Smal

There is literally no midfield showing for the ball when we have it in defence. Bruno and Longstaff have been so bad, man.

No midfield structure in possession at all. CBs have no one to pass to.

Bruno is having a ‘mare again.

this is just awful technically. Bruno trying too hard with the ball.

Longstaff finally showed for the ball when the centre backs had it. First time in weeks.

Too many hoofs. Really would hope we could try and control a game against Champo opposition, like.

Schar’s passing has been off for months now

He’s not normally that bad on his right though. We had issues playing the ball out from defence all game - even Trippier and Schar. Arsenal bombarded our only realistic midfield passing option in Bruno which worked very effectively, and Longstaff just hid most of the game like he didn’t want to receive the ball. Their centre backs were proactive against a half-fit Isak… there was just never a good passing option for our CBs. And also… he regularly uses Burn as an outlet but Livramento plays much higher and was generally marked as a result.

His start to the season was absolutely majestic and he looked like he’d hit a higher level than last season. Every game he was a monster and so dominant. The injury has been a killer for him. Probably worth giving him a game or two off.

Love him but I do think he might not see the start of next season if this carries on for the rest of the season.

the assist will be good for his confidence at least.

what a ball

I love Sean but he really does need some time out of the team. Isn’t showing for the ball at all recently.

Probably would’ve headed both corners away like he does with practically every set piece when he plays.

Ah, another set piece goal. Burn has to play. At least that argument is done.

Livramento has been partially to blame for all three btw. We’ve missed Burn a lot tonight not that many will admit it. Livramento hasn’t been able to offer anything going forward either.

Can’t believe how well Botman was playing before his injury and now… this. Looks nowhere near the standard required.

Big Joe being out for the season is horrible, man. We miss him big time.

Livramento making me miss Dan Burn

true tbf, but we’re playing Miley in midfield every game at the moment and he’s only ever played in youth teams before this season too. You’d think Hall would’ve at least had some minutes there given the circumstances.

mad to me how Hall hasn’t had a minute in midfield like, given how he’s played the majority of his career there.

Miley cannot defend though. He’s a final pass player. Think James Maddison but 17 and not as good.

The team doesn’t really look like it knows what it’s doing at the moment. Hard to know how much of it is due to Howe but it has been a consistent theme since November.

Would get Miley into the #10 to get closer to Isak and make Longstaff and Bruno a double pivot. Too often the defence have had the ball and only had Bruno to pass to who’s had 3 men round him.