egg

Absolutely, we all misjudge players from time to time. Like you, I was never a JWP but he's proved me wrong and I'm happy to concede that. Broja is a class act and hopefully he can fulfil his potential.

It looked like a 352 but with players moving into zones at different times. The key for me was an extra man in midfield to help us dominate the middle of the park, get the ball and use it. That's much more effective than nunber 10's running around a lot trying to block everything and hope that something comes from it. I agree that the 4222 has had its day, and interestingly it isn't working for Man United and despite being Tuchel's preferred system he doesn't use it at Chelsea, preferring a back 3.

Animal

I'll comment only on Broja as that's what this thread is about. It doesn't matter how many games Broja had played for us, your suggestion that Armstrong had a higher ceiling (more potential) than him was ridiculous. I don't know what criteria you used to gauge your opinion, but I suspect stats were a factor and if so the conclusion you arrived at highlights that stats only tell a part of the story. Just watching these players and understanding what makes an average player and what makes a good one are all that is/was needed. Armstrong is a modern day Paul Dickov - tenacious, pacy ish, busy, OK at finishing, but little more. Broja offers a hell of a lot more in all departments and has that rarity of being big, skilful and fast. His performances and goals for Albania also showed his ability. It was obvious from the off that Broja has the ability to be a special player. Armstrong will never be, unfortunately.

Agreed. When that line up was put out my first thought was JWP right wing back with Tella and Redmond as 10's. A 3 man midfield and no 10's didn't even cross my mind. Apart from Tella who played a weird role (albeit a genius one) we had round pegs in round holes all over the pitch. I'm not sure what's made Ralph get his head out of arse over this 4222 and wingers as 10's, but I'm liking the new flexible Ralph.

I agree, and I don't think that's unrealistic. Buying him is a different matter.

Zero chance. It's obvious that he'll be one hell of a player and has a huge contract. I doubt Chelsea will sell and if so, they'll want monster money.

I can't imagine anything other than a back 3. With Diallo in the side it seems likely that we'll see JWP down the right. Anything is possible with Ralph though!

Looks that way. 3421 or some such, JWP right wing back. Decent looking team.

The response from my Conservative MP was quick and very honest. It would be unfair to share the contents of the email, but it's fair to say that the MP is no less pissed off with Boris than I am.

Newcastle maybe, and just the kind of players I hope they waste their cash on.

Yep. It's one thing after another with this idiot. He'll blame that secretary bloke hoping that'll excuse the fact he employed him, hosted the party, went to it, lied about having one, then smirked when confronted, etc. He's an absolute disgrace.

Cameron

Done. I suspect it won't get past the secretary, but let's see.

Blimey. 100 + invites and over 30 there including him and her, all while people weren't able to be around loved ones. Absolute scum. He's a dead man walking, hopefully.

Trotter

Eagle

He did well yesterday and was the perfect fit up there with us down to 10. As others have said, he's a great pro and puts in a shift, and for me he offered more yesterday than A Armstrong has all season.

The slide down to league 1 was grim, but the time after that were some of my best as a fan. Good times.

He hasn't all season. Looked like a poor man's Shane Long tonight.

Good point, but he ain't going anywhere yet.

I'd take money for Moi and Djenepo if offered, but nobody is taking Long and Walcott off our hands, and Forster is going in the summer.

Ten men for 90 mins?

Yep. This performance is down to being down to 10, this score is down to a decent effort from the weakened squad.

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