the thin squad, low in numbers and fearful that injuries or suspensions could cause a problem.
We looked well off it tonight with one player out.
That said, one defeat all season and a cup final to come, I’ll take that thank you

[krully]

too scared to go forward and the mediocre players becoming clear, we'll do well to get top 8

[bodacious benny]

too scared to go forward and the mediocre players becoming clear, we'll do well to get top 8

Incredibly kneejerk, we’re 8 points ahead of Fulham cutlery in 8th.

It was always likely that it’d be a case of after the Lord Mayors show today following Tuesday nights cup win.

[originallad]

too scared to go forward and the mediocre players becoming clear, we'll do well to get top 8

Incredibly kneejerk, we’re 8 points ahead of Fulham cutlery in 8th.

It was always likely that it’d be a case of after the Lord Mayors show today following Tuesday nights cup win.

This.

[NoteToSelf]

On the positive side - thought Gordon slotted in to the team well.
Was involved in build up and seemed to match Almirons industry.

[Sanchino]

too scared to go forward and the mediocre players becoming clear, we'll do well to get top 8

Incredibly kneejerk, we’re 8 points ahead of Fulham cutlery in 8th.

It was always likely that it’d be a case of after the Lord Mayors show today following Tuesday nights cup win.

This. But the signs are there that if we keep being draw specialists (10 draws.. the most in the league) then we're not going to qualify for the Champions League and the Europa League might even be a tough ask as with Brighton, Brentford, Fulham and Tottenham all in the mix things might get tricky if we keep dropping points.. not even going to mention Liverpool/Chelsea as I don't see them getting the top four.

As much as I rate ASM and love the guy.. he doesn't look like the same player from the last couple seasons weather that be to due with lack of game time, injuries, formation, Howe, etc. He needs to step up as his game as this isn't the electric dynamic and pacey ASM we've been used too but hopefully he'll pick it up soon. Also not a big fan of Burn at LB.. as much as he's done a steady and very admiralty job he doesn't have the attacking prowess you need to be highly effective in that position such as pace, crossing, technique and athletic ability. His lack of link-up play with ASM and his passing was very off key. I feel when Targett's back we should start him again and in the summer once we get rid of Lewis then buy another LB to compete with Targett and keep Burn as a 3rd/4th choice LB/CB.

In the midfield too much headless chickens, we lacked a steady head and composure to calm things down in the middle. The lack of creativity and guile in the middle without Bruno is there for everyone too see. Longstaff and Willock have great engines but there passing ability compared to Bruno is a level below similar to Big Joe who's strong, physical and a very good ball winner but again he lacks Bruno's passing ability/playmaking skills. We needed a CAM/ball playing CM with playmaking skills or at least a cultured DM to free Bruno to play higher but we didn't get none and I feel that will cost us as if Bruno/Joe get injured our midfield would look extremely bleak. Anderson is still raw and developing.. so unless we change formation who would we play there if injuries pile up? Ritchie? Schar?

I just hope us not getting 1 or 2 more bodies in doesn't hurt us.. as this season is a big chance to speed things up by qualifying for the Champions League and at worst the Europa League. Anyways there were some positivise.. we didn't lose, we're still on a unbeaten run in the Prem since the Liverpool defeat and we're still unbeaten at home. 10 wins, 10 draws, 1 lost, we're in the top four fighting for the Champions League spots and a League Cup final. I would've definitely not expected this, so we have to be proud of what Howe n his coaching stuff have done plus the players. Just want us to take advantage of this season as Liverpool n' Chelsea will be back in the mix next season as there both in there transition period right now but I feel they'll come back next season once they both have fully fit squads and a fresh start.

Gordon looked sharp and bright.. positive play and looks very quick. Maybe start him next week or put him after a hour if ASM's ineffective?

Howay the Lads! Bournemouth next week is a must win because after that we have Liverpool at home (could see us slipping up here), then the final then Man City away...

[Slim999]

West Ham did their homework . Stifled us on the wings and looked to break on us when they won possession .

