[croadyman]

Can’t believe the pessimism. We’re going to drop points at some stage, so I don’t quite understand the gloom and doom after the palace game. Also worth noting that we beat Arsenal last time around starting McTominay and Eriksen.

Yeah because they had no PARTEY

 

[bosnian_red]

So, nothing there was avoidable? The whole mentality in the 2nd half was wrong. I feel as though demons from last season/before are still there inevitably. But nonetheless, anyone should know that 1-0 is no lead away to teams like palace, even when seemingly in control, and therefore, strategy was wrong.

Another night we get the pen for 2-0 or the free kick never happens but we can’t deny it drastically affects our outlook. Lessons to be learned, and that includes ETH.

In the grand scheme of things, days like today yes are unavoidable. It is the reason why no team, even the best in the world, goes perfect through a season. It is why long winning runs are very hard to do - and we were on 9 wins in all competitions. Ignore the game in isolation. Is Man United, with our current group of attackers (aka just Rashford) 6 months into EtH, capable of going on long winning runs? Capable of challenging for the title? It's not because of mistakes in 1 off games, it's because we simply don't have the players for that yet and it's something that simply getting a better striker (very low bar) will sort out, as will just our other young wingers developing more (Antony, Garnacho, Sancho for example are all young with potential).

Looking at the game in isolation and saying we have to learn a lesson isn't the correct way to analyze the game, because we've had similar games multiple times this season. Some of them we've won, some we've drawn, but they're games where we played well for a good chunk, but didn't get the 2nd goal (as we are a 1 man attack), and then you rely on some luck to see out the game. Leicester, Southampton, Newcastle, west ham, wolves, and now palace... All very similar games. All good for most of it, had a small wobble period, but all games we only scored 1 goal in (or 0) and on another day, they could've scored a 35 yard screamer out of nothing to turn the result. We need less of these types of games is the lesson, because some will inevitably go this way. The only way to have fewer of these games is by getting that 2-0 goal earlier, and that only happens with a striker.

It doesn't drastically affect our outlook. Our outlook is 3rd this season. We were never going to be title winners this year. A draw here, and even if we lose to Arsenal on the weekend, doesn't change that, as even with a loss, we will likely be still 6 points clear of 5th.

 

[croadyman]

You can't win every game, but flipping hell we need Arsenal to lose and drop points, starting with Sunday.

Yeah they have that nice comfort blanket of a trip to mutinous Everton and Brentford at fortress Emirates before City game on Feb 15. Can't see them dropping points in either of those games.

 

[croadyman]

We need to turn it into an ugly game in us to win it which we can do. Agree with people here Martinez would be a good choice in DM just to nullify Odegaard in midfield

A draw wouldn't be the worst result in the world but wouldn't do anything to help us try win the league. We are capable of beating them though

Shame because draw would have kept us in touch with a win tonight but definitely won't do that now. Game has totally lost the excitement now we can't get within a win on Sunday

 

[Pat_Mustard]

I'd actually play Martinez in the Casemiro role.

De Gea
Malacia
Shaw
Varane
Wan Bissaka
Martinez
Fred
Eriksen
Rashford
Martial
Fernandes

That's what I'm hoping for.

 

[croadyman]

That's what I'm hoping for.

Would actually have been intrigued and excited by the prospect but then that thunderous free kick happened and interest sapped

 

[I Am Zlatan]

This will 100% be a loss I have never been wrong when I have this feeling. It will be a tight game I feel like which will make the loss even more hard to accept.

The palace game was the first time in a while I had the feeling of everything going against us (Casemiro’s yellow) and draw, etc and unfortunately came true, I for some reason feel like we’ll draw this.

 

[MUFC OK]

In the grand scheme of things, days like today yes are unavoidable. It is the reason why no team, even the best in the world, goes perfect through a season. It is why long winning runs are very hard to do - and we were on 9 wins in all competitions. Ignore the game in isolation. Is Man United, with our current group of attackers (aka just Rashford) 6 months into EtH, capable of going on long winning runs? Capable of challenging for the title? It's not because of mistakes in 1 off games, it's because we simply don't have the players for that yet and it's something that simply getting a better striker (very low bar) will sort out, as will just our other young wingers developing more (Antony, Garnacho, Sancho for example are all young with potential).

Looking at the game in isolation and saying we have to learn a lesson isn't the correct way to analyze the game, because we've had similar games multiple times this season. Some of them we've won, some we've drawn, but they're games where we played well for a good chunk, but didn't get the 2nd goal (as we are a 1 man attack), and then you rely on some luck to see out the game. Leicester, Southampton, Newcastle, west ham, wolves, and now palace... All very similar games. All good for most of it, had a small wobble period, but all games we only scored 1 goal in (or 0) and on another day, they could've scored a 35 yard screamer out of nothing to turn the result. We need less of these types of games is the lesson, because some will inevitably go this way. The only way to have fewer of these games is by getting that 2-0 goal earlier, and that only happens with a striker.

It doesn't drastically affect our outlook. Our outlook is 3rd this season. We were never going to be title winners this year. A draw here, and even if we lose to Arsenal on the weekend, doesn't change that, as even with a loss, we will likely be still 6 points clear of 5th.

