Have to remember with Chalo that he only played about 5 games for us before getting that injury. I wonder whether how well he, and Silva's team as a whole, played gave a false impression of just how good he really was. Maybe he just over-performed in those few games and his real ability was nowhere near that ? Bear in mind he'd barely got a game for Chelsea, Burnely or in Italy for 3-4 seasons before those 5 games....
To he fair he has an unfair tag as a luxury player. He shows more heart and determination than most. I didn't watch Saturday's massacre but in the highlights he was the only one seemingly trying to dig the team out. His problems with finishing and selfishness are there to see, but I don't think he lacks character.
Good to hear Quina did well, but worrying to hear he picked up a slight knock - so it'll be four months or so until he surfaces again. I've been a bit mystified why he's not been involved this season, I thought he's looked really good every time I've seen him so far. Perfect fit for that advanced MF role that Cleverley is playing at the moment (and playing well to be fair). I think we desperately need a player like Welbeck so the faster he gets up to speed, the better. Onwards to the relegation six-pointer vs Wolves.
None. Although we didn’t play that well, it was clear that in general our players were a notch or two above theirs.
I actually enjoyed the game last night and thought Swansea were very decent. We just needed a win after Saturday and hopefully we can put that behind us now. I thought Chalobah was ok last night, always wanted the ball and showed some good touches. As for players who might start Saturday Masina - Was horribly caught out for the goal and based on that is better than the current incumbent at left back sadly Prodl - Very good when the ball comes in the air but on the floor he is simply nowhere near good enough. Probably half a dozen times Welbeck or Gray had a bit of a pop at him for playing the ball in the air. Probably won't see him again Kabasele - Should start at Wolves. One brilliant clearance last night and probably our best centre back that is fit Janmaat - Had a quiet game but considering how poor Femenia has been but should start ahead of him Chalobah - Not ready to start but not sure how to get him there without loaning him out. Should be on the bench Quina - MOM last night and should start Sarr - I was amazed he didn't start last night but hoping that means he will on Saturday. Need to get him involved so can settle in. Him one side and Delefeou the other would give the opposition full backs something to worry about Welbeck - Good to see him get another 90 minutes and also to get a goal although I presume this means he will not start Saturday. His touch is so much better than Gray's Gray - I imagine he will start Saturday. Last night he made so many great runs which weren't spotted or just ignored. He actually seems quite an intelligent striker but unfortunately his actual ability lets him down. If we can get Welbeck fit then I think he will become a super sub Sat in the back row of the Upper GT last night as was right in front of Troy Deeney. It was very interesting listening to him talk about the game and he does read what is going on very well. I wonder if he's done his coaching badges Onwarsd and upwards. I love a cup run but while City and Liverpool are still in it, it feels a little pointless
I'm wondering about this writing off of people as being worthy of a start on Saturday, because they didn't pull up trees last night. It's as though fans are holding 2nd string players to the same high standards as our successive head coaches have, whilst not holding the abject failings of the incumbent 1st teasers to the same scrutiny. Masina may have been poor, but there is benefit in dropping Holebas, for his own good. We've seen in the past Holebas can be capable, but maybe he needs to realise that his place is not assured. Same for Doucoure and others. It's not merely a case of saying Player X did not pull up any trees vs Swansea, it's also a case of saying, for example, Masina and Prodl did not concede 5 goals in 18 minutes, therefore, as long as they have two working legs, they should be in consideration over the ones who did. Several of our first choice players need to be dropped or benched. If we don't have the back ups to even explore that option, then we are simply ****ed, but I don't think that is the case. I contend that a back 4 of Masina, Kabasele, Prodl and Janmaat with Gomes behind cannot be worse than the one from Saturday.
I keep saying this and it doesn't happen. He needs game-time so badly, everything about his game is superb and could easily be a 40m+ player in a couple of seasons.
Generally I agree but Gomes, Prodl and Masina should only be picked if we want to beat our recent goals conceded records.
Knowing how QSF likes a more defensive minded team, but that we have one formation that suits better to the squad we have (4-2-3-1), I really think we will not see Quina, Sarr, Deulofeu, Pereyra and Welbeck on the pitch at the same time as an attacking unit. One or two of those will miss out in favour of Cleverley and Hughes in my opinion. I don’t see Sarr sitting on the beach much longer. No way did Gino go to those lengths to get him and pay the fee he did, just for him to be wasted. The media are saying Gino didn’t take it well that Gracia didn’t play him. I really think part of QSF’s job remit will be to fit him in. Deulofeu is another who must start.
