STATS

I was at the game. Was a real cracker but boy do we lose concentration. Win is a win that is most important. The first half hour or so was magnificent and then we got sloppy. I am slightly worried though. It seems Alonso is not focused on possession which is fine but both games in league so far seems to be based on us outscoring opposition which is exciting to watch but if we play a better team then god knows what could happen. It is quite relief that Mitoma, Minteh, Hinshelwood and Rutter were all injured because they were really wasteful, as were we. To the game itself, Pedro defo MOTM. I thought Palmer, apart from his goal was really bad. He was getting caught out defensively and had no way near the same influence he did on Monday night. But we got the win so I am happy. Let's pray that Caicedo is ok for next week because that is our real challenge now and will tell a lot of where we currently are at.

I will repeat, I think he is extremely underrated. If a big offer comes in then I guess yes I would understand why but other than that he is no way near as bad as people make him out on here. He will put in a shift and actually makes decent returns and as we can see can play in different positions. He needs to cut out the selfish acts though. He skipped past their fullback with ease second half and could have passed it but he shot it and went out wide. Really pissed me off but other than for that for a player who we are possibly looking to move on, he played very well.

I think it is more because those three players are going to be way behind in the pecking order with the new additions bring brought in and want to seek first team football elsewhere.

Martinez has been error prone in recent seasons, however he is a lot better than Sanchez and would provide a lot more reassurance amongst the defence. Please, please pursue the move. Will be relatively cheap considering they already bought Suzuki. Sanchez was good at catching a lot of the crosses but those 2 goals conceded are just basic and a time when we could have extended our lead only for those silly errors to bring them back in the game. Luckily we got 3 points but we cannot keep persisting with him now. Get the cheque book out. Look how ruthless Arsenal were with Ramsdale when they wanted Raya and it paid off. Having a top keeper is integral.

Alonso confirmed in pre-match interview just now that both Palestra and Caicedo had set backs in the week, so he was not going to risk them. Hopefully nothing too concerning and both back next week.

He has got better with age. He scored 13 goals last season, including 3 against us. Is well rounded. Very good in the air and is not coming to start. Brings experience and is actually a good striker.

And then to rub it in, we played them a few weeks after this and he put in a worldie of a performance when they beat us 3-1 and had Costa in his pockets all game.

The good thing about this move is he can play anywhere amongst the front line. He is a no.10, but majority of his goals is him drifting from the left and cutting in and scoring. His second goal against United at Villa Park this season was majestic. He has all the attributes you want and helps out Palmer because he is prepared to do the defensive work rate. His defensive work rate is phenomenal. And he is still only 23, just about to turn 24. So well in his prime. Yes, the fee is a lot but this is Villa's best player we are talking about who have won a trophy and qualified for the UCL and is English. So the fee was always going to be high. Compare to the other transfers you have got. Anderson who joined City for similar fee. Tonali for £100m. Fernandes for £80m odd and West Ham got relegated, so that sounds about the going rate for the best player for a team who wins a trophy, in the UCL and is English.

Second spell, Maresca considered Felix as a no.10 and could not get in the team. Because of how bad our wingers were and lack of options, Garnacho got a lot more minutes than he should have. Saudi is not a quality league at all but he is has completely blown that league away. The talent is there. Garnacho, I genuinely don't see any talent at all. He can't take on a man, is weak AF, attitude stinks, can't dribble, cannot shoot. He is sh*t. I stand by my comments about Felix. Garnacho stole a living as a footballer for the past 2/3 seasons.

Felix was brought in but rarely ever played in the league for us. When he played in the Conference League, he did well majority of games, then would be benched for the league games. He was not given much of a shot. Like I said, he is a talented player, that the manager just did not select much. Garnacho had many games in the league where he was starting, where he was absolutely sh*t 9/10 times,

Felix is not crap. It did not work out for him here, but he is talented. Much better than Garnacho.

I would take Felix back in a heartbeat over Garnacho. Felix is actually a good player. Garnacho had one good game against the team who finished rock bottom and that was his highlight.

Xhaka is a really underrated player. He has been consistent for several seasons and literally dominates the midfield. Has a good passing range and most importantly is a leader. Him and Caicedo would act as great protection for our defence. Xhaka, I have been a fan of for a long time. Yes, he is turning 34 but his fitness record is immaculate. He rarely is injured and plays 90 mins almost every game. In a season where we don't have Europe, this would be a stellar signing. Sunderland are not getting anywhere near Europe had he not signed. He had that much of an impact on the team. I would actually say he was the signing of the season. One game a week and knowing he knows the PL well and is a leader who rarely is injured, then I think this is a signing where people at the end of the season will appreciate how smart of a move it was.

He really usurped Guler and Yildiz last night. He was fantastic. He has a very similar style play to Ndiaye, however plays closer to the CF. Only 22 to still. Would not mind taking him back, based on that. I did like him at Brighton, but he got injured. Nice to see him back on form and making a big impact.

Absolutely love the promo video. Class and something different! 🦁