The Game

Gregor Robertson, Jonathan Northcroft and Martin Samuel join Tom Clarke. They look back at the weeks European fixtures, have things turned around for Manchester United and two of their players in particular Onana and Maguire? Was it a reality check for Newcastle and is Jesus the main man for Arsenal?

Gregor went to watch Birmingham, and reflects on Wayne Rooney’s start at St Andrews. The team look at new owners setting unrealistic targets, getting rid of unfashionable managers and how Rooney might react. Finally Martin and Jonny remember Bill Kenwright a toffee through and through.

Timeline:

Man Utd – a win but has anything changed.

2’ Onana the hero…is he coming good? Does one good game change things?

5’ needs to be proved over a period of games. overall performance still not great.

7’ what is United’s identity.

10’ These were once assumed wins, now they are celebrated. Relying on players who they were trying to sell a month ago.

12’ Parts don’t fit. Sweeper keeper but with slow centre backs. Creativity or industry, not both.

19’ character and self-belief in players. Perspective, they’re doing the very basics. Lets see how they do against better teams.

Newcastle

25’ not quite a reality check, Dortmund are a good side. Hard to play two games a week of such high intensity.

27’ Perhaps lacking a little in player experience. Slightly affected by injuries, at that level. There is a reason it took Man City so long to succeed at that level.

30’ need to play differently in Europe.

31’ Now looking thin – Tonali long ban, Isak, Botman, Murphy and Barnes all injured.  Will they be able to sign anyone given FFP??

34’ Jesus injury. Is he the main man for Arsenal, or do they need another striker?

Rooney and Birmingham.

44’ Rooney’s tough start at St Andrews. Fans not happy, previous manager sacked too early and the team not played well in either of his first two games.

46’ the players are not comfortable playing the kind of football he wants to play. Too much too soon. Rooney thinks that might be the case.

52’ Rooney not bothered by criticism. But will the fans turn round.

54’ far to soon to be turning on him.

55’ Are the owners – DC – well equipped to bring success to Birmingham or are they half hearted? They have done a lot of good things, but are they running before they can walk on the football side?

58’ Carrying the weight of being a player from ‘the golden generation.’ He has to prove himself.  

Bill Kenwright

1;03 a fan who ended up at the top of the club. Tried really hard to find a credible buyer. Had a rough time but loved Everton wanted the best for them and tried his hardest.

1;05 Nice guy, and true fan. But became a lightening conductor for a fan base who had been let down. But Kenwright didn’t have the money himself, tried to find it with other investors.