James Fitzgerald

Nearly all football managers are a bit weird - it's probably required to do that job.

The difference between Ange and Ten Haag is that Ange is generally thought to be a good communicator, and I don't think he actually is.

Inevitable + formidable = predictable = boring.

Yes please.

My favourite thing about today's win is how completely forgettable it will ultimately be.

Being so formidable that winning becomes inevitable (and a bit boring because of it) is sort of the aim as far as I am concerned.

Tbf, the general pre-season story was that it was now or never but that Liverpool were clear favourites, which didn't make too much sense.

Anyway, we've played 7 games. Long way to go. Give it another two games and Arteta might be back as the too cautious guy preventing us from being good.

I'd say you're just logical. I am, however, incredibly tribal on this.

It's something to do with intent/desire. We don't feel goal hungry.

So it's a bit casual, even in build up, and even though it has been good.

Offside goal, fine, but we are mucking about a bit here. Be decisive, score another two, then do the dumb stuff. We are giving them a chance.

Yeah, he's always played a game where he takes a few liberties but his superior athleticism has meant they haven't mattered too much. When he's not in the swing of playing, they show up.

White and Saliba are a) both in need of game time, b) both rhythm players who get better with more games, c) look like they haven't played together very much of late (because they haven't).

Still think it's odd that they have let the ball bounce, though.

Yes, agree. In fairness, Gallagher was so absurd that it was almost funny.

And if this is the quality of their people, why is Webb so intent on making celebrities out of these guys?

Gallagher is a personality vacuum.

PGMOL could do worse than to take a look at the Nolan Principles.

Sky Sports News doing a highlights of ref watch right now.

How much does Gallagher still get from PGMOL to shill for them?

If he's what refs are/were, it's no surprise there's no trust. To vouch for the decision, no matter what it is, only highlights their lack of integrity.

Where's Rory?

Yes, he connected better. And their defenders will have felt like they were in a game, which is important considering he does it on his own.

There's still a sense he can't adapt to e.g. a deflected ball, as quickly as the really elite players do, but he looks a good player to me.

And I thought Gyokeres was good. Didn't get a decision all game but kept at it. Getting fitter every game. Most importantly, he had shots - if he doesn't get the shots then we've got a problem.

A comeback with no Saka on the pitch as well. He's normally first over the top, so it bodes well.

Football is a great game. It could be even better with competent officials.

1. It's a foul, even if he touches the ball. It's not a clear and obvious error.
2. Gabriel is weak and naive for their goal.
3. Gabriel was strong and determined to score.
4. We kept going and got what we deserved.

I've sussed it... bring Trossard on after 1 minute.

Ok, this is why one gets annoyed about how we are playing. A lack of intensity leads to brain farts.

It really is. I'd say, though: score a second, then mess about with it / "manage the game".

Erm... annoyed is too strong, but I would prefer a bit of zip.

Martinelli not very brave there?

Yeah, he'd probably score against this lot because he plays with the intent to score. We have played with the intent to kind of mess about with it.

Yep, Kai is an excellent player with unique physical gifts. If he had decided to be a middle distance/marathon runner, I suspect he'd have been very good.

I do think Gyok will score plenty if he gets fit. Right now, he's blowing much of the time.

The one where he was through on the right channel I get; he lacks the pace needed to make an easy chance for himself. And he can do the quicker turn and pass as seen just after my post, it's more that his instinct is to pause too often.

Tbf, they are all playing with their food here. Just eat it.

Don't get me wrong, this is fine, but I'd much prefer it if we tried to play two touch football more often. We tend to score when we do.

When people grumble about Merino, regardless of position, it's because he wants four touches when the same action could have been done in half the time.

As for Ødegaard, he was unfit to play. If he's fit, he would have started and that would have been fine. No outrage, from me at least. I doubt it prevents the goal we concede. Three players got suckered in, they played a pass and were in. It happens.

I don't have the energy for outrage. It's football, and supposed to be fun.

On alignment, I'm on board with winning and we win much more than the other outcomes. That being said, I'd prefer more craft.

I can see why he started given previous impact, but your point is more than fair and I agree. He stayed on a while, too.