To be fair I don’t disagree will most of this, especially when you say to ignore the game in isolation - it’s a tough fixture midweek.

My point regarding a lesson was based on an assumption that we didn’t try to go for a second goal. Perhaps that was always the plan and ETH seemed to confirm the same, but ultimately you leave yourself vulnerable to a disappointing equaliser.

In terms of outlook, I genuinely thought pre-today that we could join the title race, one game shouldn’t change that but the Casemiro booking makes it feel like we’ve dropped points on Sunday already as a certainty. To be real, a solid top 4 finish would be a good season along with a continuation of some of the positive signs we’ve seen so far.

Completely agree regarding getting the 2nd. That’s been clear for many years in the PL. I still remember Papa Boupa Diops late equaliser for Fulham in 2005 and countless others occasions since.

 

[Nicoseth]

Maybe our toughest game of the season. My head says we'll lose, my heart says draw. 1-1.

 

[MUFC OK]

The palace game was the first time in a while I had the feeling of everything going against us (Casemiro’s yellow) and draw, etc and unfortunately came true, I for some reason feel like we’ll draw this.

I think it takes a huge effort to play as we did, and win v guardiola’s City and to follow that up with a game a few days later, perhaps we just weren’t 100%. Palace away is never easy though, don’t think we’ve won on our last 2 occasions and the one before was a hard fought 2-1 win.

 

[croadyman]

Maybe our toughest game of the season. My head says we'll lose, my heart says draw. 1-1.

Listen to your head because draw is a waste

 

[tenpoless]

Implode ye little shit. Feck off you fake haired, Steve Jobs inspired Pep wannabe.
Lose 6 times in a row or something.

 

[croadyman]

Implode ye little shit. Feck off you fake haired, Steve Jobs inspired Pep wannabe.
Lose 6 times in a row or something.

Not happening I am afraid to say

 

[kouroux]

Will need a DDG masterclass like a few seasons ago

 

[hellhunter]

Predictions for the weekend lads?

Casemiro unlikely to start imo

 

[croadyman]

Seems mad how 8 pts is so different to 6 pts when it's only a difference of 2 pts

 

[Mcking]

Maybe our toughest game of the season. My head says we'll lose, my heart says draw. 1-1.

Would be way more confident if we were at home. Looks like one of those games we will be 2-0 down in the first 30 minutes.

 

[croadyman]

Maybe our toughest game of the season. My head says we'll lose, my heart says draw. 1-1.

Could have afforded a draw with win but not now

 

[cpresc]

On the flip side there’ll be lots of pressure and expectation on arsenal to win. They’re bottlers

 

[Shakesy]

This will 100% be a loss I have never been wrong when I have this feeling. It will be a tight game I feel like which will make the loss even more hard to accept.

I'll just assume you were drunk when you wrote this. Nothing is certain and I'm sure you are wrong quite often.

 

[I’m loving my life]

0-2 loss. Momentum well and truly disrupted and Arsenal have everything going their way this year.

Shame, as with Liverpool, City and Chelsea all uncharacteristically poor we have a good chance this year but 8 points/ played one game more is a huge gap.

We’re also a few players short of a squad that can win a title. As we will see without Casemiro.
Could we possibly use Martinez there and Shaw at CB?

 

[Thiagoal]

With our defence (I believe the best in the league) we may be able to absorb Arsenal’s early pressure. We need to play this one on the counter and start Rashford, Antony and Garnacho up high. Everyone else behind the ball!

 

[Real Name]

In the grand scheme of things, days like today yes are unavoidable. It is the reason why no team, even the best in the world, goes perfect through a season. It is why long winning runs are very hard to do - and we were on 9 wins in all competitions. Ignore the game in isolation. Is Man United, with our current group of attackers (aka just Rashford) 6 months into EtH, capable of going on long winning runs? Capable of challenging for the title? It's not because of mistakes in 1 off games, it's because we simply don't have the players for that yet and it's something that simply getting a better striker (very low bar) will sort out, as will just our other young wingers developing more (Antony, Garnacho, Sancho for example are all young with potential).

Looking at the game in isolation and saying we have to learn a lesson isn't the correct way to analyze the game, because we've had similar games multiple times this season. Some of them we've won, some we've drawn, but they're games where we played well for a good chunk, but didn't get the 2nd goal (as we are a 1 man attack), and then you rely on some luck to see out the game. Leicester, Southampton, Newcastle, west ham, wolves, and now palace... All very similar games. All good for most of it, had a small wobble period, but all games we only scored 1 goal in (or 0) and on another day, they could've scored a 35 yard screamer out of nothing to turn the result. We need less of these types of games is the lesson, because some will inevitably go this way. The only way to have fewer of these games is by getting that 2-0 goal earlier, and that only happens with a striker.

It doesn't drastically affect our outlook. Our outlook is 3rd this season. We were never going to be title winners this year. A draw here, and even if we lose to Arsenal on the weekend, doesn't change that, as even with a loss, we will likely be still 6 points clear of 5th.

