Infinitely Content

Aye, his passing looked very good in preseason. It will prove invaluable getting us up the field, our centre backs see a lot of the ball so the fact he can play will be huge, and hopefully Lascelles can learn a bit from him in that sense. He's class Lejeune, a proper unit but a cultured player aswell.

Kabasele getting plenty of assists there for Chelsea

I did say place ya bets The exact same weekend as the Cabaye - Wigan goal/game as well...

Buy-back clause.

Deservedly so, especially after Boufal's wonder goal in the other drab game from today.

If he gets a retrospective ban for that football is fucked. Nothing to see here imo.

Must be proud as out him like. Looks like he is genuinely emotionally invested in our club & it's fans.

Good shot from range on him too.

Problem is he is absolutely knackered after 20 minutes.

He was certainly more advanced than Shlevey and Joselu which surprised a few but it wasn't really a number 10. Can't see him starting a game there, that 10 role really isn't one he's suited to. That's true, although we don't have any player who is truly suited to that role in the entire squad, so we're simply looking for a job to be done. De Jong was the only player who suits the position in the team looking back to pre season.

Yep that's his issue, he's needs space to run into to work as that creative midfielder. He can't do much from a static position someone like Sigurdsson can, for instance (not comparing the two, obviously).

Looked it from the tv screen, he (Hayden not Diame) was one of our most advanced players, regularly in their half closing down in the last 20 of the game if my memory serves me.

To be fair Rafa thinks somewhat the same after pushing him up the pitch into the number 10 against Southampton. He didn't he changed the system, but yes Hayden was the further forward but wasn't really playing a 10 role. Didn't say he changed the system, but he was playing in the number 10 role as much as Perez, Diame or anyone else has for us this season. Not saying Hayden in there is the solution, but it's worth a shot over Diame who can't last a full game and Perez who is offering very little at the minute. Hayden guarantees the work rate needed in our system.

My goodness Again, Rafa didn't think it was the worst idea against Southampton

To be fair Rafa thinks somewhat the same after pushing him up the pitch into the number 10 against Southampton.

I'd say he is the best player who is bald and has a broken hand in the league tbh.

I would try starting with Hayden in the number 10 and Merino & Shelvey behind him, as bizarre as it sounds. Hayden has a good shot on him and isn't wasteful in possession whilst also offering the work rate Rafa demands.

Yep, says a lot about his mentality. To stay calm and composed as to not give away a second foul whilst still being strong defensively. Good player and will only get better over the next few month if played.

The game was a reet state, but the result is superb for us. Well done Mikky Merino for the goal, Diame for making his presence known & Atsu for not stopping all game.

Diame has made a difference here to be fair to him.

That is some goal from Pedro!

Another sellout. Quality stuff Hope Merino starts.

Rafa is known for his late nights at the training ground working on match prep. http://i67.tinypic.com/nn1ug5.jpg

I'd expect us to be after someone better than Troy Deeney like. He's no better than what we've got.

The one with his kid, man I'd seen the comment earlier in the thread without having the context but f***ing hell. Embarrassment tbh. Poor kid.