Sam Battams

Strategist

[Sam Battams @sambattams]

@VFTLpodcast @kvlmason @EliasBurke @JamesTMaw @JackPittBrooke Why is there such little talk of us signing a striker? Are we really going into the season with Solanke & Richy as the options? Seems like the weakest part of the squad, even with everyone fit (and they won't be simultaneously). Sorry Richy, but he at least needs to be upgraded.

[Billie @Billie_T]

Takes one little moment like that among months of utter shite to remind you why you adore this football club doesn’t it

[Sam Battams @sambattams]

Seriously, what is the logic/justification in not using VAR to check a controversial decision on corner vs goal kick? It should be a quick, objective decision, and there is a natural break in play.

[Sam Battams @sambattams]

Kulusevski is such a weird and wonderful footballer. Loving watching him get on the ball more playing down the middle. #MUNTOT

[Sam Battams @sambattams]

@BenCrellin Seemed like an excellent ref. Liked him clearly signalling the reason for ruling the Real goal out too (granted, it was an easy call).

[Sam Battams @sambattams]

@alitweedale Nice piece, Ali. 1st touch direct aspect makes me wonder whether it is more personnel than structure. Can't recall positioning seeming consistently bad. Not wanting to mention a certain former forward playing tonight, but he did clear so many of the type we conceded on Sunday.

[Sam Battams @sambattams]

There's nothing I find more frustrating from top level players than the hopeful floated cross. Particularly when chasing a goal. At least try to pick someone out or make it difficult for goalkeeper/defenders. 🙏

[SPOOKYISDEAD @Spooky23]

We’ve already played more entertaining football in three games this season than the entirety of last season 😂

And the three seasons before too 🙈

[Sam Battams @sambattams]

In addition to the touch and awareness, @Madders10 is so unbelievably good at getting his body between ball and player. Masterclass. #BOUTOT

[Sam Battams @sambattams]

Yes @lauren__hemp's reverse pass for Russo's goal was perfect and her driving run fantastic, but can we also talk about the first few touches and body movement to create the initial space. 🤤 All the clips of Russo's goal are cutting it. @BBCSport #Lionesses

[Sam Battams @sambattams]

@alitweedale His level & consistency this season, despite the sh*tshow going on around him, has been incredible. So given 93-94 was a 44 game season, does that mean this is the highest % of games a player has scored in in Prem history?

[Sam Battams @sambattams]

Now we actually are the Harry Kane team, I think we have to keep him regardless next season, for any attempt to be anything other than a midtable team (at best). He also deserves to choose who to play for after how Levy has treated him. But this may well be the consequence.

[Sam Battams @sambattams]

Just hit me: if Levy doesn't sell Kane to Man U this summer, and if we're brutally honest about it, is his most likely destination in summer 2024 not Poch's Chelsea?! I wonder if that now has to be part of Levy's thinking? @JamesTMaw @CDEccleshare @dannykellywords @JackPittBrooke

[Sam Battams @sambattams]

@SebSB I don't think there's enough emphasis on how distinctly average so many of the players are, I think fans always tend to over emphasis 'effort'. The team has been totally exposed since Bentancur's injury — one of the few high quality players in the squad, and only one of his type.

[Sam Battams @sambattams]

@CDEccleshare He must've thought that was the thing to do to show the crowd some desire, as it made no sense from a footballing perspective. What followed was a catalogue of errors from other players that just aren't very good.

[Sam Battams @sambattams]

@JackPittBrooke Please can you clever Athletic peeps explain why loan with obligation to buy structure again? Also, you think the club sees Perisic/Sessegnon/Udogie as good enough at LWB? Or are they waiting to see if we even want WBs by July? Guess Porro risk is mitigated by perceived quality.

[Sam Battams @sambattams]

@JamesTMaw @dannykellywords @JackPittBrooke Was sad to see you getting some heat from some for your usual smart, logical analysis of the club's situation, including ownership, and pleased you stuck to your guns on that. Look fwd to these pods more than games these days. Weird innit?

[Sam Battams @sambattams]

@TimSpiers What's the OPPOSITE of when a player's absence leads to them being disproportionately over-valued? Whatever it is, Kulusevski is that. @CDEccleshare @JackPittBrooke

[Sam Battams @sambattams]

@tomfgoodwin Agreed. If not irritating, at least entirely forgettable or a little obscure for the people I imagine this is aimed at. Wonder if it's a case of the people involved in this ad misimagining the cultural weight of the reference, as THEY often (or even sometimes) fly for business.

[Sam Battams @sambattams]

@Dan_KP Davinson Sanchez putting in his standard performance of the Sunday league player with a raging hangover / still a bit pissed. From slow and hazy to wild and erratic.