Bailey

It would certainly open up the midfield. Tactically it would make it a far inferior game even if it was potentially more entertaining. I'm with John though (not literally unless my Mrs isn't telling me something), in that offside means offside regardless of whether you are playing the ball or not. It would encourage those lazy buggers (cough Lukaku cough) to get themselves back in play and the offside trap easier manage.

It's physical but fair IMO, Bellerin had his arms higher but it was just unfortunate for him that Alonso had his at chin height. I don't think he was knocked out at any point though.

I agree. There probably isn't much between the two anyway.

We shouldn't be trying to shoe horn our best players into 1 side because it doesn't work. The system that has worked best, and did work last night bar a couple of instances down the right, is the 5 at the back. It gives Ross space, it gives Lukaku support, we mix pace and experience at the back and it allows us to fill the middle of the park with defensive midfielders which we have a bundle of.

I think he was left very exposed by both Coleman and Williams too. I don't know what Williams was doing for their goal. No doubt Holgate should have done better but Stoke did well to expose that glitch.

I thought it swung a few times in the game but overall I think they did have more control. I actually thought we were looking our most threatening just before half time.

I'm split between Davies and Joel... probably the former.

The switch to 4 helped us a bit defensively, but we kept the ball less bar one 15-20 minute spell and only created those 2 chances of Lookman and Davies from the same move. On chances alone they deserved it as Grant only made 1 save whereas Joel made 3 or 4.

Offside but another great stop from Grant.

Davies should have scored, albeit that's a great save and Lookman wa a bloody close with thr follow up.

This is a real grind this game... don't think I have ever watched a match that has felt this long.

I can't stand it when people just come on here with an agenda against one player ?

If only Coleman could have put that ball across. Lukaku was through 1 v 1.

Davies has been excellent in the last 10 mins.

Unfortunately I think it's only a matter of time for them. I think we have had 1 chance this half and they are starting to pen us in.

Lovely ball from Davies again.

Now that we have changed formation we aren't getting the ball forward at all.

Coleman roasted but great tackle from Williams.

Lovely ball from Schneiderlin before the Barkley shot.

Fair enough to be honest. The problems were coming from that side and Coleman will benefit from dropping back a little. That was a bullshit free kick.

He has a goal and assist already!

Got lucky again there, great save Robles. Holgate/Williams aren't communicating and are all over the place tracking the runners.

Barkley is playing with swagger.

Coleman's first touch has been diabolical. U12 level most of the time.

It really was. Not sure what he was doing for their goal (not that it mattered) but that was a really good stop.