@Ben 10 Anyway just looked of nufc plays a two game sicky they'll have until Jan 15th to get a few hundred million spent before Watford at home. Results should see us only maybe 3 to 5 points adrift come that time with Burnley down to 2 games in hand and Leeds and Watford none.
I agree. West Ham are on a horrid run and are missing some key players too. Could be an interesting game. Ive out Watford in my acca. If they win I win some money but I’m sad. I’d they lose or draw im happy.
Don't get this giving Howe all the credit for Big Joe. He was already playing well under Bruce. The fans just weren't appreciating it. He has pretty much been good all season. We just need him to add some assists and goals now. Once we get some better players to accompany him, he should improve again. Howe deserves some praise of course for the positional change, but to use it to continue the assault on Bruce is a bit far fetched. Fans just need to look in the mirror and say "Yeah I was unfair and got that wrong" instead of trying to deflect onto Bruce (as usual). I wrote the lad off last season at one stage, I thought he was broken beyond repair. But I'll happily admit he proved me wrong and from game one this season has displayed an outstanding attitude. Been an example to all of our lot. One I do think Howe has got a tune out of is Fraser. I was starting to wonder if he was done, but his pressing of late has been exactly what we need. If he can continue to improve like that he can be a useful squad player for us.
I don't think you can play down how important the position change has been, even if it did happen by accident due to a red card. You're right about him improving before Bruce left though. To be fair he has always shown willingness and an ability to hold the ball up. I think if we hadn't spent so much money on him (which wasn't his fault) then the narrative around his time here would have been very different.
No doubt the fee played a part, particularly in supporters minds. It brings expectation whether you like it or not. My big concern was his body language before this season. He was sat on the floor chucking his arms in the air, whining like a bitch. His shoulders were down, he looked fed up and appeared to be doubting himself. ASM does similar still and needs to harden if he wants to be a true success. However Big Joe this season has stopped all that. He has just picked himself up and got after people. He has learnt how to use his sizeable frame, and got a bit of confidence. Now he is suddenly willing to take people on. He wouldn't have tried that nutmeg 12 months ago. I do think our scouting team have to be questioned mind. To tell the owner, managers they'd found the perfect No.9 was a load of bollocks. He'd never played there, and his best attributes don't suggest he ever would suit it. That positional change was important. Howe still deserves credit regardless how it came about, because he chose to ride that wave.
Roy get of the #cans and stop phoning talkshows man. Toon fan on Talksport said Joelinton has turned into a better central midfielder than Viera