RTM08

All the talk I've seen so far is about shipping Gueye and Tronstad out and replacing them, rather than bolstering our squad which is needed. That said, Gueye is a major waste of a squad berth. There is maybe half a team that I think are good enough at this level who can stay fit consistently. If December goes how many expect, we could be in desperate need of significant reinforcements come January, but even if we had the funds I have zero faith in the team responsible for getting them.

He led their team both at the front and back as Captain, won countless headers, broke up play well, got a goal. Also got MOTM from Sky and on the BBC with double the rating of our highest rated player. Did absolutely nothing though. Though I can appreciate when you watch players like Gudjohnsen and Gueye week in week out it can be hard to recognise a striker working with the team.

I don't see how anyone can look at a team that has lost ~60% of their games in all competitions and think they could flirt with the play-offs and aren't in danger of the drop, especially when that squad is now ravaged by injuries and suspensions. Those three wins are a godsend, but it will take a miracle to stay clear during the Christmas period.

To be fair, whilst happy with the results I was consistent in thinking that we didn't play particularly well in any of those wins. I think the quality of the squad is significantly worse - you say Eustace struggled with 4/5 players missing but we've been struggling even when those players have been available! Defence - significantly worse than last season. Alebiosu is clearly the best of the summer signings but I don't think he's necessarily better than Brittain, but anyone with a brain could see relying on Carter/Wharton was suicidal - especially when Miller isn't a CB (is barely a footballer) and McLoughlin is Jekyll and Hyde. De Neve has shown flashes in attack but I'm not convinced with him at the back. Carter and Wharton should be the starters but they're made of Weetabix unfortunately. Midfield - I actually agree that Gardner-Hickman has been steady, though I think Travis has more about him but that is experience more than anything. The midfield last season wasn't great, but look at who we've brought in - Henriksson, Tavares, Morishita, Kargbo (I know in Jan but he basically didn't play) and the mysterious Baradji - they would struggle to get into most Championship team's reserves. Forwards - I love Yuki's work rate, and he proved he can score when supported but what have we got otherwise? Gudjohnsen scored a few tap-ins but other than that hasn't impacted any of the games I've seen positively, arguable at fault for the first yesterday and the Swansea winner at least. And the less said about Gueye the better. Honestly whilst depth is a big issue, I think that our first 11 being absolute bobbins is a bigger issue. Throw in a terrible manager and we're in for a rough December.

Let me guess, the CB will be O'Riordan, Gueye will be sold to make room for the striker and if Tronstad is leaving that isn't really bolstering the squad either. This squad is massively lacking in both numbers and quality, and the recruitment in in the hands of the people who absolutely blew the summer transfer window. Despite a couple of wins against out of form teams I think we're going into December with the dregs of an already poor squad and to survive we need significant investment in January. There are good arguments to say you could reasonably need 3 signings at CB alone if Wharton and Carter are going to continue to spend their careers with the medics.

Specifically Rudy from what I recall. Never should have been allowed near transfers, should never be allowed again. Shambolic.

Which you'd think for an ownership intent on playing them would mean that Ismael was a poor choice for them. The appointment is bizarre from every angle except French pals with Rudy.

When? There was the blocked cross that was outside the box, but I don't remember another incident.

In addition to the fact that we lost aerial duels in every area of the pitch consistently for 90 minutes.

He was mostly protected by the fact that Derby were ahead and sat back, more than because our defence actually did much though. Could get messy against Preston unless we get a few back. Could anyway.

Now look at the relative loss rates and come back to me. Also add in the Eustace took over a crap team in a relegation fight and Ismael took over a team in the top 6.

Terrible football and results vs terrible football and losing 80% of our games. Hmmm... tough choice that.

We looked better because they sat off as Eustace used to with us. Without the penalty that game would end 2-0 - we didn't create anything of note for 90 minutes and Derby knew that would be the case.

Gueye and Gudjohnsen needing punting in January, you could put them together and you might get a League Two striker if you're lucky.

Add in all the long throws and I think we've won the ball maybe twice?

One player I have to give massive credit to is Montgomery to be fair, some of the others should be using him as an example of the effort and desire they should be putting in.

Eh? It was about as stonewall as you can get?

Eustace has us exactly where he wants. Can't wait to hear how good the second half was because they sat off and we did nothing with the million percent possession we had.

Tbf I think the bigger issue is our third keeper is 18. The only keepers that age I've ever seen be given a real run at a decent level have been generational talents.

I also don't think it's fair to call them poor. They got an early goal, and in typical Eustace fashion sat back knowing we wouldn't lay a glove on us and that they could hit us on the counter. I'd argue that they're playing exactly how asked and there is a reason they've won (soon to be) 5 in a row and will finish way, way ahead of us this season.

Fixed it. We were never winning this regardless of availability. Zero shots on target and keep playing long ball when we have lost literally every header in any part of the pitch. We have a stronger squad than last season though, honest.

And as I say it, another one. This is going exactly as I predicted when the fixtures came out. Utter garbage.

Have we won a single header in any area of the pitch yet?

Amazing tactical decision to keep using long throws against a team twice our size.

Miller is abysmal, every pass has been miles away from its intended target and gives a free counter attack.