Sideliner

Said it for a long time...play Kev through the middle. Bit more freedom. Doesn't have to be as disciplined in his position.

Silva is such a lovely player to watch.

I wouldn't touch anyone that has forced his way out of a club like that and had to be dropped because of his lack of effort.
 
Fans give up so much to watch the games and support their teams and this twat is happy to waste his talent in the reserves or on the bench because he wants to earn as many millions on another teams bench.

Berahino is a solid finisher, and he could (COULD) be someone to pair with Rom.
 
I have my worries with him though. He's not a player the ball really sticks to, and he's played best alongside a striker who can hold it up. He's not the strongest or most technical player, which could see him found out easily. He isn't the hardest working player. And, I think he bought into the hype generated around him (something done for all young, exciting English prospects, most of which eventually disappoint), which has given him a big head. I don't know how he fits into our squad as anything more than a Plan B option at the 70th minute.

When do we actually have to question the players! It can't always be the manager. I've had enough of the majority of the safe current squad who seem to turn up when they like.

Yes, I DO blame the manager for this one. He's not learning and adapting but making the same mistakes over and over again.
 
Here's my main point: Games are won and lost where? In the middle of the field. More often than not, if you win in midfield then you win the game. But time and again the game tactics leave hugs holes in midfield. Why?

lose 2-1.
 
the positive I see is that Gerry was involved got an assist and hopefully koeman will use him more now.

Think Leicester will put a weakened team out. I'd play Ross deeper next to barry with Davies as the number 10

2 minutes research done.
 
Belgium were knocked out of euro 2016 by Wales on the 1st of July, Lukaku played, Mirallas didn't.
Belgium hammered Hungary on the 26th of June, Lukaku played, Mirallas didn't.
Belgium beat Sweden on the 22nd of June, Lukaku played, Mirallas didn't.
Belgium beat rep of Ireland on 18th of June, Lukaku played, Mirallas didn't.
Italy beat Belgium, 13th June. Lukaku played, no Mirallas.
 
This is becoming annoying, so it shows Mirallas wasn't used because he never went to the tournament. So Koeman fit Deulofeu in up front in pre season and at the beginning of the season proper then fell out withhim, yet didn't utilize Mirallas who'd had the summer off.
So of late Mirallas has had much more game time yet Deulofeu can't even get a slot on the bench yet Calvert-Lewin who signed on August 31st has been getting game time.
 
I wonder if Koeman has had a call from an old barca buddy regards Deulofeu's attitude, we've not heard any reports of misbehaviour, no injury news, or personal difficulties, it's all speculation and I suppose we might have to get our heads around that Deulofeu might get frozen out similar to Niasse because Koeman just doesn't like him.
 
Barkley being dropped and critiqued seems to have jump started his season (dear lord I hope so) yet the silence in respect to Deulofeu is totally at odds with how every other players form and chances have been approached.

Southampton were tired, and struggled to press as they normally would, as their legs fell off Barkley got even more time to pick runners and good passes. Currently he can be pressed/pressured out of a game, he's got footwork like Gene Kelly, pace for a midfielder to match any central mid runner, but close his thinking time off and his game goes to pieces, it's not even having to double up on him, just keep a man close and cut off the easy pass and he's in trouble.
 
Watching Barkley is about comparing where and when hes good versus where and when he aint. Maybe the more knocks he gets now and the more sides focus their spare man on him the sooner he learns to break the shackles, but, expectation is a huge drain on him.

Problem with Ross is simple: where do you play him? He's clearly not good enough to build a team around. He's a strong runner with the ball, has an excllent shot and is physically strong. Unfortunately he doesn't really dominate the game like he should given his size. He should win many more contests. He also too often seems to lack focus, like first period against Hull. His positioning is also suspect so you can't really trust him to be in the right place when opponents have the ball.
 
So at a minimum he has to learn to be mentally ready every week, all game. This is something no-one else can force him to do, or even teach.

Thierry Henry had it spot on when he was talking before the Hull game. He basically said Barkley isn't a kid any more and sooner or later he has to decide for himself the player he's going to be, take responsibility for his own game. Not David Moyes. Not Roberto Martinez. Not Ronald Koeman. Ross Barkley.
 
He, and we as fans, are hiding behind far too many excuses for him because we want him to succeed. Shit or get off the pot and we'll find a player to take your place.

Odd situation, Bolassie played every game and our game was set up to involve him first (even knocking him headers towin in midfield FFS) so with a tricky direct speedster the focal point of the side when he got the ACL injury Deulofeu seemed something like a player to involve to at least try to carry on the method of play that had been built.
 
I wonder if Deulofeu is seen as a luxury player that we simply cant afford to play as we are struggling to carry Barkley and Lukaku in the same eleven, that Barry doesn't have the mobility he once did is severely hampering the midfield, cute and smart as he is with his play oppositions are singling him out to run at.
 
We are a patchwork side, and because so many areas need cover it is reducing opportunities for trying new tactics, setups and fresh legs.
 
Depressing.

I would love Sigurdsson. I don't think it would ever happen, but he's silky smooth with the ball at his feet.
 
...and he takes some damn good set pieces.

I think his future depends on who we sign in Jan and the Summer.
 
If Schneiderlin signs then the midfield i imagine will be him and Gueye, with Barkley just in front. If we sign a new no10 then im not sure where that leaves Barkley.
 
Say for complete arguments sake we signed Sigurdsson for example then our best midfield would arguably be...
 
Schneiderlin
Gueye
Sigurdsson
 
I think a no10 will be on Koemans list of targets.

It's nice to hear how well you lads play but that doesn't interest me, I'm only interested in how Barkley isn't giving his all to the team.
 
Koeman has already sussed him out dropping him several times, I'm very disappointed that he hasnt responded with any improved performances.
 
I've said before that if he doesn't pull his finger out he will end up as a bench warmer, or he will be moved on that's all.
 
Amen.

He is clearly a lad that needs games and I don't think he has let us down when he has played so that respect he has been unlucky.
 
He is a frustrating player because you can imagine him skinning every opposition player only to miss the shot.
 
If he played every game in a season I would put a pretty big bet on him being the assist and chances created leader.
 
A bit like Barkley and Lukaku though, there is a downside in respect of what else he brings to the side on a bad day.

Oh holy hell, pass the ball to the other players in blue, you fuckwits

Just watching the after show. The spaces in midfield are horrendous. How can you play 3 in midfield and not have someone between the midfield and defensive lines out of possession.
 
Carra slating Williams and he has a point. I have noticed Williams taking the easy choice a few times now.

Ross played well, only player who looked like doing anything.
 
If Alli had played like that Sky would be pissing themselves over him.

Mirallas best player by far at mo

Ross needs to play deeper and we need a true 10

Come on Ross get into the game

We've lost the ability to pass the ball less than 20 yards

Holgates looked good.
Baines looks alright
 
We need a midfielder who is going to link it all together.