Btay

Speedo Mick for me.

I think Schmiechel made a world class save for the second and is absolutely not at fault. As for the first - pickfords been beaten like that before ( Bruno Fernandes last year ). In saying that - I think pickford was rested because he may have had a thigh niggle? Olsen’s showed to be a capable deputy, Pickford is Carlo’s no.1. Pickford at his best is better than Olsen at his best however I think this competition will get Pickford playing at a higher level more consistently.

Yeah I think we might need some rotation. Might be a bit harsh to say but our back 4 aren’t covering loads of ground so they may be okay. Last thing we need is an injury to Doucoure, DCL or Richy.

He’s not as useless in defence as he is made out to be. As I mentioned above though, he just need to cut passing lanes and press with the other midfielders. If he can’t or won’t manage that then he shouldn’t be here.

I’d sooner see Holgate step into DM before delph kicks a ball for us.

He made 2 saves Did all he had to do, was calm and reliable. Can only be a good thing for Pickford as well.

I think it’s more for when he comes into the team - even if he’s subbed in for the last 30 I think everyone wants him central and not out wide.

433 4231 it’s almost the same thing really. James can play central of the 3 midfields as Gylfi is right now. He doesn’t need to fly into tackles or make loads of intercept. Just needs to occupy that space, cut passing lanes and press - as a unit which is key.

Also, Arsenal have Man City 4 days after this game in the cup, then chelsea. We have Man United 4 days after ( Man U have a 3 day turn around ) Its rare that the fixtures favour us but we can’t complain here. I don’t know if arteta can risk being dumped out of a cup right now or a loss to us. We might need to consider a bit of rotation for either Arsenal or Man U. DCL, Richarlison & Doucoure have been through a mountain of work.

Agree, we’re a different prospect in the midfield now - I think Davies can come in next to Doucoure and provide cover. I’d love to see Gbamin back soon - him and Doucoure would be a proper athletic, powerful midfield.

An absolute power house. He’s been warming up to this kind of performance the last few weeks. A lot of what he does goes unnoticed - breaks up play and offers an extra body in the box. He can be a bit rough on the ball at times but can never question his effort. Great game from him! Iwobi - looking dangerous, I really hope Caro keeps this pace out wide tactic over the next few weeks. I hope Iwobi is up for a big performance against arsenal.

No chance without Carlo. I’m confident he will sign. If we can get 18 months out of him then it’s a bargain.

I’m just worried about Doucoure as he’s been through a mountain of work. We can get at them, it’s cliché but an early goal our way will have them rattled. Concerns over their pace uptop against Mina/Keane but they have done well the last 2 games.

Clean sheet again. Can never argue with that. 6 points when we expected none and some crucial momentum into the busy Christmas period. MOM - Doucoure - absolute beast Hopefully Allan isn’t as serious as feared.

Living a charmed life at the end here

For all the soft yellows all game how is Fuchs not given one for that on the break me.

There’s no way Mason over turns this. Will find reason for a second yellow more likely

Might have just got the ball

What the fuck Gomes

Olsen’s not had a lot to do but he’s be calm in everything he’s been involved in.

Thought he could have been more involved on the right. No real urgency to get wide and get space.

Iwobi coming life late on. Great take on and creates a chance for gylfi

Love that, such a threat from corners

Gylfi or Gomes really need to get us on the ball here. Good swap of wingers. Richarlison against Fuchs now

Lee mason or Mason Holgate