Hegemon92

Our priority in the next transfer windows is to get some depth and craft a younger squad. If there is a lesson this year it is that aging players are not necessarily starters. Eto'o is probably getting more playing time than both he and Martinez thought he would.

We have not only been unlucky this game, but for the whole season on injuries. It is obvious that this season has been worse than last, but this is what happens when you have extra games (Europa League) and an aging team.

I missed the game and I just read this thread. Let me just say:

Sure. But IMO most of the financial stability will come from some savvy marketing. As has been reflected in another thread, dropping Chang as a sponsor and getting a better distributor. I would kill for an American sponsor on the shirt.

Remember the free kick, but I don't remember him being that dominant. Running the ball yes, but being effective not so much.

Also, De Bruyne was he even on the field the last two times we played against Wolfsburg?

Of course. But this "Let's sell Ross Barkley and everything will be better" narrative is getting old.

Do people really think that Barkley is that bad? Here is one thing I can't get over. You don't buy talent, you develop it. Case in point the difference Spurs last two seasons. I would rather hold onto Barkley than sell him no doubt. Sure, this season isn't going as well as last season, but maybe instead of focusing on the next 5 months, we need to focus on the next 5 years. Also, am I the only one that thought Barkley was one of the better players out there? Sure, he is selfish on the ball. But, he was also the one baiting defenders and opening up runs on the counter-attack. Lest anyone forget, I may add, he spent half the time helping on the defensive end.

Could have checked Kane who was their best player on the field.

Yeah. Besic is damn good. Even though his decision making needs work, there was some sequences where he showed some class.

Also, I am reading some blame on Howard. Although he should have parried the shot better, most of the goal was Kane's effort who shredded the middle from the halfway line and took advantage of our centerbacks who would not step up sooner to challenge the play.

We should have come out with a point. However, I think that this game shows one very important thing: McCarthy is the key to our success and Martinez screwed it up by starting a poor Gareth Barry who was miles from being match fit. I would have even preferred Osman in a similar role as we did against Wolfsburg instead of having a not-so-ready Barry.

Besic coming out stronger down the middle. RM probably gave him a talk during half time about making quicker decisions and pushing up the middle. It really is wide open at the moment.

Really liking Garbutt on the left. Should see some more minutes after this game. It will also be good to have someone on the bench for Bainsey with Oveido out. I love Besic, but he needs better decision making on some of his passes. Also, does anyone think that McGeady is playing better with Hibbert than with Coleman?

I assume Hibbert will be at LB again if Mirallas plays on the left. Since Mirallas attacks so much I assume that Martinez wants more experience on the back 4 than starting Garbutt. This game doesn't feel close to me. Either big win for them or us. Let's hope it's us.

Also reported on Twitter by ESPN

We shouldn't put too much pressure on Kone get match fit lest he re-injure himself. Let's see how December looks for him. Either way, I think we should be looking for more depth in the striker position next transfer window.

Also, if we are giving Lukaku flak for missing that one-on-one, Eto'o missed a good chance in the first 5 mins that would have changed the whole game. It was when Lukaku + Eto'o were playing clinical passes to each other and played Eto'o into the box. Eto'o sent a shot just wide, but had he shot the ball on target it would have been a fantastic scoring opportunity.

Lukaku and Barkley are getting a lot of flack. Lukaku is 21 and Barkley is 20. They will develop into some of the best players in the world in time and they are playing for the blues. Unfortunately, I feel that they carry too much of a burden and expectation when the real criticism should probably go to the manager. Lukaku and Barkley are both investments that will show their quality and resilience in the long-term. Let's not be so short-sighted and look for scapegoats.

We are missing something in the final third and that is packing the box with ample strikers. So many times we had the ball in the final third with only Lukaku in the box. It is really difficult to score when you are trying to aim a cross at one guy that is being covered by 5 defenders. We just need the hunger again. I don't care if we were away, RM needs to tell his players that we are there to win. It is not about the quality of the players, but about the complacency of the manager!

I would believe it. His recovery has improved much this season.

I thought that McGeady's performance was a big improvement from anything I had seen in previous games. Moreover, he was creating chances on the right side of the pitch for once!

Much faster than McGeady, although McGeady was great tonight.

Defense doing a good job to keep Origi quiet. Arguably the most dynamic player for Lille, definitely the fastest.

YES JAGS! Brilliant corner!