DuncanRG

Haha, exactly. Both clubs play their part in that. I'm quite surprised at how quickly people have come to believe that he's capable of leading our line. He had a good game against Arsenal but came off after 60-odd minutes. Nobody really knows yet, though it will be interesting to see how he does. Still don't expect him to start when Lambert's fit, mind.

Goalkeeper: Top class first choice, competition needed. Vital man in reserve but I expect he'll become a coach sooner rather than later. Defence: One world class defender who takes us to another level. Without him it's shakier, but the emergence of Calum Chambers (which enables Clyne to play at left-back) gives us reasonable short-term cover in all positions. More organisation needed when Lovren and Boruc are not on the pitch to lead. Another centre-half needed in summer. Central midfield: Top drawer, great cover, no complaints. Make sure those players keep the tempo high and we're fine. Attacking midfield: Two quality and improving players with one spot waiting to be filled by someone of that quality. Could be Ramirez, could be Ward-Prowse in the future, could be a new signing. Davis is a terrific squad member but could be improved upon in the first XI. Good cover available, but legs and ideas tend to fade in the second half when we've had a tough first. Someone to put new life into that line of 3 off the bench required. Strikers: Problem area for me. We have a great away-day striker in Rodriguez but cannot rely on Lambert and Gallagher to get us results when things aren't going our way. A major remodelling effort needed in summer, which could involve one or two players coming in. There may yet be a place for Emmanuel Mayuka to fit into the squad, though we'll have to see.

It would be class if we could say that about them in 2022.

Erm, that's not how it works.

Same as always: Pochettino identifies areas for improvement, the scouts go out and find players, the transfer committee do the deal and Pochettino does the final sign-off. This has been confirmed in an interview, though I must say I can't remember exactly when. Pochettino believed that he could keep Osvaldo under control, and that there'd be no reason for any tension in our rather friendly squad. Or if he wasn't sure that he could, he at least accepted the challenge. We as a club got it wrong.

Rubbing my hands at the thought of Darren Bent leading the line for Fulham tomorrow.

I agree that the only real loss to the squad has been Osvaldo - in playing terms, anyway. Fox will be missed on a personal level by many I'm sure. What disappoints me is that we haven't replaced Osvaldo, as it does leave us short up front. We had time to prepare something and had at least one target (striker or otherwise), but for some reason nothing happened. It's not the end of the world - it might even prove to be very wise if Sam Gallagher takes his chance and goes on to perform in the Premier League - but it is disappointing.

To be honest, I think it looked better a few weeks ago. The future isn't so certain anymore but yeah, this is a pretty great position to be in.

Erm, the same as we did with Osvaldo: choose the best team and enjoy the competition for places. We absolutely do need another striker in the summer and I'm sure we'd like one now, it just doesn't seem like the right man's available.

Reliable source? A precaution, perhaps?

In January, maybe. We did okay without any reinforcements last season.

'I win, you stay'

Do you want William Kvist on loan? It's been a very quiet window. We shouldn't be jealous of transfers for transfers' sake, only worth worrying if players that could have improved our team have gone to rivals.

If we're not swapping teams, absolutely I would. We wouldn't go down from their position now. Looks like they're on their way to safety as well.

Bloody hell, I can hardly believe this but you're right

Alex may have developed quicker if he'd never left us, but that's only because of our remarkable rise since he left. At the time it was a no-brainer. League One or Arsenal? Come on. He's also had a horrible run of injuries at Arsenal, it's not like he's been available and isn't making the cut. He gets minutes when he's fit.

Hodgson's answer suggested that he meant nobody without a recent call-up would get in, that he'd seen everybody he wanted to ahead of his final decision.

Agreed, but he's class and we need someone. We can rebuild our strike force in the summer. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Erm, no he won't. You guys are getting way ahead of yourselves. He has an outside chance of going to the World Cup if he performs well and he's very lucky with injuries to others, but he's got great players ahead of him. Baines and Cole will go if fit, then he's got to compete with Gibbs who for my money is a better call for international football. He's had a good season and Champions League experience is important. I think Shaw will go into the squad for the first round of friendlies after the World Cup, as Hodgson starts to build his next team. Not yet, and he won't replace Baines in the starting lineup easily even then. Hodgson's already said 'no surprises' for the World Cup. Don't expect anyone without a recent call-up to make it in without big injuries.

I really wish Shaw would stop shooting at the keeper every time he moves in towards the box. Give him the next penalty so he can get his first goal over and done with.

Worst performance I've seen from Arsenal all season as well. First half was genuinely appalling from them, we should have made more of it.

Great game and a great performance. Ultimately disappointed we couldn't get the win, I thought after the red card we could push on but it's difficult with so few options up top. I think Sczcesny was probably man of the match, but everyone played very well for us. Yoshida a little shakey at times but capable when it mattered. Gallagher looked very lively in his movement until the miss - he was a step behind Mertesacker after that. Congrats to him on his first start though - here's to many more in the future.

No, not yet

Yeah, they assessed him yesterday

Gallagher starts, Wanyama on bench