Harry_SFC

Don't get me started on Elyounoussi. He's just a bit of a pointless player at this level.

Bazunu; KWP, ABK, Salisu, Perraud/Djenepo; Lavia, JWP; Armstrong, Aribo; Mara, Adams. Subs: McCarthy, Lyanco, Valery, Perraud/Djenepo, Diallo, Romeu, Elyounoussi, Redmond, Armstrong.

Exactly. Lavia has been in and around the Man City first team who play a high pressing game in a 4. It's probably easier for a centre back to play in a 4 rather than a 3. Aribo is a fit, experienced player who I'm sure would pick up the system very quickly. So the only player who may not know the tactics is Mara, who hasn't even started yet anyway.

But if that formation is costing you points then that just seems a bit stupid to me.

Probably over analysing things but Ralph just doesn't seem himself this season. Could be a number of reasons for it but to me something has happened/is happening behind the scenes. I'm just not sure what.

There's something very odd going on. He hasn't said anything positive about the 5-3-2 yet continues to play it? It's rather baffling.

I think the two goals today show why we need to keep hold of Adams. First goal he plays a lovely one two with Armstrong and the second one is a world class first touch which allows him to bring Mara into the game. We know he won't score tons of goals but he will get a fair amount whilst doing a lot of work that sometimes goes unnoticed.

Totally agree. If those new players are better than the existing ones, play them. They've been here for pre season so they are all fit enough.

I genuinely believe a fair share of our issues are down to Bednarek. He is the one constant in that defence since 2018 I think? He has definitely regressed under Ralph and seems to have an attitude problem.

I always think Salisu looks better when he isn't being dragged out wide - which naturally happens when you play with wing backs. KWP is better going forward in a 4 as well, which was clear to see in that second half. It also complements the whole team better as well. Aribo coming off the right, Armstrong or Mara playing off Adams for example.

We can't defend in either formation so you might as well go for the more attacking one surely?

Seen people saying that Ralph had to be talked into the formation change by Selles?

You could buy any striker in the world and we still wouldn't score goals in this formation.

Maybe Ralph should take a look at the Arsenal "All or Nothing" documentary on Amazon Prime. Arteta comes across as a very good man manager.

Tbf those screens are horrendous

This is a good point. He does always seem very downbeat.

I mean ABK can't be any worse, surely? Tbf I thought he looked pretty decent in pre season and looks a lot more comfortable on the ball than Bednarek. So even if he can't defend very well that's an upgrade.

His subs are my main gripe really. Game after game they just get more and more baffling. It's like he's watching a totally different game to everyone else. He has tried to change the formation to make us more solid, which doesn't look like it's going to work. We beat Spurs 3-2 last season playing the 4-2-2-2. I'm not saying we should've expected a win yesterday, but if you're gonna lose, at least give it a go.

Playing Adam Armstrong upfront on his own against Spurs is an incredibly odd decision that I'm not convinced another manager would do. It was never going to work. If you're essentially playing 1 proper striker it has to be Che.

Bazunu, KWP, Valery, ABK, Salisu, Djenepo, Lavia, JWP, Aribo, Stu, Adams.

After watching that today I would definitely play Valery at RCB on Saturday and drop Bednarek - the bloke is awful and doesn't want to be here. Also I'd have Adams upfront - despite not being prolific he brings a lot more to the table than Adam Armstrong.

Would like to see us try a 4-3-3 type formation. Bazunu; KWP, ABK, Salisu, Perraud; Lavia, JWP, Smallbone/Armstrong; Aribo, Adams/New signing, New signing. Two new signings required up top.

Not a fan of the home shirt but love the away one

Lyanco has actually had a few very good games. He has also made a couple of big errors leading to goals. Personally I think he is ok for 3rd/4th choice but shouldn't be a regular. Similar to Stephens. I still think we should sell Bednarek and one of Stephens/Lyanco and get in a more experienced player who can come straight into the starting 11 next to Salisu.

I mean Lyanco clearly did make a mess of it but it wouldn't have even got to that stage if the referee did his job properly.