Weren't at our best - but there will always be less impressive days and 2 key players out

Gordon looked quick & skilful - think he could really develop into some player. Good to see Wilson score & Anderson & ASM get gave time.
Bottom 12 months ago - let's not forget

It's been a monumental start to EH regime

And we've just got started

[seaside nipper]

An organised WHU kept us in check tonight.
We were very average for long spells in the game and looked brittle quite often. Thought a few of our players tonight looked jaded, all too often gave the ball away far too cheaply.
Allowed an off night fair enough, just think we have some deep digging to do over the next few weeks
Need to re invigorate our anger , thrust and positive press.

[Crouching Shola Hidden Talent]

I suppose more than anything it's a reality check, mainly in the sense that we are way ahead of schedule with what we've done so far this season and we need to remain positive and remember that.

Our first team have had a run of momentum and we've been playing some brilliant stuff, but when you have Ritchie, Murphy, Lascelles etc. as your options off the bench to change the game, you know you are a way off the required squad level for top 4 finishes and cup runs (we are all loving the fact we are in a final this season, but imagine we'd been in Europe with this squad - we'd have had to use that squad and been nowhere near).

I just think a bit of realism is needed. Social media is now rife with 'fans' whinging about not doing more in January, saying we haven't been ambitious enough etc. I'm just enjoying the fact that we are actually looking forward and looking positive for the first time in decades. This season has been incredible and if we do happen to lose the final and finish 6th-8th, I'll still be heading into next season feeling so much more positivity than I have for years.

The feeling is back. HWTL

[Tsi]

I suppose more than anything it's a reality check, mainly in the sense that we are way ahead of schedule with what we've done so far this season and we need to remain positive and remember that.

Our first team have had a run of momentum and we've been playing some brilliant stuff, but when you have Ritchie, Murphy, Lascelles etc. as your options off the bench to change the game, you know you are a way off the required squad level for top 4 finishes and cup runs (we are all loving the fact we are in a final this season, but imagine we'd been in Europe with this squad - we'd have had to use that squad and been nowhere near).

I just think a bit of realism is needed. Social media is now rife with 'fans' whinging about not doing more in January, saying we haven't been ambitious enough etc. I'm just enjoying the fact that we are actually looking forward and looking positive for the first time in decades. This season has been incredible and if we do happen to lose the final and finish 6th-8th, I'll still be heading into next season feeling so much more positivity than I have for years.

The feeling is back. HWTL

well said

[bodacious benny]

I suppose more than anything it's a reality check, mainly in the sense that we are way ahead of schedule with what we've done so far this season and we need to remain positive and remember that.

Our first team have had a run of momentum and we've been playing some brilliant stuff, but when you have Ritchie, Murphy, Lascelles etc. as your options off the bench to change the game, you know you are a way off the required squad level for top 4 finishes and cup runs (we are all loving the fact we are in a final this season, but imagine we'd been in Europe with this squad - we'd have had to use that squad and been nowhere near).

I just think a bit of realism is needed. Social media is now rife with 'fans' whinging about not doing more in January, saying we haven't been ambitious enough etc. I'm just enjoying the fact that we are actually looking forward and looking positive for the first time in decades. This season has been incredible and if we do happen to lose the final and finish 6th-8th, I'll still be heading into next season feeling so much more positivity than I have for years.

The feeling is back. HWTL

Definitely. We’re also in part where we are due to Chelsea and Liverpool (and Spurs to a lesser extent) having poor (or shockingly poor) seasons. Before the season I’d have said being “best of the rest” would be a good season and we’re on course to do better than that even if we don’t finish in a CL spot, just being in the mix is massive and unexpected progress.

Unfortunately social media acts as a tannoy for the morons!

[originallad]

Agree with what's been said. As fans we really need to keep our feet on the ground, especially considering wherer we were 12 months ago. Whatever happens from now, it's been an excellent season. We still have a lot of players to be replaced like Ritchie et al. I can see this Summer window being a big one, I'm well excited.