@tonyjspencer.bsky.social
I think I’m in the minority here but I disagree. The execution was terrible at times, especially first half, but I thought there was a real intent to progress the ball centrally and play passes between the lines. It seemed to me like a clear change of instruction and what we’ve been asking for.
December 2, 2025 at 10:36 PM
I think I’m in the minority here but I disagree. The execution was terrible at times, especially first half, but I thought there was a real intent to progress the ball centrally and play passes between the lines. It seemed to me like a clear change of instruction and what we’ve been asking for.
It’s not ideal but assuming he wasn’t going to play all 4 of these games it was either today or Arsenal or PSG, so no good option really. Romero’s suspension probably complicated matters too.
December 2, 2025 at 7:59 PM
It’s not ideal but assuming he wasn’t going to play all 4 of these games it was either today or Arsenal or PSG, so no good option really. Romero’s suspension probably complicated matters too.
I actually respect the decision to rotate VdV. Given his injury record playing him for 4 games in 10 days would have been a big risk and it would have been tempting for TF to play him given how much pressure he’s under.
December 2, 2025 at 7:14 PM
I actually respect the decision to rotate VdV. Given his injury record playing him for 4 games in 10 days would have been a big risk and it would have been tempting for TF to play him given how much pressure he’s under.
If you look at the whole of October and November the only points dropped in the league were directly after Europa League games. I don’t think it’s a coincidence but I take your point about rotation and fatigue at that stage.
December 2, 2025 at 6:31 AM
If you look at the whole of October and November the only points dropped in the league were directly after Europa League games. I don’t think it’s a coincidence but I take your point about rotation and fatigue at that stage.
There were a few, I just checked. Man Utd (couldn’t not beat them last season), Southampton, and…. Brentford.
December 1, 2025 at 6:56 PM
There were a few, I just checked. Man Utd (couldn’t not beat them last season), Southampton, and…. Brentford.
Everyone always mentions those three games so it’s worth noting that they were all directly after Europa League games on Thursday, two of which were away. As Frank said in the presser today the team still need to get used to playing on short turnaround, they certainly weren’t ready for it back then.
December 1, 2025 at 4:27 PM
Everyone always mentions those three games so it’s worth noting that they were all directly after Europa League games on Thursday, two of which were away. As Frank said in the presser today the team still need to get used to playing on short turnaround, they certainly weren’t ready for it back then.
Maybe just recruit some better cover than Archie Gray and Ben Davies?
November 30, 2025 at 11:32 AM
Maybe just recruit some better cover than Archie Gray and Ben Davies?
He needs to contribute more at defensive set pieces 😉
November 29, 2025 at 8:01 PM
He needs to contribute more at defensive set pieces 😉
The mother load of crosses incoming?
November 29, 2025 at 7:32 PM
The mother load of crosses incoming?
That was my guess but who knows. At least TF is keeping everyone on their toes!
November 29, 2025 at 6:57 PM
That was my guess but who knows. At least TF is keeping everyone on their toes!
I hope you are right. Not just because of load management but to get more creativity in the team. We’ll find out soon enough!
November 29, 2025 at 12:40 PM
I hope you are right. Not just because of load management but to get more creativity in the team. We’ll find out soon enough!
Hope I’m wrong but I really don’t see him playing Bergvall in that role. If he does it would be a very good step in the right direction. As things stand though I think the only way we see Bergvall and Xavi is if one plays on the left and comes inside in possession to do the dual 10 thing again.
November 29, 2025 at 11:05 AM
Hope I’m wrong but I really don’t see him playing Bergvall in that role. If he does it would be a very good step in the right direction. As things stand though I think the only way we see Bergvall and Xavi is if one plays on the left and comes inside in possession to do the dual 10 thing again.
Likewise. I’d like to see him playing wide too. He was starting to look dangerous playing there last season, like a real successor to Son, and we haven’t seen him there at all this season.
November 29, 2025 at 9:48 AM
Likewise. I’d like to see him playing wide too. He was starting to look dangerous playing there last season, like a real successor to Son, and we haven’t seen him there at all this season.
Totally agree with this. I really want to see some more of Bergvall and Simons playing together and hope we get to see that today with whatever TF puts out.
November 29, 2025 at 9:47 AM
Totally agree with this. I really want to see some more of Bergvall and Simons playing together and hope we get to see that today with whatever TF puts out.
Ahh switch Danso for Romero there obviously.
November 28, 2025 at 12:19 PM
Ahh switch Danso for Romero there obviously.
Within the realms of what I think is a possible selection from TF I would really like to see a return to the 3241 in possession shape with the LB providing width on the left and dual 10s.
In possession:
Vic
Porro Romero VdV
Gray Bentancaur
Kudus Simons Bergvall Udogie
RKM
Plus the PSG intensity!
In possession:
Vic
Porro Romero VdV
Gray Bentancaur
Kudus Simons Bergvall Udogie
RKM
Plus the PSG intensity!
November 28, 2025 at 12:15 PM
Within the realms of what I think is a possible selection from TF I would really like to see a return to the 3241 in possession shape with the LB providing width on the left and dual 10s.
In possession:
Vic
Porro Romero VdV
Gray Bentancaur
Kudus Simons Bergvall Udogie
RKM
Plus the PSG intensity!
In possession:
Vic
Porro Romero VdV
Gray Bentancaur
Kudus Simons Bergvall Udogie
RKM
Plus the PSG intensity!
My fear (hopefully unfounded) with this lineup is that it’s designed to have Richie and Muani up top fighting for headers and Sarr, Bergvill, and Gray behind them fighting for second balls.
November 26, 2025 at 7:31 PM
My fear (hopefully unfounded) with this lineup is that it’s designed to have Richie and Muani up top fighting for headers and Sarr, Bergvill, and Gray behind them fighting for second balls.
FotMob is now showing this. The super computer is scrambling!
November 26, 2025 at 7:20 PM
FotMob is now showing this. The super computer is scrambling!
Suspended I think.
November 26, 2025 at 7:10 PM
Suspended I think.
It feels like a 442 to me too. Pombo and Miami up top for extra ball winning.
November 26, 2025 at 7:07 PM
It feels like a 442 to me too. Pombo and Miami up top for extra ball winning.
“Like in a normal game of football” 🥴
November 26, 2025 at 10:18 AM
“Like in a normal game of football” 🥴
Thanks! I was wondering if it was referring to press baiting / artificial transitions. Well I would not be opposed to seeing some half transitions tomorrow. Don’t think we even got a one tenth transition in the NLD.
November 25, 2025 at 8:14 PM
Thanks! I was wondering if it was referring to press baiting / artificial transitions. Well I would not be opposed to seeing some half transitions tomorrow. Don’t think we even got a one tenth transition in the NLD.
Any idea what’s a half transition is? Not sure I’ve heard that term before.
November 25, 2025 at 7:29 PM
Any idea what’s a half transition is? Not sure I’ve heard that term before.
Not wanting to pile on but isn’t that 18th?
November 24, 2025 at 10:48 AM
Not wanting to pile on but isn’t that 18th?