Good post. I think defensively we've improved a lot, we dont let a lot of chances to the opposing teams, midfield a bit less but still better at passing and openings for a pass, it's just the attack which needs improving and that will come with additions and hopefully Antony and Sancho finding their feet among other things. Given he's new at the job and still assembling his team ETH is doing wonders and I'm already looking forward to next season.

 

[CM]

With our defence (I believe the best in the league) we may be able to absorb Arsenal’s early pressure. We need to play this one on the counter and start Rashford, Antony and Garnacho up high. Everyone else behind the ball!

Not without Casemiro. Unfortunately nobody else has the awareness to drop into the pockets and make the tackles and interceptions he does. That takes so much pressure off the defence. Double whammy as it's likely going to be McTominay replacing him as well.

 

[Real Name]

We've beaten them without Casemiro already. Of course different game, different circumstances but its Arsenal, wouldn't be the 1st time we go into the game as underdogs and win.

 

[Chaky_Best]

Sit back,
Hit them on counter,
Dont leave any space between the lines,
Give Partey no solution to play high,
Isolate Martinelli and Sakha on the wings,
Hope for a De Gea miracle.

Other than that, we will lose 3-0 I reckon.

Strenghening the middle of the pitch, with Bruno on the right following Zinchenko that comes inside.
One vs one for Martinelli and AWB is ok.
I would test to play Fred on Partey and Eriksen following Xhaka.
Hoping also for some good counter from Rashford and Garnacho.

------------------------------------------------------De Gea---------------------------------------------------------
Wan Bissaka---------------------Varane-----------------Martinez------------------------------Shaw
----------------------------------------Mc Tominay-----------Fred---------------------------------------------
Bruno------------------------------------------Eriksen---------------------------------------------Garnacho
----------------------------------------------------Rashford---------------------------------------------------------

 

[Silverman]

The result last night could actually help us in this game, oddly.
There will be less hype about a title showdown and we will be given the tag of underdogs even more now. The pressure is off to an extent.
Casemiro missing is of course a massive loss but Arsenal may just get a slight bit complacent.

 

[Adamsk7]

Away
Everyone looks shagged
No Casemiro
Possibly no Martial

I’d be very happy with a draw

De Gea
AWB
Varane
Shaw
Malacia

Martinez
Eriksen (looked absolutely knackered yesterday but what’s the alternative?)
Fred

Bruno
Rashford
Garnacho

If Martial is fit (like properly) then I’d play him and Rashford left

 

[(...)]

Casemiro out is a huge blow, I was fully expecting him to nullify Odegaard. But I still feel that Bruno and Rashford will be the key players in that game, they are so good at finding space in quick transition and it's clearly Arsenal's kryptonite.

 

[Slevs]

No Casemiro but we always do things the hard way anyway.
Lets beat these guys.

 

[red_de_pologne]

Worryingly Martinez looks off pace at the moment, not sure he start ahead of Malacia tbh

I'd still have him ahead of McTominay at CDM

 

[Real Name]

Worryingly Martinez looks off pace at the moment, not sure he start ahead of Malacia tbh

I'd still have him ahead of McTominay at CDM

Malacia?
Malacia isnt his backup.
Also he was absolutely fine yesterday.

 

[Slevs]

Think we'll go with this

DDG
Awb Varane Shaw Malacia
Martinez
Eriksen Fred
Bruno
Rashford Antony

Malacia and Awb to counter their quick full backs. Malacia is very pacey and gets stuck in when someone tried to dribble past him.
Martinez at DM to have an easy passing option for our CBs. Fred isn't the best at this position and McTominay isn't good enough for this role too.
We'll be solid defensively but struggle attacking wise. Martial and Garnacho on in the 2nd half as we switch to our usual formation.

However with Shaw being a very good passer of the ball, reckon ETH could in theory take out Martinez and instead have something like the below which looks better

DDG
Awb Varane Shaw Malacia
Eriksen Fred
Bruno
Rashford Martial Antony

 

[pascell]

3-0 Arsenal.

 

[moses]

Could have afforded a draw with win but not now

A draw there would be a great point.

 

[El Zoido]

Last nights game really took the excitement out of this one, it really was just a disaster all around. We’ve played too many games for the squad we have, it’s too much.

 

[VP89]

Last nights game really took the excitement out of this one, it really was just a disaster all around. We’ve played too many games for the squad we have, it’s too much.

Honestly it's not that bad.
A draw vs Arsenal keeps us in all scenarios. I know they have a big lead but they play City twice in PL with an FA cup tie vs them sandwiched somwhere inbetween. I think they also have banana skins of their own on paper, such as Fulham away, Brentford potentially and other tricky ties such as Villa.

We have half the season to go! Just need to take ours game by game and see how close we are in a couple months. If we focus on the gap now, we will get demotivated by it all

 

[AngeloHenriquez]

On current form I'd pack Garnacho over Antony personally and I don't want to see Mctominay start, I'd rather try Martinez in that role

 

[christinaa]

3-0 Arsenal.

So optimistic!

 

[space]

Just want this game out the way. We have been truly shafted by the FA