oldgit

That didn't take long then!

Another packed defence to overcome and another turgid display of keep ball. When you're in this situation, you've got to release the ball quickly, get it out of your feet and unsettle defenders. Then you've got to give it to the players who can take people on, and have the ability to ghost past defenders. Sterling is one of those but he had a poor night. James is another who can do this but was hesitant for some reason, continually recycling the ball back to the centre backs. Then there's Mount but he had a game where nothing went right for him. Next up is Fulham and the question is, will they pack their defence? I don't think they will. They're at home in a tight ground so I can see this being an open game with some crunching tackles! We've just got to match and better they're work rate.

Usual story on corners again. We get dozens and never look like we will take advantage. Change the angle of delivery by playing it short or wide. C'mon Thomas, sort it out because everybody including the kit man, have had a go at the direct approach. Meanwhile, on their second corner, there's havoc and they score. It must be that our players are not brave enough to mix it in the six yard box.

I would look world class on Youtube Keith! Joking aside, I like the way he stays on his feet unless it's absolutely necessary to slide in. Quick as well. Regarding yesterday, dull as dishwater in the first half. Lazy, safety first football with nobody, other than Sterling, wanting to take the bull by the horns and get at them. Loftus -Cheek was strangely hesitant in taking people on but he wasn't the only one. The second half, the game opened up with yer 'Ammers taking a few chances which left a bit more space for us. Diabolical and naive defending for their goal that wasn't and very fortunate for us that VAR spotted Bowen leaving his foot in Mendy's chest. We've got to regroup much better when defending a lead. It's happening too often now. A terrific goal by Havertz which will do bundles for his confidence.

Yes Keith, considering the upheaval within the club and important people like Petr Cech leaving, I think Todd Boehly and his team have done a great job in bringing in, on the face of it, very good players to the squad while getting rid of loads of fringe players that contributed little. The emphasis was definitely on pace which we badly needed in the team. I'm looking forward to seeing young Chukwuemeka play, as he impressed me at Villa. Aubameyang and Tuchel obviously get on so, here's hoping he can replicate his goalscoring record at Dortmund. I see the 'wunderkid' Cesare Casadei, got sent off in his first game for the development team against Sutton! Thomas has still seen it fit though, to put him in the first team squad. I agree about Broja. He must start in place of Havertz who is totally out of sorts at the moment. Now that Aubameyang is here, I think Tuchel will drop him back to his best position in midfield, where he can run on to the ball.

Which is why Kante and Kovacic are vital in a crowded and frantic midfield. They have that bit of class and pace above the rest, to find that extra yard and get their passes away. We need more of the same, not pedestrians who get crowded out before they have time to blink.

I noticed that! Old Brendan looked like he'd been on the weights. Gallagher raced around like he was on speed. Talk about frantic, he was putting himself about everywhere, in an effort to impress Thomas. Totally unnecessary to bring Barnes down as Chalobah was on the cover. A very good result considering the circumstances with a little bit of luck (for once) thrown in. I'm hoping that Hassenhuttl sees fit to bring back those tortoises Benderek and Romeu into his starting line up on Tuesday night but, if he's got half a brain, he'll keep the same team that ran United close yesterday. Plenty of pace in midfield and defence in that Saints side to concern us.

Not even the orangutans?

Let's hope Kovacic is ready to return.

Don't United fans go to England games? I've heard them giving him grief.

Agree 100% Keith. For a player, who was one of the best, if not THE best defender in Euro 2020, to have deteriorated to the level he is at now, can only be down to his confidence being shot to pieces. And it doesn't help his cause when the United orangutans on the terraces, couldn't wait to jump on the "Let's boo Maguire's every move" bandwagon as soon as he touches the ball. If there's one man that can get him back to his best, it's Tuchel. I'd be highly delighted if he came here.

It seems Fofana is increasingly unsettled at Leicester, due to our interest in signing him. It showed at the weekend as well, where he was diabolical against Arsenal.

Tuchel will put a stop to it when we get him. An all action player with skill and pace to burn. He'll do for me.

We had a million corners in this game, with no end result. We've got to improve our delivery and ideas in this department.

A well earned 3 points against a negative Everton team, especially in the first half. Thiago was his usual imperious self while Koulibally showed what a great addition he is to the defence, calm, quick and comfortable with either left or right foot. In a packed midfield, I liked the way that Mount, Sterling, James and Havertz found pockets of space to work the ball. I was impressed with the way Cucurella came on and immediately slotted into the system. Kovacic on the bench and stayed there which was unusual.

I'm game for another stab at it this season.

Raheem Sterling eh? Who would have thought it before the transfer window? A good signing I think. Has got lots of pace and, I can this now as he's a Chelsea player, class. Koulibaly looks in the same mould as Rudiger although anything that comes via Serie A, has me worried nowadays. Napoli fans think he walks on water though. I was annoyed when Ake left so I would be quite pleased to have him back.