DJ Barry Hammond

That ship has sailed, there’s little point in dwelling on what might have been - even if it was true. And like with the debate with Cooper’s position - I don’t see him lasting much longer. He’s making enemies with the wrong players, you can tell the players are trying for him but have yet to be convinced by his tactics / training methods - and this sort of atmosphere will be filtering through to board level already. BUT - it’s too early for the club to make what looks like an inevitable decision. If the next two games go badly - the club might bite the bullet then, but even that’s probably a little bit premature to be seen as a ‘serious club.’ So they may need to sit through three further games up to the November international break and then go, “ok - it’s not worked out” at that stage. Of course, if we somehow spring 10-15 points from those games, Cooper stays a little longer - but he’s not getting past 18 months at most with us, no way! The weird question for fans, however, has to be how we want the next run of games to go - knowing that a middling 6-8 points probably sees Cooper in charge up to at least Christmas (the fixtures look much tougher on paper after November). You know, if given the option - would you want bad results against our direct relegation rivals now so Cooper is gone ASAP? Or is it better that we do alright in those games - meaning we don’t lose ground but he survives for a bit longer. The other factor in this is at what point does sacking him give you the best options in terms of appointing a replacement.

The problem I have with drawing the line on the wide angle shot is that camera angle and the problem with depth perception on a 2D image makes it very difficult to be conclusive on where Justin’s foot is in relation to the pitch. Consider if they drew an identical downward line from Justin’s heel - there would be quite a difference - so much so, it’s like suggesting he has size 27 boots on. Mean even the suggested ‘margin’ that Mateta is onside by feels dubious to the eye.

Meanwhile our managers former team is winning at Anfield - hmmmm! 🤔

I have no issue in that change on its own - other than it was made on it’s own like his other two changes. But the shape he switched us to meant we couldn’t get near Palace when they had the ball - and couldn’t keep it when we did get it back. The stark reality is - Cooper’s decisions are hindering the team, not helping it.

At this level, choosing not to use 2 of your permitted changes is a waste. Energy levels when trying to close a game out is vitally important. He made changes on the 72nd, 76th and 83rd. Make just one of those together, you then have the further option to make a 4th and 5th change. To tie your hands in such a way - makes no sense.

Can’t believe we’ve found another manager who fails to understand how to use his 5 substitutes over 3 allowed stoppages. Making single substitutions twice is a waste - especially when it’s clear Ayew could do with coming off as well! Leaving yourself with 3 possible substitutions from 1 stoppage is not good game management.

Can’t imagine Ayew has much longer on the pitch - not much point switching him if so. Kind of game situation McAteer would have been handy to have on the bench to call upon.

Cooper needs to make substitutions and quickly.

No chance - it was Justin’s outstretched leg they were looking at.

I think they had issues with the available camera angles. My understanding is they have pitch mapping, so could take a position taken from one image and transpose that onto another - but I’m not clear if that’s clever enough to take into account angles and depth perception. My feeling - it could turn out to be a dubious call once all is known.

Strange not to have the player playing the other guy onside in the picture. I’m not convinced by this - are you?

Harsh rating given Ayew gets a 6.5 Hermansen deserves a higher rating too - done a lot of simple looking things (that aren’t necessarily) well.

I don’t agree with this at all. We aren’t pressing as high as we did at the start of the game, all with the same amount of energy. But we’re not deep at all. What’s causing us difficulties to me is our flat 4’s in defence against a Palace attacking shape that is more staggered - and letting their better passers too much time on the ball. Good to get into halftime in front though to regroup and go again.

I assume Cooper has instructed Ndidi to sit closer to him without the ball - we’re coping a tad better towards the end of the half. Got to say - Palace look devoid of confidence - like a side that have seen several players leave.

Suddenly look a bit shit. Would like to see more energy from Ayew - and Ndidi has become a bit lax in his press too. We’ve definitely dropped off and allowed Palace more comfortable possession.