The conventional wisdom about group play in Europe (and the math) is that if you win your home games and draw away, you're going through to the knockout stage. Halfway through group play, we're topping the group with two of our last three games in London. We should be in great shape, barring a collapse. The Lens loss (in France) was a worry, but this win in Spain put us on track, especially since the other teams keep playing draws with each other. Sevilla is in 13th place in La Liga, but have a new manager and were eager for an upset. Two fabulous plays from Gabriel Jesus were the difference, the first a dazzling turn and pass to Martinelli, who raced half the length of the field, rounded the keeper, and slotted home easily. The second was a wonderful curler into the top right corner from 20 yards out. Sevilla got one back off a poorly defended corner, but we closed things out. Tomiyasu and Rice joined Jesus as standout performers. Raya was inconsistent, giving the ball away in a very dangerous area early and nearly punching into his own net late. Odegaard had another weak game, which is a worry. But three points is great. We host Sevilla for the next ECL game. In the league, it's Sheffield United at home and Newcastle at St James's Park the next two weekends. In between, we go to West Ham for a League Cup match. Well, we have a big squad and I like our depth.
Notts County is 2nd in the League 2 table, three points ahead of Wrexham (the other team promoted from the National League this season), who they play this weekend. Their number 9, Macauley Langstaff, has ten goals. They're playing with confidence and flair.
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