Chez

Mauled.

Really? I don't recall anyone downgrading Clyne or Lallana when they were departing. Did anyone even have a bad word about Clyne the whole time he was here? When Lallana kicked up a fuss, everyones annoyance was largely down to what a good player he was for us. I think the consistent criticism was that he didn't have the stamina to get up ad down for 90 minutes, As regards Hojberg, many including myself hardly had a good word to say about him the whole time he was with Saints (gave the ball away far too cheaply with his poor passing ability) and stood by that as he was leaving. I don't think people change their minds when a player is leaving, you simply get threads about the player and in that thread different opinions that were always there, just now more visible.

just to add that an alternative might be to bring someone else in AND offer Bertie a new contract, but that contract be for two years and at a level suitable for a player that may be on the bench and not for a fella that should have gone to the world cup in 2018.

Thought Adams started really well. He seem to thrive on the Ings partnership. He and Ings do a hell of a lot of work though defensively and you cant do that for 90 minutes. He and most of the players tire. Part of that is we give the ball away a bit too much which means we are doing the press a lot, which is tiring. We actually look at our best when we are doing this Far more dangerous when we don't have the ball. However, exerting so much energy is a problem. We can't do it in the second half and without the press (plus tiredness creating gaps) we look a little fragile and stretched defensively. We perhaps need to stop the press every now and then to save energy. Tricky though as you give opponents the momentum.

that feels harsh, but will be interesting to watch him in the next few weeks to see how often that happens as you might be right. For me he sees the right ball all the time and he goes for it. It often doesn't pay off (it is the most congested area of the pitch, so that is bound to happen) or he doesn't execute correctly. Others don't even see the pass or by the time they do, its gone. For me, his all round game is top quality. His first touch is fantastic and it provides the space and opportunity. Without that first touch, you are closed down and gaps close. The trick today when he spins round the defender is a sign of a player at the top of his game. He's no Henry, but he has more to his game than shooting well.

Agreed. I just don't see him wanting to be on the bench. I have been a huge fan over the years. however, I have to say that I am concerned about this deal. I've been saying it for a while now, but he has lost quite a bit of pace, and that pace got him out of a lot of trouble and caused trouble at the other end. If we end up paying £100k a week (or whatever it is) for three years for a player on the slide, that is going to haunt us. Hope I am wrong, but for me the club should seriously be looking at replacements as an option . Omar Richards, Brandon Williams or whoever that can either put pressure on him or replace him.

great news if true, as this Fulham deal is just not going to happen, is it?

Great selection headache. Romeu was outstanding before his injury. One of the best players in the league, possibly. Diallo has been excellent, though.

he is obviously not the most comfortable with the ball at his feet and like all keepers some clearances can be a bit shit, but I have to say there seems to be much greater enthusiasm to play the sweeper role and come off his line to help the defence out. He seem to have more confidence in the stability and strength of his knee/ankle, which ever it was he injured. I have been highly critical of him in the past, but he's been solid cover for McCarthy. A few saves with his feet too, which is new. Not had a lot to do, but done whats required especially one on ones. Good CB pairings and defensive midfielder have helped of course. Fair play to him and the coaching department too I think. The commanding of his box and the making of world class saves might be asking too much, but he's not let us down this season.

boy is he a good signing. Give it a year and monstrous price tags might be needed to fend off suitors.

what a damn shame we can't be at some of these games. We've been so impressive during lockdown too. Love the FA away games. Some very special occasions over the years.

the double is on

strange. Commentator on my stream says it was beinn checked by VAR.

is there not VAR?

Long emulates Gabriel. Cheating.

tired maybe. Think Ralf has to gamble a bit and brung a youngster in for him to give us fresh legs

their subs have strengthened them. Not sure ours will.

good save that. Not sure I've seen him use his feet like that before

Great play from Adams. Holds it up well with back to goal then dangerous when running to it.

Partey can play a bit from what I have seen of him.

not sure there was drop off after we scored. Its just down to tired legs IMO. We chase and chase and that costs us as the game goes on. Space then opens up, the press goes and then we can be vulnerable.

teams improve, rejig formations and we tire. Not sure there is any less effort second half, just struggle to match it. Arsenal were terrible first half. They can only get better. Not sure we can much more than we did, so probably can only ever get worse.

gotcha. I call that reverse psychology the `Lee Dixon effect'. You say a player is shit, they score a worldy. You say they are great, they have a stinker. Really like Diallo, but Romeu was POTS candidate before injury. Central midfield now a strength. Thank god we got rid of Hoj. Little surprise the results have followed. The engine room of any side is critical. Happy days.

agreed. Helped by Arsenal being sloppy. It was similar at Leicester though. In that game the foxes improved and we couldn't maintain the press. Hope that doesnt happen here.

Really like Walcott at right midfield. He races back to support KWP defensively and then races the other way to support the attack. Love his effort and think this is his best position. Not right wing, right midfield.