trousers

Ever since I reverted back to my ultra-positive self a few weeks ago we've possibly shown a few faltering signs.... As such, I'm going to predict a 2-1 defeat for this game so that we can get back on track and back into full domination mode again. You can thank me later!

Fair enough, we'll have to agree to disagree. (You'd hope that the coaching team have certain trained contingency plans to cover scenarios such as this, especially where there is an obvious single point of failure)

He's due to be playing in an u21 game this Friday, according to the Echo... https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/24115294.bree-feature-southampton-under-21s-arsenal/

Is it not logical to contemplate altering the formation/system to compensate for not having a suitable replacement for Downes...?

So, potential line-ups then.... If Downes is still out, I'm inclined to agree with the 3 CBs option... Bazunu, KWP, THB, Stephens, Bednarek, Bree/Manning, Charles/Bragg, S.Armstrong, A.Armstrong, Adams, Fraser But if Downes is back... Bazunu, KWP, THB, Bednarek, Bree/Manning, Downes, Smallbone, Edozie, A.Armstrong, Adams, Fraser (As good as he is, I'm wondering if the introduction of Brooks has maybe upset our 'automatism' somewhat, so I'm thinking he'll be better as an impact sub for the time being?)

Yeah, fair points. I guess I'm just exhibiting a dash of anxiety in not knowing* whether yesterday was a mere blip or the start of a downturn. We'll find out in a few weeks, of course.... (* maybe I should consult @Sidney Fudpucker the 3rd given his ability to peer into the future... )

110% this

The pessimist in me in currently battling with my inner optimist... My pessimist voice is having flashbacks to that superb 20 or so game run we had in 2020/21 whereby we were top 4 of the PL form table.... We then suffered that heavy-ish defeat away to Aston Villa and we were never the same again... There was a sense then that teams had finally worked out how to counter 'Ralph-ball'... Here's hoping history isn't about to repeat itself with 'Russ-ball'.... come on the optimist!

There were 3 players younger than Bragg in yesterday's squad... #ifyouregoodenoughyoureoldenough

https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/24115294.bree-feature-southampton-under-21s-arsenal/

Time to channel our inner Nigel... #blueline

I've not seen a lot of him but I touted him as an option in the run up to today's game. Yes, he's inexperienced, but from what I've seen in his cameo appearances this season, technically he seems the closest match in our squad to the type of player that Downes is.

Where have you been saying that? You've posted 5 times about the team's performances since September and not mentioned it once... It's almost as if you don't post much when we're not losing....

No. Good rhetorical question though...

So, just a blip or is the tide starting to turn? Time will tell.

Game on! 😂

Looks like I picked the wrong week to go ultra-positive...

Double cock

Bednarek might get a yellow for that?

Cock

Fair enough. Looked ok to me at first glance so will have to watch a replay again to reflect on how "poor" it was

Apart from the great pressing and good pass to Edozie?

Time to start praying that he doesn't pick up another injury for the rest of the season... #pivotalplayer

S.Armstrong on for Charles Fraser on for Rothwell (Please)