Ex Lion Tamer

I'm totally perplexed that Armstrong didn't play

Just look at the way Tuchel instantly improved Chelsea when he took over from Lampard's shambles. It's a no from me

I've said all along that he needs to prove himself in the first 10 or so games of this season. This was not a good start

Not sure how McCarthy is to blame for that. Salisu held his hand up afterwards and rightly so

Perhaps Bertie just got stale but I also wonder if Ralph's high-energy press and 4222 formation were too much for a full back of his age. They ask a lot of players in that position. Rodgers' tactics may well suit him better. One thing is for sure - he had ceased to be an attacking threat for us last season

Shaw obviously went on to fulfill his potential but it has taken him years to get back to where Poch had him

I agree with this. Poch has always got players overachieving, he's a class manager. Look at what Lovren, Chambers, Schneiderlin did after us. Even Shaw, Lallana, Lambert didn't really reproduce at their new clubs

Stat attack

What's the consensus on Bedna's performances before last season? I certainly used to think he was good. If it was just one bad season then I'd be inclined to think he can get back into form.

A 29 year old with one year left on his contract who most people aren't too worried about leaving, is worth how much?

Have I remembered right that at the fans forum they said they'd look for someone on their second or third contract for this position?

I hope this reassures some people that although Gao doesn't make grand statements or get hands on with the club, he does take an interest in what is going on

But if I've understood correctly, the Chinese government have also told him he can't sell at a loss, so he's trapped unless he can find a buyer willing to pay full price

I really like him and feel very uncomfortable about him being pushed down to fourth choice, but I'm not sure he can play with JWP. We struggled so badly without Romeu

Unlike man city, we play with two strikers so there isn't really room for a classic playmaker. Creativity needs to come from the wings or the second striker - Adams is actually pretty good at picking a pass although not exactly a de bruyne type

I agree but cling to the fact that there a lot of smoke and mirrors at the moment. Remember when we were "backing away" from Armstrong?

KWP JWP Salisu Simeu Romeu

I didn't realise how prolific he was at Coventry and some England youth levels

He's actually not dissimilar to our other Armstrong - not fast but a strong runner. Also seems to take up wide positions a fair bit on the clips I saw, I can see him playing on the wing

Have to say he doesn't look that quick on the YouTube vids I watched. Very skillful though

Not sure about that, but anyway, maybe we did speak to his agent early and didn't get any encouragement. Maybe he didn't want to move down south. Hard to know what happened really

Would he have chosen us over Leicester?

There's no knowing how he'll adapt but his goal record last season is better than Adams had and he looks better on the obligatory YouTube video IMO

Do you think every year you won't be getting any Christmas presents until suddenly on the day you do get some?

Feeling more positive now?