c1982

Those players last season went behind and stayed behind... we've gained more mettle - it may not be obvious but I think it's 12 points gained now from losing positions. We're far too slow at starting and shouldn't be going behind in these games but at least we're getting back into them. Far worse than last season is a huge call... we are poor but that's pushing it. What I will say is maybe we got into winning positions more but I'm sure we had the record for throwing away leads under Martinez. We are by no means solid under Koeman but I think his game management is much better - problem is we need to up the tempo to get ahead earlier. I'm sure time will tell but for me, we've got the right manager. I do wonder what the reaction would have been had Calvert Lewin snatched it late on... would have still been the same performance but I suspect a different after match reaction...

I agree. He shouldn't be thrown right in just yet in my opinion - he does give the ball away a lot, something more senior players (including Barkley) will get berated for but he's always looking forward and gets us working at a higher tempo. We need to sign a more mature/established version of Davies in this window and give Davies cameos and the odd start - he could be a 1st team regular come next season.

Pad is one of the few who is actually showing a bit of understanding of our current plight.

When given a bit of time, yes. As said above... it'll take more than one window and 6 months of coaching to turn round the previous shite. This squad needs a whole transformation. I'm not sure if our fans are delusional or see that these players are good on computer games so must be in real life but we really only have the 7th best squad in the Prem and even that's debatable... we're not that good at the moment and whoever took over had a massive job on their hands.

Have you noticed this certain Belgian player hasn't said anything recently? More so his agent talking about the more exciting project at his current club.

Here's the van Dijk interview (shaky translation...)

To be honest I would have too. The games we've lost to the likes of Burnley, Watford and Bournemouth plus draw like tonight, Swansea and Palace have been very poor but to me it just shows that this squad needs a massive overhaul and a much better mentality installed.

So you how Koeman talks to each player when he sees them at Finch Farm on a daily basis, before, during and after games? You hear what he says in the media. He's honest. Too honest by his own admission. There's a lot of presumptions on your behalf here. Maybe he does belittle the players at every chance... maybe... but to me he seems to be a highly respected figure in the game who certainly got the best out of the group of players he had at Southampton. I saw there was an interview (in Dutch) by van Dijk hailing his relationship with Koeman today. Maybe you're getting a little carried away with what you're reading in the press unless you've got an inside line on player unrest?

I was a huge fan of Moyes. Did a great job but wouldn't have had him back. Koeman was who I wanted in the summer and I still think he's the correct choice. No point going round in circles now but think he'll definitely be the right choice long term. This squad rebellion is really interesting... please enlighten us on it?

I don't get the subs point... Davies brought us more energy like he did vs Leicester. Calvert Lewis was involved in the equaliser and could have won it. Mori coming on gave Coleman and Baines more licence to roam up the wings which almost resulted in us winning 2-3. We need better options from the bench which will come when Koeman brings in more of 'his' players.

He won't be so get planning your new hobbies. He'll be backed in this window. Hopefully we'll look a lot better as a result. We're the team that's finished 11th over the last 2 seasons. The 6 teams ahead of us are the 6 teams who have spent the most money over the longest period of time. We're not playing great but it's clear that this squad needs a massive overhaul. We've invested massively in the infrastructure of the club beyond Koeman... they've had 1 window together. A few people need a reality check!

I know who I wouldn't give it to... Joel, Valencia and Gueye - all very poor. I saw flashes of Mirallas, Barkley, Lukaku and Davies had a few bright moments. Probably go with Baines - he was unlucky on the free kick - that was never a foul but we didn't help ourselves.

He'll come on for Barry after 60mins.

But okay, that's football.

He said he'd listen to any player who wants out. Just don't think Gerry will ever be a Koeman type player.

He's changed from a back 5 vs Leicester to a 4 today. I think Williams and Jagielka are the best pair in a 2 at the moment. I like Holgate and Mori in a 3 though.

I think there could be some substance in the rumours that he's going.

Rules us out then I guess... http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-transfer-news/manchester-city-lead-race-sign-9536409

I think Pulis' appointment (Jan in 14/15 season) coincideded with the start of this e.g the initial contract refusal.

It seems to me that he's been frozen out this season. The WBA fans I know would have cashed in last summer and believe Pulis's stubbornness hasn't helped the situation. I'm sure it will all come out when he leaves one way or another.

He's not conducted himself in the best way but we don't know the whole story. I can't imagine Pulis has given him an easy ride. I remember there being talk of broken promises made by Jeremy Peace (WBA's Chairman) when the move to Spurs fell through. I think he's be really poorly advised which has completely detracted from the fact that this lad looked top quality and had got himself into the England squad on the back of his 14/15 season. Coaches, scouts, players, etc will know what's going/gone on so will make their judgement but if he can regain what he was in 14/15 and before then someone's getting a very good player and a natural finisher.

Sadly, McCarthy has cheese strings rather than hamstrings... don't think we can rely on him unfortunately.

Knocks a bit off his price tag I suppose! https://www.google.co.uk/amp/www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/manchester-united-flop-memphis-depay-9530225.amp?client=safari

Garbutt said this a few months ago regarding Lukaku's ariel ability... https://www.google.co.uk/amp/www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/garbutt-evertons-romelu-lukaku-struggled-12005228.amp?client=safari

I doubt he'd comment unless this is well on it's way to completion.