Rousseau

If we succumbed to the whims of the fans we'd replace the entire XI every couple of weeks. Windass has been disappointing at times, but I think there's a player there. He's certainly showing progress; his defensive game has improved a wee bit, and his attacking game is more focused. He's got a way to go before he's influencing games consistently; he's not going to get there if he's left on the bench.

Yes, I've done that with your good self...

66 views; What's that, mid-table? Relegation candidate?

I'm not sure Scotland fans, or the people in positions of power, have the patience or awareness to implement a project like the Portuguese did with 20 years or so until it bares any fruit. It's going to take something like that to change our fortunes. That Pianist analogy is spot on; you don't get anywhere by making our players more physical.

I'd like to see McCrorie get a few games with Alves. I think we've missed Alves' leadership, and his forward passes. Just because we go with two forwards -- Herrera and Morelos, as has been suggested -- doesn't mean we're more likely to score goals. IMO, we have a better balance when we play a 4-2-3-1, with Pena pushing forward. Marking a static forward in Herrera is easier than the continually-in-motion Pena. We'll certainly need the defensive stability too. Jack is a huge loss. Holt can do a job, but I do fear Saints' physicality. I'd like to see Barjonas get some game-time too -- can he come in for Jack, or is he more offensive? It perhaps doesn't solve the physical deficiency, though.

2-1.

It's sad but I just can't bring myself to support that team; It's somewhat irrational, but I always end up smirking when they concede.

Aww... 1-1.

Thumb, though...

I love Serie A -- always have done since the classic Football Italia on Channel 4! Napoli have been breathtaking in their attacking football; a real delight to watch. Milan have stuttered after so much promise on the back of significant investment. Juventus look vulnerable to me: they've consciously moved away from the strong defensive base to attempt to play more attacking and to score more goals; they score a fair few, but they also concede now -- what do you expect when you sell Bonucci?! It's a tactically fascinating league -- even unfancied Atalanta, who've been terrific over the last couple of years. I expected them to do well against Everton -- even when the English pundits did not, although that's not unusual -- but 3-0 was pretty impressive; they totally dominated in their 3-4-1-2.

I was impressed with Holt's contribution against Hamilton late on: energy to burn and good movement. However, he's bullied physically too often to be a regular for us. Always confident that he'll do a job, though.

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Partly, perhaps, but I think it's trying to fit too many similar-type players into the same side. Koeman is going to have to be ruthless.

Sounds like we have a good crop of youngsters coming through. Hopefully they get chances to play for the first-team; that's what it's all about. Hardie may get some minutes since Miller looks out of the picture.

Chelsea were really poor on the day - nothing to do with Conte; they were just giving away possession time after time, lazily. However, Guardiola had it tactically: those wide 8's and inside full-backs had Conte stumped.

We are conceding far too many, but the stats suggest we should be doing better. Our xG against -- those the opponent are expected to score, based on the quality of the chance -- is around 6; we've actually conceded 10 (from the first 7 games). Either we're conceding really poor goals, or we're really unlucky; probably a bit of both if the Hamilton goal is anything to go by.

Probably something to do with their CL loss. They maybe have to double-down on training after a defeat like that. Friendlies are not that important.

Get a room... I'm not jealous.

I thought Pena was poor; complacent on the ball and kept giving it away. In his defense tonight, though, I always thought he was having to chest it down to control it on occasion; which is difficult. Was that just me? Despite that, I think there is a player there. His positioning is excellent, he always gets into the box, links up well and he's not afraid of giving an opponent a wee dig at times! Who was saying a "Cardiff City reject was not Rangers quality"?

Their coverage of football in general on BT is exceptional: Many European leagues to gorge on; Premier League games; Champions League and Europa League games, and a fantastic goals as-they-happen show on CL nights with the legend James Richardson, and Hongistein, Lauren and Horcastle -- proper football journalists. I'm disappointed they got rid of the Eropean Football Show with the former as it was the best football show on TV. It's only the Scottish games that are unprofessional shite, and that's down to the so-called 'pundits'. I mean, "Pena for [PC's] thoughts"? Jesus wept! I switch over at Half-time.

No Miller...