Wise – The defence doesn’t look assured, that’s true to say as they adapt to a new system. However, the goals at Fulham were both GK errors, and against Brighton we had a freak own goal, and a goal where Martinez made a good save and the ball ricocheted to the Brighton player who pulled off a volley he probably couldn’t replicate again. Their 3rd goal I put down to us having a lapse of concentration in defence, but nevertheless I wouldn’t have seen any other keeper saving Gross’s header.
Hato looked pretty good, I like the look of Lacroix so far, and I agree that Acheampong has the edge on Fofana for now. Colwill obviously needs more time to adapt to this system. On a side note, it will be interesting to see where Palestra gets played when back from injury – he can cross of both feet and looked good during pre-season.
I agree that we look a bit vulnerable in defence, but at least some of that problem stems from our midfield troubles. It’s abundantly clear that we lack depth – why on Earth is Gusto starting in central midfield for example? The defence are not being afforded enough protection from our 2 central midfielders. Lavia played well but as a unit, him and Gusto are not going to protect the defence sufficiently. Lavia plus another may be able to, but not with Gusto or, dare I say it, James who doesn’t convince me as a central midfielder.
The situation with Enzo needs to be sorted out because if he had been starting with Lavia, then the conversation today would probably be quite different. It seems to late to find a replacement now, so if he moves on then we are selling ourselves short, particularly given our shortage of midfield players. We shouldn’t sell to City or Maresca just on principle, anyway. Reports have us linked to Lamine Camara who plays at Monaco. If we get him, I hope he doesn’t become another Bakayoko…
Next game is Arsenal away – I expect us to lose, but hopefully the team can put in a good shift and gain some confidence nevertheless.
_____________________________
React below 👇
*hover/click on the number below the reaction to see who reacted
