the_eristic

Nonsense.

I wouldn't even have anyone from the first team on the bench vs Bolton, a lighting rig would probably fall on them at this rate. Or just straight up lightning from the heavens. Denayer and Zagadou are both probably as good as we could hope for in terms of CBs with skill on the ball, and are young enough to have some sell-on value in a few years, potentially a lot in the case of Zagadou if he stays reasonably fit and progresses. He would add great aerial presence, too, and take some pressure off Mings there, but always manages to pick up some injuries of his own. We do have cover, so might be worth it to see if we can get him going. Denayer, otoh, has a lot more experience and familiarity with the English game, but would probably want significantly more cash. Then again, more cash compared to Ligue 1 might not be an issue to a Prem club at all.

Happened coming down from contesting a header with Rondon at 91:42. Lands on both feet, doesn't look particularly heavy from the TV angle but he drops immediately.

Lil' Emi MOTM. Overall, squad looked much more motivated and energetic, working to get to balls first and tackling well, which was good to see. Much improved performance from JJ in particular. Still fairly aimless tactically with limited movement, though, and lost what organization we had when put under real pressure in the second half, which was exacerbated by subs being left too late. Reinforce the midfield and fullbacks with 20 to go or even when Emi scores and we see that out more comfortably. Having only Doug for the midfield on the bench (and not even using him) is a worry. Also, Ollie needs to gamble more on back post runs when Digne is on the ball, you can tell he's used to crossing deeper to the likes of Calvert-Lewin, while we seem to have nobody in the area every time.

Like last week, Phil isn't going to be able to do much against two banks of 5. We have to get the ball to him in pockets of space before they settle into their defensive shape, midfield has to be more alert in terms of support and movement.

Rejoined Nice a couple weeks ago. Would've been ideal for the squad we have and our goals at the moment.

Can we send Stevie instead? Turkish league his level.

Maybe our bid for Canales will finally be accepted.

He's like a taller, more physical and press-resistant upgrade on Marv. Excellent defensively, safe enough with the ball, would leave us less exposed with fullbacks pushed up and we'd finally win some headers in midfield. Also tends to do his work a bit higher up the pitch in the middle 3rd proper and can carry it forward a bit without losing it, which would be helpful, as Marv is often more reactive and last ditch, playing right around our box and can't wait to get rid of the ball. Downside is he always picks up a few injuries and misses a handful of games, though, which should be a concern if we're looking for a guaranteed starter for 38 league games rather than a tactical option. Definitely a proper defensive mid, too, not an box-to-box or "8", which would mean an almost inevitable shift to the fabled double pivot at times, as you'd still want Boubs or Dougie in there with him to be the ball player. Was paired regularly with Herrera or Koke as the passer, either in a 4-4-2 or in a 3 with the likes De Paul or Lemar pushing on in attack.

Said it before, but if you aren't playing it to feet, there's no point. He isn't a target man, he isn't getting on crosses, especially on his own vs three CBs.

April 18, 2009. Salifou on the bench!

Needs some time out of the firing line, just like last season. We're overplaying him in an imbalanced system.

On the pitch for both goals? Digne out!

Are we in a time warp? Is this 1994?

Would be embarrassing were it not so unsurprising. We desperately need a more physically dominant striker and also a midfielder that is not a John McGinn just trying to float the ball to back post 20 times a game. Midfield selection was wrong from the start, against a back 3 + low block you have incisive passers to keep the ball moving and players who can navigate tight spaces, not runners who won't have the room to run in the first place. Passing it back to the CBs a few times then out wide to be crossed to players half the size of their defenders is a team with no ideas. Not playing Mings against these was an insane decision, too.

It's time.

Manager doesn't know what he's doing, and we're completely outmatched physically.

Good to see we're sticking with the "crossing to hobbits" tactic.

Priest are/were mostly Baggies iirc.

Loved the yellow he picked up, very few young players would have the nous to consciously stop the break in a hectic moment like that.

All a ruse to get 70M off City next week.

I actually think Ajorque, one of Hammers' alternative targets to Scamacca/Borja would be an interesting addition for very little money (supposedly €15M). I've watched him several times while keeping tabs on Fred. He's a roughly 1-in-3 goalscorer, but also picks up a handful of assists, phenomenal in the air and at linking up play, also great at defending and pressing from the front. Think he could do a similar job to John Carew but with better work rate and fitness, would be useful to have against low blocks and really physical sides.

If two up top is going to be a regular thing, a more physical striker is a must. Like KD but not injured forever and actually able to score a few.

Ah, the Del Piero.

Remember how bad we were after the "mini-preseason" during winter? Well, now we've got a full-sized one!