KaKa

YEAAAAHHHHH!!!!!!

Nice one ref.

Damn. That's so unfortunate.

Salibas's left foot plays him on I think?!

What. A. Finish. Wow!!!!!

Excellent from Murphy.

And moving Burn back out to left back too. Think those changes would be far more terrifying!

I only really tend to worry about him going up against speed in open space or crosses coming in from the opposite side, with him having to challenge a bigger stronger player for a header. We've got an extra centre back in there and Arsenal aren't very direct or quick in getting the ball forward in general. Guess we'll see how it goes, but I'm hopeful.

Going to be Trossard down that side.

The likes of Trossard and Martinelli should be okay for him I think. The Arsenal build up is so slow so they won't be running at him in space. He also won't have to deal with a bunch of crosses and having to pick up a more physical player at the back post. Think it should be alright.

This is huge. Could do with some of his 'clever' play late on to see out the game.

That's a heck of a wrinkle to throw at them. Going with the change in formation. I like it provided Isak looks to drop into space to help the midfield two out in our build up.

Flying?! Can we just see him run first please.

Hopefully

That would be amazing, but wouldn't be surprised if we come out a bit shaky, and looking a bit uncertain on how much to commit going forward.

What is the approach to this game likely to be. More defensive from the outset? Or same approach as the first game? Hope it's the latter.

It was and still is very simple to understand. If Howe cannot adjust to the different approach to recruitment going forward it is a complete waste of time for everyone. That was my main issue, which appears to have been resolved. It really isn't rocket science.

Yes, I know exactly what you said. That's why I repeated it back verbatim in my post.

Oh ... so you've not seen much of Adeyemi. So why are you yapping?! I don't really trust any of what you have to say regarding players man. You just jump on whoever is getting hyped at the time or any player from a top club. So so basic man.

Your 'baller test' is basic and weak. You never rate anyone until you see them producing a high number of goals and assists. It's so simplistic. I remember when we signed Gordon you referred to it as a Bournemouth signing by Howe in a way to disparage him, and you were completely against it. There's certain types of players that are very obviously Premier League suited, especially with the style we play. If the likes of Gordon, Mbeumo, Madueke, Semenyo, Elanga, Wissa, N'Diaye etc can be such a threat in this league, I find it laughable that Adeyemi is dismissed. Hopefully he comes into the league next year into a dynamic high tempo team like Newcastle or Villa and you're made to look clueless again.

Would have been labelled a 'shit' signing of other clubs castoffs if we signed him when Bournemouth did. Would have been the same if we had signed Cunha from Atletico when Wolves did. They would have both been judged by their relatively ordinary performances at their previous clubs, and deemed to be 'not good enough'. We need to do a better job of recognising players like these with untapped potential, who could better thrive in the style of play in the Premier League.

Not going to see a bunch of high pressing and high lines that leave your defenders in far more vulnerable positions. Like you said too teams don't play at a high pace or tempo and as direct. Teams are more compact and the defenders get a lot more protection. Not surprising that defenders coming from the Premier League would find it easier.

Well they're not Newcastle and they are going about it the way they see fit. I also doubt any of us have enough information to know whether they are gambling or not.

Didn't sound like he was 'unwanted' by the manager. If anything he was the one pushing to leave. With all the information you can gather on players nowadays, I'm pretty sure they'll have good reason for targeting him. A number of decent teams were interested in the summer. He came here largely because of his previous relationship with Howe. Was clearly expecting a bigger role, but it didn't work out that way, and so he's moved on.

What?! Because it's January and they are players the manager wants to bring in?