Am I the only one who has real reservations about Sarr? Yes, he's fast but I'm not sure what else he offers that would make our managers put him straight in the first team from the off. A £3o/£40m player should have an immediate impact when thrown on as sub - that didn't really happen last night against half the 2nd team of a championship club. I will be more than happy to be proved wrong but I'm not confident thus far.
I’d stick with Foster - but on the condition that he trains like the rest of the squad. No more of this ‘eating what he wants, training when he wants, leaving training to get home for the school run’ stuff. His standards have slipped so until they improve, fall in line. Don’t agree? Dropped. Bournemouth are a decent example of what should happen to ageing GK’s when they drop below the required level. We are too kind to them. Masina is much-of-a-muchness with Holebas really at this point. But hasn’t been given much of an opportunity. I’d like us to stick with him for a run of games. We could potentially get more from him than Holebas.
No, I've said this. I can clearly see why Javi and now Quique aren't rushing him into the side. He's not shown anything that should have made him more than a £10m target as a young player with great physical attributes, which was really what his YouTube highlights were showing before we signed him. He's obviously not terrible, but he's certainly not the secret weapon that we may have expected from a record signing. Deulefeou looks much better value, as a comparison.
I'm not saying we shouldn't drop Holebas or play Masina, I'm saying that neither are acceptable options in any long term sense. We obviously have to go with one until January at the very least, and I want Masina to succeed; theoretically he should have everything required, including the physicality, but he's never actually displayed that and it's his decision making that's most worrying of all. Still, I'd like to see him on Saturday, it's just that that's a short term issue as opposed to the long term one of having two rotten options in the position.
We’ve seen nowhere near enough of him to make a judgment yet. You only have to see what he did for his club last season to see he can do more than what he’s been given the chance to do so far. Players who flop every week are fair game. But I find it hard to be critical of players who are given drips of football and don’t immediately put in great performances.
I've quite liked his crossing so far. Puts it in the area between defenders and keepers and at pace. Every time I've seen him so far he looks a little nervous to start with but gets better as the game progresses. I think he should start Saturday
I agree with most of that but not the highlighted part. It’s unfair to say he’s never displayed it as he was decent when he came on in the Cup SF and was very impressive against Arsenal in the subsequent PL game. But then he was dropped again because Holebas was one of Gracia’s favourites.
I'm really surprised they spent that much on a player. I know he has potential but I expected he would walk into the team and be our best player week on week for that sort of sum, not just a promising gem for the future.
I don't think we can really say anything about Sarr yet. We've hardly seen him play in "normal" circumstances, it's either sub appearances where we've already lost and morale is shot, or in cup games which do seem to have a different tempo/ intensity. It also takes many players time, regardless of ability, to 'adjust' to the Premier League, for whatever reason. A few league starts in a row and I'm sure we'll know him a bit better and can decide whether it's boo or clap.
Newcastle was the game to play him. The club knew it and I think Gracia now knows it. Maybe I’m being naive but he was introduced early enough at Arsenal, and only one of he or Deulofeu was ever going to play against City (even if I’d have started both) - can’t argue with it being Deulofeu as he was great against Arsenal. And hopefully he was held back last night to start at the weekend. If he doesn’t start against Wolves, it might be time to ask questions as to why. But I completely agree that it’s premature to worry yet.
Poor result for us last night as it leaves open the possibility that we may have to play Man City again.
Opposition wing backs, or outside centre backs (it's Wolves). Did it sound like he's picked up on the fact that all our defenders are absolute gash?
I totally agree with the above, not playing Sarr and not winning against Newcastle meant Gracia was on his way as soon as the final whistle went, although if reports are to be believed he was going anyway, just the above scenario made it easier for Gino to act when he did! Against Wolves if Sarr doesn’t start it can only be because Flores doesn’t think he is ready to, all very well if we come away with three points but if that doesn’t happen obviously questions will start to be asked of the coach! A tricky situation for all!
When is the Carabao Cup draw? THE draw for this season's fourth round is set for Wednesday, September 25. It will be held at Stadium:MK in Milton Keynes. Laura Woods will once again host proceedings, with the two former stars drawing the balls still to be confirmed. The draw will take place following the third round clash between MK Dons and Premier League leaders Liverpool. Expect things to get underway around 10pm - but it could be a little later if the game goes to penalties. Which TV channel and live stream can I watch the Carabao Cup draw on? YOU can catch both the game and the draw live on Sky Sports Football and Main Event. Coverage begins at 7.30pm and continues until the draw concludes around 10.15pm. Ball numbers still to be confirmed although surely we'll be a number 2
