I do love VG's fight up front. He was extremely physical today, battling with the fulham cb's; it was great to see.

United do us a favor.

wangus12 said:

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United do us a favor.

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You are welcome.

Only 30 matches left.

Ghost of Andrew Eaton said:

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Only 30 matches left.

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Glad we are not the on the Liverpool sky is falling bandwagon for once

Was reading through a discussion on another forum that was talking about Pool's issues this season primarily surrounding drop off in usage of Salah. A user equated Pool's prior use of Salah to our use/reliance on Saka. Then I had an epiphany about Marti....... While some of his statistical drop may be poor form/confidence, the majority of it is scheme. 3 years ago we started shifting our scheme to lean on Saka's abilities. In doing so we effectively turned Marti into a WB (our best defensive W and he is continually asked to provide width vs cutting in as a scoring FW) in order to allow the LB to free roam. OZ started the trend by becoming a 4th MF when he had the ball but he is a poor defender and is slow to get back in position. We tried to cover him with Xhaka but he is also slow and is far more effective around the box so Marti had to start coming back to provide cover on the left. We've continued that trend to a degree with better versions of OZ in MLS & Cala. Cala specifically is fast/athletic enough to get back so there is less reliance on the LW covering. Now he can push forward more but he effectively has to unlearn 2 yrs of training to try and become a scoring W again.

COYG!!

Decent half. A few missed opportunities could have found the back of the net.

Set Piece FC Ole Ole Ole

Gabriellllll

BIG GABI!!!! Well timed header!!!

Marti!!!!!!!!!!!!

Martinelli!!! 2 nil!!!

Victor!!!!

VG! 3 nil!

VIKTORRRRRR WITH ANOTHER

VIK!!!!!!!!!!!

Too Fun! 4 nil!

just about scored that one off his junk

This was very nervy for the first 60 minutes but this is becoming just about perfect. That's got to feel so good for Gyokeres

Nice way to break it open.

4 goals, Clean sheet, cruising to 3 more point by the end.

TXAggie2011 said:

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This was very nervy for the first 60 minutes but this is becoming just about perfect. That's got to feel so good for Gyokeres

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Atletico is very good and one of the best tactical teams out there.

Also love the revitalized Martinelli tour.

That was fun. Martinelli looks like a man possessed.

Atleti is credited for a shot on goal but I'm not sure it actually was on goal. Either way, we don't give up chances on goal right now. I believe we've only given up one goal from regular open play this season.

We are currently one of two teams in CL right now that have given up zero goals.

🚨 Arsenal reach agreement with Max Dowman to sign scholarship terms - with pro deal expected to follow when turns 17 (Dec 31, 2026). 15yo could have moved anywhere & for more money but only wanted #AFC + terms in process of being finalised @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/9rgRXZo5hz

— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) October 23, 2025

chjoak said:

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We are currently one of two teams in CL right now that have given up zero goals.

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On the season our defenders have scored more goals (5) than they've given up (3).

PJYoung said:

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chjoak said:

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We are currently one of two teams in CL right now that have given up zero goals.

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On the season our defenders have scored more goals (5) than they've given up (3).

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On pace to give up <15 goals all season…that would be ok

PJYoung said:

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chjoak said:

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We are currently one of two teams in CL right now that have given up zero goals.

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On the season our defenders have scored more goals (5) than they've given up (3).

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Also our defenders get so much credit for the corner routines and set pieces, but probably not enough kudos for his good they are at actual defense

🚨⚠️ Arteta: “Gabriel Magalhães had to leave the pitch against Atletico with an issue. He hasn’t been able to train yet”. pic.twitter.com/tqFQqhB09U

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 24, 2025

I'd say with our depth, if there is any doubt you rest him. Play Mosquera, Hincapie or Calafiori at CB and MLS at LB.

Tough to replace the best CB in the world though, especially with his set piece prowess

We'll just have to score from open play. Time for VG to go on a run of goals.

Start Mos. He's played well enough to deserve a start. If he plays well give him a full 90 and maybe bring on Hincapie for Saliba at 70 to give him a run.

chjoak said:

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We'll just have to score from open play. Time for VG to go on a run of goals.

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Hear! Hear!

Blasphemy