Mole

Tbf to him aside from the defense (who all seem very good so far) those two are who I'm impressed by the most Granted it's possible I've just caught Bruno, Joelinton and the wingers at a bad time form wise.

At the end of the day if only Woltemade and Tonali can be deemed a positive it doesn't really matter what the system is. The rest of the midfield/wingers have to turn up, the rest will take care of itself.

I don't think our Milan friend said anything that outlandish tbh. Bruno hasn't been very good, since watching the games again I have been highly unimpressed by all the midfield and wingers (except Tonali) I do think this summer's process leaved a lot to be desired and a change in system might actually be a good thing. I do think some things were slightly OTT in their delivery but in general I don't think he was massively wrong. Doesn't mean things won't come good but I am surprised there's been such a pushback to what he said. Having said that, I like Thiaw, Woltemade a lot so hopefully the other signings can prove their worth in time.

Back in my day, EA bought things and dismantled them, not the other way around

Again though this isn't a question of height as it is more a question of positioning as Merino is in between both CBs in question. Botman would basically have had to go over the top significantly forward to get there, it's not as simple as just out jumping him. But I agree with Andy regarding his overall performance, he and Thiaw were excellent and one of the few positives from the game.

He didn't really get outjumped, Merino was in between Botman and Lascelles. Pretty sure if Livramento doesn't go off hurt the goal doesn't happen as it was more of a positional error and I think it probably doesn't happen with Burn there instead of Lascelles.

Don't think there's much a manager can do when 4 of your 5 midfielders don't perform. There's certain things he can clean up sure, but in general today was due to far too many players not performing to the level required.

It's pretty annoying that Ramsey and Wissa got hurt, you can see what the idea was with the profiles of players that were signed this summer. Hopefully it won't be too long before we get to see it.

There was some link up with Tonali shortly after the goal that I thought was great. Didn't see enough it because the midfield didn't really get a grip on the game at all, but the glimses are definitely there if some of the midfield performances can pick up.

Aye when I say this version I mean like first time in 8 years, I decided to start watching us again after years of ignoring football entirely. So a lot of these fellas are new to me, tbf to them I imagine their manager complaining about every little thing is probably rubbing off on his players.

First time I've seen this version of Arsenal play and Gabriel is an absolute clown. Acts like he's been shot for Woltemade goal, tries to start something after the fact and then asks him to shake his hand while the ref is talking to them both. get to fuck mate.

I was going to come on here before the goal and say I feel sorry for him as the 5 behind him haven't really offered much at all in the way of support But fair play, class header. Definitely think the midfield needs to step up if it's going to end up in a winning effort though.

Also functionally in this case, the difference between 3-5-2 and 3-4-2-1 wouldn't be hugely different. Really just means one of the midfielders are more advanced, which they probably would end up that way in when in possession anyway. It's all semantics really.

I like it on paper because you can also flow back into a back 4 pretty easily if necessary.

This would go nicely with my experience of general German people when I visit Berlin to see friends. In general they don't spend a tonne of money on flashy clothes and other expenses you might consider non-essential. Of course being a footballer you might be enticed to do so because you have ludicrous amounts of money but in general I've found that they don't go crazy on that sort of thing. Granted Nick seems to like fashion a lot so maybe not the best example but he does seem very grounded.

Aye at least for today anyway. As a personal preference I would like to see Botman and Thiaw get an extended run but it's just personal bias because I really like how they pass I would assume Howe's decision making will go much further than that.

The table means nothing rn anyway for anyone, the only reason this is even a conversation is because the bloke has had dogshit results since he took over. Doubt we would be talking about it over just a 5-6 game span.

I suspect if he goes 3 at the back it will be Burn, Thiaw and Botman, I severely doubt Schar is available yet. Probably will be next week though.

Quick Google says he was playing in Bulgaria two years ago Sick badge mind

Someone posted a 352 with Gordon and Woltemade as the forwards, I wouldn't be massively shocked to see that if he goes 3 at the back again. I agree that Gordon as the only striker won't happen.

Historically Spanish media rumours about English clubs are completely made-up bullshit. I saw absolutely nothing this summer to think that has at all changed.

Yeah and you'll notice I talked about Rooney playing CM later on his career. Rooney was much better as a second striker so I'm not surprised about his opinion on playing as a 9. That wasn't really the point of the comparison, more so because someone has the skillset to play deeper doesn't mean they necessarily should. I'm pretty sure if Woltemade actually played as a 10 and was marked by actual DMs instead of drifting into those spaces and not being picked up at all he would be a lot less effective.

This discussion reminds me of the time when people said Rooney should play CM because he had certain skills that might look good in that area of the pitch sometimes. He's a striker, he just happens to be a very skilled one.

Also I'm going to be honest, getting together with mates and shit talking a band who you feel used to be good over some beers is one of lives greatest pleasures. At least let Ramsey show that he's Moon Music of CMs before we shit on him first