DownUnderToff

Wide mids are giving no outlet/assistance to the centre 2, Walcott the worst of the 2 for mine.

Holgate best on, followed by Pickford

This has to be the game that Gordon gets a decent run out, the cupboard is empty of attacking options.  Don't want to see the likes of Niasse, or shoehorning someone else, in over the top.

With the tricky games of those above us, have a real chance to end the week a game off 5th.

1 minute ago, TallPaul1878 said:

West Ham in there courtesy of their stadium. There's no way they are as valuable as us without that. Let's see where we are in 5 years after the stadium is built. Much closer to or even in top 10

Think we'll likely drop out/down next year, dependent on final position and any transfer funds.

Disappointed that Gordon is not even on the bench.

Emi Buendia looks a decent option as well.

Surprised that we didn't jump on Weigl.  20m euro seems like a steal and an Ancellotti arm around the shoulder could have gotten him back to his best.

3 hours ago, chicagoblue said:

whose done next to nothing for 3 years

I'm not an advocate of this one, as not sure he's a "best fit" for us.

The "done nothing" talk (not only you @chicagoblue) seems well off the mark though.  He scored 15 goals & 20 assists across 17/18 & 18/19, in the Bundesliga. That's a bloody decent return for a midfielder.  Not sure what's holding him back this year, injuries?

Hope we go in for Boubakary Soumare, we need his sort of presence in midfield.

Went with Sidibe.  I thought Gylfi was ok, most impressed I've been with his application in a while - was actually involved, besides a non-existent Delph.

Sidibe and Mina were the standouts for mine, went with Sidibe.  Was one of our best on both defense and attack.

35 minutes ago, Shukes said:

I know it’s way to early, but is Holgate a captain in the making? Not necessarily with us, but some team.

No need to qualify it with "some [other/lower] team" I reckon.  He's only, just, 23.  He's good enough to play now.  He's aggressive, keen to take on a challenge, and seems to be becoming far more confident in his ability/right to be in the epl.  Still plenty of scope for a leap forward in ability/growth as a player.

Dunc turned to him early and he put in a shift.  The crowd got behind him and he didn't seem to have any ill feeling towards Dunc. 

Bloody 2 more years on Cenk's contract...

Need to loan him somewhere, lower prem or Germany, to try and boost his appeal.

The wages & contract lengths, of really average players, shows you what a shit show Brands walked into.  Those blaming him need their heads read.

9 minutes ago, markjazzbassist said:

and yet man city in the bottom half of ground covered during a match.  no one in the top 7 in the first 4 teams.  City don't "run through walls" to win the game, in fact they do the opposite.  

 

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league-running-stats-reveal-14184242

At a guess I'd say that follows possession stats.  They've got the ball more and are pushing it around, forcing other teams to run.  Doesn't mean they don't work hard when they don't have it, just that they need to do it less.

Should have been hooked right after giving up the chase 30 out and leaving Coleman as the sole defender against Vardy (?) and Albrighton.  Inexcusable.

Terrible first half, Dunc should've hooked Iwobi far earlier, poor penalties (particularly Tosun up first) but an enjoyable game.

2 minutes ago, nogs said:

For Iwobi, anyone 

True, just think it was a perfect opportunity for Gordon.

Ahhh, not Cenk...

Just now, chicagoblue said:

Sad but true. Gordon?

Absolutely.

Fucking Iwobi, pulled out of the chase.  Get the fuck off!!

Get Gordon on

Iwobi offering very little.

If DCL had any sort of natural finishing ability, he'd easily be a top 5 forward.

However, if he had any natural finishing ability, then he likely wouldn't have the off ball talent/work ethic he has (and still be playing for Everton).

We can only hope that he keeps developing the goal scoring ability and becomes the Gem we need, since his trajectory has undeniably been up.

I'm ready to see Gordon, certainly can't do any worse than Gylfi.  Would roll with Moise as well, there's been glimmers lately and maybe Gordon can thread him in.

Thought Iwobi was poor, although realise it wasn't his side.  Prefer Bernard over him on the left, glad he's finally back.

Coleman, Holgate, Mina, Digne

Davies, Schneiderlin, Gordon

Richarlison, Kean, Bernard

4-2-1-3 / 4-1-2-3 styles.

Or go more aggressive with

Coleman, Holgate, Mina, Digne

Schneiderlin,

Walcott,Gordon,Bernard

Richarlison, Kean