Btay

Agreed. I believe we were looking for a counter attacking style CF at the end of the window, pace and finishing ability.

I think this league is to quick for him I’m afraid and that was before his injury.

injuries and suspensions making this one a bit difficult but perhaps a good chance to work out how we are going to combat the busy Christmas period. For me we either go 3-4-2-1 Pickford Godfrey Mina Keane Iwobi Allan Doucoure Digne Gylfi Bernard DCL Or we stick with out 4-3-3 same tactics Pickford Kenny Mina Keane Digne Gomes Allan Doucoure Bernard DCL Gordon Kenny - subject to Ancelotti, he’s because he’s our number 2 rb but Carlo sees more than we do so trust him on that. No issue with Godfrey. Gomes - Stays for stability alone, already a few changes but again if Gylfi comes in or Davies so be it. Bernard, drifting inside similar to James. Gordon, most similar player to Richarlison so tactically I feel it keeps us balanced. Iwobi - Can come in on either wing I just feel he is completely different player to either wide player in our starting 11.

Depends on how Carlo sets us up really - the good thing is now we have so many options to tweak tactics ect. I feel Gordon is the most like for like with Richarlison so I wouldn’t be surprised if he went wide left with Bernard playing James’s role. I’d love to say Siggy is like for like with James but he would need to break his own shackles are demand the ball like James does. Coleman injury though means we could see a change of shape. Interesting to see how Caro approaches this.

Can’t remember exactly what game it was but I think we didn’t have Allan or James on And Doucoure played his best game. Watch him step up here, he might feel a bit subdued given the high profile of James/Allan but if we get him on the ball more he has the quality to run the game for us. Great player.

I’m just saying that I think this is Carlo deflecting the media from Pickford. If he doesn’t on the weekend I’m not too bothered but he played 85 minutes with the knock. It’s not serious what so ever but it’s an opportunity for Carlo to deflect some of the shit coming at us from the Derby away. I actually think it’s great man management from Carlo and IF James is actually out this weekend he’s used that negative in a positive way.

He had a mistimed tackle with Virgil van Dijk at the beginning of the game and I think he will not be available for the game against Southampton." “I think” is not 100%

I feel Ancelotti could be playing some games here as this takes the media limelight away from Pickford. James probably will play against Southampton in my opinion.

Won’t have those runs regardless as Richarlison is suspended hence Bernard to free up Digne as our next best outlet on the left

Very athletic player. Would never have thought of him as an option in the market after last season so credit to the scouting team for spotting him. Perfect age as well

I think Gordon will come in for him. Weird but I have seen Iwobi play as last man for us this year so I’m sure Carlo has something in store.

Mane and Robertson both kicked out with intent. Our players put in 2 hard challenges with no intent what so ever to hurt anyone.

That changes my perspective on it. I’m not happy VVD got injured but he squares that they score. If someone is through 1v1 and Pickford makes him self big gets a toe on the ball and saves it but in the process goes through the man - I have no issue with that. Unfortunate that VVD got injured but look up his challenge on mertens last year for a good reference on winning the ball but following through.

I see your point and agree somewhat. Nothing wrong with challenging him and getting that extra 10%. Right now we are winning but if a couple of other players levels drop even slightly then we start to draw and lose more games.

Alladyce signed tosun to be our starting 9 and Koeman/Walsh’s whole strategy was Gylfi to whip balls into Giroud but just missed out on Giroud. The club was desperately mis-managed for so long and Dominic took so much of the weight on his shoulders when he probably wasn’t ready but it’s made him the player his now.

I don’t think he’s been quite there for a few games though. I’m a big Gomes fan. Ancelotti knows him better than me, some need an arm around them and done positive words others need a rocket. Whatever happens I just want to see the Gomes that single handedly ran games.

Hate seeing any player get injured myself. Regardless of what their supporters do or are willing to say it’s wrong to take any joy from others players injury. Had that been the other way around on James I think we would be furious. Horrible tackle, can accept it’s part of football and wish VVD a full recovery. Standing firmly behind Jordan here though because no matter what I think of his keeping abilities, one of ours is not getting thrown the wolves.

I drop him for soton and see what reaction he gives. I will say though, I don’t think he needs telling that he was having an off game. I’ve never seen him get so irate as when he did to Henderson and it seemed to be more so out of frustration for his own performance. Can say a lot about him but I won’t question his heart. I believe he is grateful for us and we need to help him rediscover his best because it will make us a seriously much better side.

I’d like to see bernard come into the line up on the left. James is looking to switch it instantly and Bernard could play it around nicely to release Digne. Need to get crosses in the box for DCL because he his red hot. Wouldn’t even mind going 3 at the back with Godfrey in allowing Digne to be further up. Pickford Godfrey Mina Keane Iwobi Allan Doucoure Digne James Bernard DCL

Pickford. His good outweighed the bad for impact caused but he was saved by 2 offside calls. Godfrey deserves credit, shut down mane nicely more most then time he was on.

I blame our defence more for him letting in that Henderson chance. He was far, far busier than we want any keeper to be. Probably 90 mins that sum up Jordan perfectly though. Rash and reckless, excellent shot stopping and mixed distribution.

Take the draw but disappointed with the performance

Yeah it’s been horrible. All game. Pathetic coverage

Holy shit. Cannot believe that

VAR never overturning this