Btay

All those managers bar Carlo lost their jobs for poor results so I’m not sure if it’s wise taking that as point in Keane’s favour as he is mainstay like you say. Carlo perhaps but we played a deep block that suited him, if any other manager set us up like that we would be furious, surely. Speaks volumes that big Dunc put him on the bench against Villa and he’s been here through all managers doesn’t it? I don’t mention Holgate a whole lot purely for the reason I don’t rate him, even less so than Keane. The other 2 I agree. Keane’s had his good patches and there is a very capable defender in there - just not a very versatile one in terms of being able to play with a high line, tight to his man - deep block on the 18 yard line is his specialty which is why he looked good for burnley.

I agree with you 100% for the first paragraph mate. Keane will play because it’s needs must but if we are not replacing him for next season, along with Mina we are in serious, serious trouble.

I probably have him in the same bracket as Alcaraz - back up CB for a mid table team

That’s why I said he needs to play at his best for us to stay up because I’m aware we have no options. I’ve been saying to replace Mina because he is injury prone. I just wish we moved Keane on earlier instead of holding onto this false hope he’s going to improve like he’s 24 years old. He’s into his 5th season now and he we have never had a real consistent patch of form from him longer than 8/10 games. I pick on him but it’s because I see a truly average footballer. We are in the position we are in because we have kept mediocre players like him and we keep playing them expecting them to become top 6 players.

Going to be another huge loss on him when he moves on for nothing. Hopefully Newcastle or someone come in for him

Unfortunately I don’t think you will see how average he is until he is moved on mate. I just hope he plays at his very, very best for the rest of the season otherwise we will definitely be relegated.

He is a tall lad but that didn’t stop him getting caught under the ball for their first goal!

Denied a second by a top top save as well

Not surprised that Mina goes off and we concede 3 to be honest with the state of our defence. If we are relying on Keane & Holgate for the rest of the season we will be very lucky to stay up.

That really is a great goal. Ive watched the extended highlights 4 times and I can’t remember the last time I’ve done that.

To have him and Patterson for Rb’s would be unreal after what we’ve had the last few seasons. Especially if we only pay a net total of 10 million for the 2.

Sheer stupidity and an alarming insight to one’s real personality.

I’m not going to even edit in respect to this

I don’t know if we want our CB’s defending wife positions against ASM. I think a 433 will be better for this one. Richy uptop Gray & Gordon out wide. Gomes, Allan & Alli in the middle.

Gomes - no surprises he looked a much better player in a possession minded team. Constantly took the ball under pressure and looked after it. Hopefully it’s a sign of things to come. Donny and him will be fighting for the same spot

Gomes looking more confident on the ball.

Wingbacks have been pretty ineffective. Gray and Richarlison holding on to the ball for way too long.

Get in Yerry

Same if we sent out Patterson, Branthwaite, Welch and Mykolenko I think if Patterson plays I’d like to see Townsend out there on the right as he is the only real nature left footer to allow Patterson to operate in that space on the overlap. I would also think Mykolenko would be set up a bit more defensively minded but can’t be sure. We need Allan fresh, especially while Douc’s is injured - hopefully Allan, Dele & DVB start against Newcastle. Onyango deserves a run but I don’t hold much hope with Gomes & Gbamin but needs must. Gray on at halftime if need be but we really need him for Newcastle. If Holgate/Keane could be either really. Begovic Patterson Holgate Godfrey Mykolenko Gbamin Gomes Onyango Townsend Richarlison Gordon

Can’t defend for shit but at least he can dink a ball through once a year

Bargain that

I said technically good - not special. He is good on the ball and can definitely slip a through ball in, I think Richarlison could benefit a lot from his style of play. Fingers crossed at least.

We’ve saved plenty from James’s £650,000 a week wage remember.

We leaving Keane at home as well then yeah?

I think Barkley is a special level of thick but I would still think Lampard of all people could be a positive influence on him. Lets just try and get behind this lad, he has cost naught and in the 19 games to come he has the quality to get us further up the table