As the new season dawns, let's take stock of the preseason — looking at tactical updates, changes to the left-sided dynamics, and other subplots to watch as the campaign unfolds
What would be a better signing - a winger to act as cover for Saka or a pure striker (Ivan Toney) and Jesus being moved to backup winger/second striker? I can't help but feel that even with these additions, we are not a complete team because we simply don't have a reliable goalscorer. In the best case, we continue to rely on our plethora of attackers to each contribute goals, but as we saw last season, when there's a dip, there's no one in the squad who can be relied upon to be a poacher/pure 9 who can unlock the door. If we assume that we are able to ship Nketiah out (which I really hope we do), we will be even more depleted in that department and yet, I am not seeing enough discussion about us signing a striker. Am I crazy in thinking we are going to go into the season with the same issues up front as last time around?
It's nice to have my feelings going into the season re-affirmed by someone who actually knows what they're talking about as opposed to operating entirely on vibes
Went back to read this again after GW1(Wolves); and several of your thoughts shone through. Saka a threat from crosses, more threat from the left etc. Don’t know if you’ve been told, but your stuff is really good!
Loved seeing Saka come off early to save his legs, but What do you make of Martinelli switching over to cover for him rather than giving Viera some minutes? the lad Timber looks so good. Do you put his overplaying/carelessness with possession towards the end down to match fitness/game state or is that a common thing with the lad? Also. What’s up with Partey??
It’s just GW1, but it already feels like a season where we need to be close to perfect.
Calvin and Hobbes reference 2 minutes in? My type of sicko let’s go
Sitting on the tarmac before a 9 hour flight and he drops this.
What a start to the season, we’re winning it all!
Leeeet's go.
So much love and gratitude for this. Come on!
What would be a better signing - a winger to act as cover for Saka or a pure striker (Ivan Toney) and Jesus being moved to backup winger/second striker? I can't help but feel that even with these additions, we are not a complete team because we simply don't have a reliable goalscorer. In the best case, we continue to rely on our plethora of attackers to each contribute goals, but as we saw last season, when there's a dip, there's no one in the squad who can be relied upon to be a poacher/pure 9 who can unlock the door. If we assume that we are able to ship Nketiah out (which I really hope we do), we will be even more depleted in that department and yet, I am not seeing enough discussion about us signing a striker. Am I crazy in thinking we are going to go into the season with the same issues up front as last time around?
It's nice to have my feelings going into the season re-affirmed by someone who actually knows what they're talking about as opposed to operating entirely on vibes
Went back to read this again after GW1(Wolves); and several of your thoughts shone through. Saka a threat from crosses, more threat from the left etc. Don’t know if you’ve been told, but your stuff is really good!
Loved seeing Saka come off early to save his legs, but What do you make of Martinelli switching over to cover for him rather than giving Viera some minutes? the lad Timber looks so good. Do you put his overplaying/carelessness with possession towards the end down to match fitness/game state or is that a common thing with the lad? Also. What’s up with Partey??
It’s just GW1, but it already feels like a season where we need to be close to perfect.