Steve_E

Kompany and Vertonghen both played a lot of defensive midfield as well early on in their pro careers as well. I remember thinking Vertonghen would be a better defensive midfielder than a centre back even. Neither turned out to be a 'jack of all trades, master of none'.

Didn't necessarily have a bad game, but he didn't really add anything either, and I don't think he will in the future either as a more advanced midfielder as his main strength is ball retention. Would love to see James in his place in the middle with Allan and Doucouré. Add Walcott's pace on the right.

Still eyeing him, according to David Ornstein:

Definitely one of. Think you could argue Bolasie was even worse. Read somewhere this past week he's still earning 70k a week off the club... You'd have to imagine Sigurdsson earns even more though, given the fact that he cost more and was clearly the more accomplished player at the time. Anyone happen to know when their contracts run out? Don't think you're getting rid of them any other way.

I've been impressed everytime I've seen him. The stats suggest he's one of the better players in the league as well: 12th in the league in successful dribbles, 1st in total distance he's moved the ball while controlling it with his feet towards the opponent's goal, 8th in expected assists, 2nd in key passes, 3rd in passes into the penalty area, 13th in amount of progressive passes, 2nd in shot creating actions (passes, dribbles, drawing fouls) ... Didn't know about the possible character issues though. Either way I don't think we'd be able to afford him, just wanted to say I think he's good. Clear level above the rest of the players on the pitch yesterday.

Dominated the game is a bit much, no? Having a lot of the ball, not even coming close to scoring a goal for 90 minutes, while the other team does, isn't dominating the game. I thought Grealish was perhaps a bit overhyped by the pundits earlier in the season, but he really is class.

Those three at the back for Arsenal are woefully bad. Mustafi sliding in as Kane leisurely strolled past him was perhaps the most embarassing bit of defending I've seen in some time (didn't result in a goal).

Financially, it's probably wisest to give Pickford an opportunity to get better. Especially because the very clear priority should be to get a completely new starting midfield in. Two central midfielders, left wing, right wing. I'll roll with the same attack and defense next year to make that happen.

At least the defensive unit seems to be playing well these past two games. Are we sure that Richarlison is actually good? I can't seem to make my mind up.

Holgate. Coleman played well too.

Ten Hag and Pocchettino I don't think are realistic options. I think both Eddie Howe and Sean Dyche are capable PL managers and much better at their jobs than Silva. However, can we get them out from under their contracts if they'd even agree to come here? And while they are capable, have they shown that they are top managers in the years of evidence we have so far? I'd still give the job to Arteta over the middle of the road Howe and Dyche options. Of course, he might not be too keen on it either as he might think he could be walking into the Arsenal job if he bides his time for a couple more weeks.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Marco Silva being helped by lack of alternatives. Moshiri’s “project” would be shown up somewhat if, after watching Spurs replace Pochettino with Mourinho within hours, he has to sack Silva then take the very desperate measures of bring back David Moyes as an interim option.</p>&mdash; Phil McNulty (@philmcnulty) <a href="https://twitter.com/philmcnulty/status/1198378314399911941?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> Sorry, I've no idea how to insert a tweet here.

Not saying 'get him out now', but I'd definitely move on after the season. I've seen enough to know he's not a manager that makes a positive difference. He's perfectly replaceable, so I'd rather move on and try to get in someone who's not just a replacement level manager. I'd seriously consider seeing what Arteta's made of as manager.

Happy with this. Think he's a talented player, nice technique. By the time he's 26, pundits will be talking about him like they're talking about Zaha now.

Zaha is pushing to leave Palace with Everton prepared to pay a club-record fee for the forward, reports @_pauljoyce

Ajax are still after PSV starlet Steven Bergwijn as well supposedly, another winger. Of course they might just be anticipating Ziyech leaving rather than Neres.

We were back though. Mina didn't look good imo.

Goddamn, Gomes is good.

There's inacurate 'accurate' passes as well though: even a pass that is 'accurate' can be a shit pass if it's a bit too short and forces a player to wait for the ball or if it forces a player too wide, et cetera. And Davies so far has been lacking quality as a passer as far as I can tell watching the games.

Zouma as well. Schneiderlin was good as well, Digne, DCL and Sigurdsson had their moments.

It would be nice if we could get someone in to take over for Coleman after a performance like today's one as well. January hopefully.

Gylfi. Pickford second, Walcott third, Tosun fourth. Would like to see Digne introduced for Baines next game.

ffs, we're still incredibly vulnerable defensively.

It might be man of the match as well after that save.

Not necessarily a man of the match performance so far, but a clear 'I'm by far the most talented player in this stadium today' performance by Pickford by the way.