Ollie Watkins

[Brazilian Villain]

On reflection, Smirker could be Unai Emery.

Given his penchant for emojis, my guess is that he's Karl Lagerfeld's lovechild.

[Dave]

Solanke's done his hamstring, so one bit of good news for Ollie from today

[Rudy Can't Fail]

It's difficult to understand how despite playing every single game there's next to no connection between Watkins and Rogers. They play like they met for the first time five minutes before the game.

It's a case of create the goal yourself or don't bother.

[dcdavecollett]

Apart from last week against the Mackems.

[Olneythelonely]

A stat popped up yesterday saying they have the most goal contributions as a pairing in the league, over the last two seasons (I think).

[Percy McCarthy]

A stat popped up yesterday saying they have the most goal contributions as a pairing in the league, over the last two seasons (I think).

I thought that was probably true as soon as I read RCFs post.

[Somniloquism]

Yep, I thought he was doing an "opposite" thing when he mentioned McGinn is shit out on the right which was proved wrong last week as well.

[johnc]

Apart from last week against the Mackems.

Or the week before against Bologna

[Rudy Can't Fail]

Yep, I thought he was doing an "opposite" thing when he mentioned McGinn is shit out on the right which was proved wrong last week as well.

Sunderland first half he was out wide and we struggled to control the game in midfield despite being in front, second half he moved further inside and we dominated until he went off. I've no problem with him playing on the right but hugging the touchline seems such a waste. Shit? McGinn is never shit. Never.

[Somniloquism]

You mean in front because he was playing on the right and caused at least two goals playing there, including the one where Watkins setup Rogers even though they don't know each other?

[Rudy Can't Fail]

I suggest if your intention is to have any even mildly serious discussion or debate you read my post before replying to it.

Watkins first goal SJM was playing at least 15 yards inside on the right, i.e. where I like to see him play as he's more effective as a player and for the team.
No involvement in Watkins' second as it came from the left.
Rogers goal indeed SJM did make a tackle in his own half near the touchline that changed defence into attack. His ball into Barkley to charge up the pitch from the half way line who fed Watkins to knock the ball in for Rogers to control and score. Beautiful goal. Justification for playing SJM on the touchline? No, it's the type of tackle he makes every game when playing further inside.

This lethal partnership the stats apparently have between Watkins and Rogers, apart from the goal mentioned above and Rogers supplying the tap in for Watkins against Bologna, I must have missed it. What I would like to see is them working more closely together, last time I looked tap-ins still count as much as worldies. Might help with our goals scored record too, another season where we're way below the teams around us.

[SamTheMouse]

Agreed RCF, I'm surprised at those stats, but they're probably boosted a bit by the fact that Rogers and Watkins are pretty much ever presents for Unai.

I actually think Sancho and Rogers have more of a visible understanding and work well together.

[Skipper_The_Eyechild]

Rogers and Sancho definitely have a good understanding.

[Martyn Smith]

A propos of nothing much, but something that always interests me. I notice that Ollie always seems to wave to someone in particular up in the stands at the end of a home match. Just wondering who that might be. Idle curiosity is all...

[Rudy Can't Fail]

Paul Winch Again 

Just japing, Paul.

I can tell you who it's not too.