MC11

If we finish 11th we'll have had a good season. Lmao. Ok. RE McCarthy. He's a decent enough midfielder, but he lacks any real creativity, goal threat etc. his passes are always simple. So sometimes I just see him as a spare man. Playing with two sitters doesn't help going forward IMO unless you have at least one who can operate in both areas of the pitch. No doubt if he was a lone sitter I wouldn't expect any attacking threat from him.

Wouldn't sell him but definitely need a younger like for like replacement. When he's on form he's one of the top players in the side.

It's not a ridiculous comment. I stand by it. I don't think Lukaku's movement is very good. Compared to Naismiths it's bang average. I'm not suggesting Naismith is the man to lead the line either. I think there is a time and place for him. But he does seem to unlock defences with his movement. You can't evaluate his goals on opposition either. He can only score past those who he plays against. He scored against Chelsea at the start of the season. Liverpool last season. Just stop the service defence because it doesn't really stand up. In 21 games Lukaku has had 58 shots.

Personally on his day he's our top performer. However I keep raising the fact that in "big" games he fails to show up "sometimes"

That 300k will include his imaging rights. Tax on that will be £120,000 a week. £180,000 take home.

Bloody hell if that's a genuine update on his fitness that's not bad at all.

I watched him in Scotland playing like this week in week out through the middle. He was never given the opportunity to show his real attributes until now. Even on the wing he put a full shift in. He isnt technically gifted enough to play out there but he done a job. People were expecting too much. Mirallas is a wide player, Naismith is better through the middle than Mirallas. Btw I think Mirallas is easily the best player in the squad now.

You referred to Lukaku not getting service. Naismith has 4 goals in 5 appearances upfront. 3 of those Substitutions. His movement is second to none. His finishing is brilliant. Have you not thought that maybe Naismith is finding the space and positions better than Lukaku. I keep referring to movement. It's key to getting chances. For me Lukaku is too static and you can't keep bumping excuse of service when there is a player in the squad who is getting opportunities and finishing them.

Played upfront 5 times scored 4 goals. Enough said.

Pienaar lost his man but let's not forget the players who let the cross come in?

He's a very good player. I've always rated him. However in big games away from home (especially Anfield) he has had some terrible performances. It's more noted because we rely on him to make us tick. He's still got it like!

Yeh cannon fodder.

He doesn't make enough decent runs behind. Very evident. Naismith has had loads of late and bagged them all. Nothing to do with service proved by Naisy.

I'd be made up if he turned out a good player. But it's very evident he's not very good. I can only compare him to The Straq.

So why is Naismith getting these chances?.... Simple, he's looking for them. Lukaku's movement is like a HGV. He's static.

Liverpool were the much better side.

I fancied us more at Anfield, big score to settle there. Emirates is a horrible stadium to go to. If I'm completely honest I'd take a draw there and bring them back to our place. Hopefully we'll get the win but it's going to be a big ask. The top players need to perform.

Spot on Rom, So comfortable in front of goal. Great finisher. Genuinely believe he'd score lots of goals with a partne who links play with his back to goal with Naismith getting in behind.

I can wholeheartedly say in his 6 months here he will be very disappointing. He may grab the odd goal but other than that I truly hope Lukaku is back ASAP

Naismith was always played out of position! Nothing even close to a Naismith scenario. The lad is just not very good. When you see a good player you see a good player and for me it's quite easy to see the lad needs a "huge" amount of work to even come close to being a top end premier league player. He was shockingly bad.

Is that you sharpy lad?

Spot on, take yourself into his thread

I was expecting someone heavily involved with the game holding the ball up, Linking the midfield players in, turning defenders etc etc. He wasnt even half the player I expected. I thought he'd be a little bit like Jo but more arsed! Everyone who sits around me all agreed. Shocking!

Meant to give you a like there! Not a neg

Yes he certainly is a threat. But last couple of games he hasn't been. We just aren't clicking at the moment. Didn't think I'd say it but I can't wait for Lukaku to be back in contention.