toontownman

This was never the case. Defensively we dropped back into a compact 4-4-2 shape, and he actually supported Manquillo well, blocking a number of crosses. Maybe later in the game. The 2nd half in particular was completely different. Not in the first half though. He was often deeper inside and it gave me the Willies we were going to get caught out with a quick switch.

Blatantly have to play 3-3-3-1 to accommodate him. I do think he was inverted to help cover Shelvey and I can see us packing the midfield like that throughout the season. The danger was the amount of space it left for West Ham to attack down the left wing. Also a ton of pressure on manquillo. On the flipside it left Manquillo in lots of space to attack at times. I'd like to see Fraser, Miggy and ASM behind Wilson. That has the potential to frighten the shit out or defences. I don't that we will though, or at least not very often. The height and strength of Carroll for Wilson to run off was important and we really don't have that height or physicality in Shelvey, Hayden and Hendrick. We have quite a lot of nice options to play around with but we are really lacking a destroyer or another DM.

The Roma links seem like old news from before we got Fraser. We aren't signing another winger. Even if Murphy leaves. Maybe a striker that has player out wide, at best. Report also says they only want to sell (£23m), with Arsenal leading the chase. Going to say this is a non starter!

Been out with a thigh injury. Not sure he has been in full training for quite a while?

You get that if you cross him with Shelvey. Not sure Hendrick has Bartons vision and ability to pass/cross but also early to tell. He is more mobile than Barton too.

He’s been this good since the last 1/3 of the second Benitez season. This. I certainly wouldn't mind dumping krafth and yedlin and getting a complimentary, pacey equivalent of Lewis for the right but the RB slot is and should have been Manquillos from the start of last season and through this. No more shoving him to LB to fill in, hopefully.

Crazy to think we actually have options upfront and could and hopefully will bring in one more on loan. Almiron behind, joelinton or Carroll. Longstaff playing number 10 works and Hendrick has played there before too.

Real deal. Love him. Like a missing piece fell into place.

Raw still but looked great early in the game. A bit nervy overall but looks like he will be a great addition, already linking up with ASM nicely.

He was fine, just looked a bit match fitness shy with a few dodgy first touches. Did his job and excelled in the second half.

Bloody lovely. Good stuff all round.

Hendrick back up to a 7

Longstaff seems focused! Lol

Tbf rather not risk wilson getting injured than Carroll.

Sat so deep now. Never defending like this for 10 minutes.

Wtf is that sub. Honest to god.

Joleen coming on.

Could do with the lift of seeing Fraser coming on.

Harsh if they give that.

Plenaty a coming?

Very underrated player imo Was great all last season and the tail end of the year before. Definitely underrated.

He probably put him down to a 5.

Assist! great one too Tbf.

Get in Wilson!

Can't...cope...with this much....possession...