Mole_Toonfan

Not really, unless we start buying players that we actually need rather than potential profit. While I like a lot of the players that have come in, we really needed a commanding CB and a dominating midfielder. Think we did that this summer tbh, we just didn't do enough of it as per.

CM is a bigger problem than CB IMO, part of the issue is that the midfield doesn't protect the defence at all and doesn't put the attack in a decent position to score either. A better CM would help solve both problems as it links it all together and I agree with Ikon we don't just need one but two

I think we'll play well as we have ever since we went to playing Mitrovic and Perez together (yes I know we fell apart against City) But signs were there and it continued against Norwich. Whether that translate to a win I'm not sure but I don't think we'll see a repeat of those disgraceful performances under Pardew/Carver.

And leave gaping holes for the opposition to run into because he has no idea how to position himself. What you describe hasn't happened since his Pardew's first season.

Considering that how he's been since Pardew's first season no it isn't.

No reason at all to change anything to the front 4, it's the rest of the team which needs major surgery.

He joined us with the intention of using us as a stepping stone. Aye and Perez didn't i suppose? soon as he gets an opportunity he'll be off as well.

Not seeing it tbh.

Not really, outside of a flukey 5 game run we were just as shite last year.

Vieri is a good shout mind.

Aye I said I wanted him as a B2B CM which to be frank he practically is at the moment despite on the team sheet it saying he's playing out wide.

Pretty simple really, give him space and he can play like this but don't and he's ineffective which explains the inconsistent performances. It's just who he is and always will be really, hopefully Wijnaldum, Mitrovic and Perez can help open things up for him a little bit.

I would agree on the pace thing if he had any issue at all escaping his markers but fact is he doesn't.

Think natural width is a bit over stated myself, when we went in that run with Hatem-Cisse-Ba we had fuck all natural width but created chances by the bucket load. Playing at a high tempo, with movement and incisive passing > natural width.

He's been poor defensively all season though, it isn't new and injuries are no excuse.

He can't because he relies on space and not every team gives it to him. Just the way it is and with him you have to accept that.

Defensively he has been all season.

Predictable as fuck tbh, he's been shite for years. Hopefully everybody realises that now.

Depends if you count the Perez goal or not.

Never in doubt, his touch alone is light years ahead of anyone else in our squad. Well, Mitrovic is reasonably close. To think that we have two actual footballers up front now. It's not.

Just play completely though Sissoko, Wijnaldum and the lads upfront. Absolutely pointless going through Colback, Anita etc etc. We might actually look potent that way..... maybe.

And a new defense, CM etc etc.

Sissoko and Wijnaldum have been absolutely outstanding today.