Parsley

Tonali has to start when he's back IMO. He's the only midfielder we have who's shown signs of being able to slow down play and control the ball. While I don't think he can viably play Bruno's position long term, he'll be able to slot in midgame and give us options that the two Joes wouldn't.

Need some cover for Bruno at the very least, potentially a replacement as well if he leaves in the summer. The left and right-sided slots aren't as much of a priority though, agreed.

Brighton away has become a bit of a bogey fixture, for sure. We've beaten them at home in the last 2 meetings though.

With the benefit of hindsight, I think this is probably accurate.

Thought he was much sharper than Willock and Longstaff on the ball. I see his best position as Bruno's role in our current system. He's not naturally attack-minded enough to be a long-term option in the left-sided role IMO.

To be fair, if Lascelles doesn't drop that clanger, I think we see the game out comfortably and probably grab another goal. Momentum was well with us at that point after the triple sub.

We missed a host of gilt-edged chances and gifted them a goal, could've had absolutely no complaints if we went out.

Lacking sharpness and looks low on confidence. Won't be displacing Gordon any time soon on tonight's showing.

Longstaff desperately needs a rest.

If it doesn't hit his arm, it hits his chest I think.

Better from Barnes.

Honestly, we deserve to go out after this nonsense.

I'm not

He's looked really tentative since coming on.

Incredibly bad.

Barnes has looked off it as well.

Lascelles man.

Hoping Anderson gets 20 mins on for Longstaff.

Almiron coming on.

Better.

Don't think Trippier's been nearly as bad as some are saying. Him and Murphy have been our best outlet. Longstaff has been seriously off it. Demands the ball then promptly has his pocket picked.

Willock looks rusty (understandably). Touch has been off so far.

Awful from Longstaff.

Bit nervous of Willock starting, although suppose there's nothing for it if Miley is injured. Great news that Anderson is back - he's much better suited than Miley for that LCM slot IMO and should do the midfield wonders to have some legs back in the mix. Good to see Murphy start but surprised to see Barnes on the bench - thought this would've been an ideal opportunity to get him back up to sharpness while giving Gordon a bit of a reprieve. Strong side though all in all

It's much harder to shithouse when the other team is able to sit back on a lead after 15 odd mins like Arsenal were. We just didn't ship goals in that manner last season. The difference with the two games you mention is that we didn't concede until late on in one game, at which point we were more or less home and hosed, or at all in the other. Shithousing's a very different proposition when you're constantly having to play your way back into games.