Bournemouth (H): Post Match

[Chazza]

[Norbs]

Simba and Mufasshole

[BigChief]

I think Clyne and Gomez are covering up a lot of the iffy stuff in the middle

Its not by luck Clyne and Gomez are covering up a lot of iffy stuff in the middle. It seems to be by design. The iffy stuff in the middle will continue to exist but the damage is now properly limited.

How many times did we despair when Gerrard allowed Mile Jedinak, Downing, etc, to own CBs because there was never any cover? Milner/Hendo now ensure that doesn't happen. And if teams targeted a 'weak' fullback (take your pick out of Johnson or Moreno) then now those positions are solid too.

I would like Sakho back asap, but that doesn't seem likely. If Moreno has finally found his form and hunger then I wouldn't mind Gomez playing next to Skrtel eventually.

[Chazza]

Well put

Lallana showed glimpses but he also shirked out of a few challenges and was quiet for periods of the game. Ibe has the skill but tends to try too much and as a result slows the attack instead of using his pace to exploit the opponents defence. I think he needs to be deployed further forward as he's not as productive picking the ball up deeper imo.

Shoot me down but I'd swap Ibe for Moreno for the Arsenal game. I think Moreno has a bundle to offer in an attacking role and his mistakes won't be punished

I would take Ibe out. He has not been effective in the first 2 games and should be taken out of the firing line before his confidence is shot.

You could put Ingsy, Divsy, Bobby F or Albey M into the team and they would be equally as effective if not more.

[The_weatherman]

If Lovren has been better these past two games then it is only because he was so desperately poor last year. He improved in the second half but he still didn't do the basics particularly well.

Perhaps the biggest worry is his complete incompetence in 1-on-1 situations, thankfully it only happened once last night.

Having Gomez is definitely helping him, thanks to him being a more defensive fullback. The moment Moreno comes back into the leftback role... I shudder to think.

I think this is a big point actually, Gomez is a defender first and foremost and he and Clyne are really helping the back four with their shape and positioning, Moreno and Johnson could be all over the place. However like someone mentioned, Lovren is awful when one on one and I worry for him against Arsenal, we don't have Lucas in front of the defence either so there will be Arsenal players making runs with the ball into the box next Monday (why another Monday game )

[Shaggy]

There's a holier than thou attitude which is quick to emerge in match and post match threads at the moment. No doubt there'll be times this season where it's warranted, but at the moment nobody is running round with their pants on their head claiming the end is nigh (with maybe one or two notable exceptions )

It's as if a clean sheet / win has to mean unbridled joy and no criticism of any kind is allowed. It does nothing but stifle discussion and discourage others from posting, even though there's clearly plenty of issues with the team and plenty to discuss.

[Norbs]

I would take Ibe out. He has not been effective in the first 2 games and should be taken out of the firing line before his confidence is shot.

You could put Ingsy, Divsy, Bobby F or Albey M into the team and they would be equally as effective if not more.

Yep. There's no need to burn Ibe out at this stage of his career. We're well catered for in his position and he'd benefit from having the pressure taken off him

[The_weatherman]

There's a holier than thou attitude which is quick to emerge in match and post match threads at the moment. No doubt there'll be times this season where it's warranted, but at the moment nobody is running round with their pants on their head claiming the end is nigh (with maybe one or two notable exceptions )

It's as if a clean sheet / win has to mean unbridled joy and no criticism of any kind is allowed. It does nothing but stifle discussion and discourage others from posting, even though there's clearly plenty of issues with the team and plenty to discuss.

It's tedious, I think the debate has been good, actually about football for once

[Havors]

Well put

Lallana showed glimpses but he also shirked out of a few challenges and was quiet for periods of the game. Ibe has the skill but tends to try too much and as a result slows the attack instead of using his pace to exploit the opponents defence. I think he needs to be deployed further forward as he's not as productive picking the ball up deeper imo.

Shoot me down but I'd swap Ibe for Moreno for the Arsenal game. I think Moreno has a bundle to offer in an attacking role and his mistakes won't be punished

I agree with Ibe not utilising his skill and pace enough. Moreno showed what Ibe should be doing. Very fast decisive running at the defenders and making them make mistakes or foul you.

Ibe tends to stop and have a think before he tries to take someone on, he needs to mix it up with just running at them straight away.

[Shaggy]

Yep. There's no need to burn Ibe out at this stage of his career. We're well catered for in his position and he'd benefit from having the pressure taken off him

100%. I'll be amazed if he starts at Arsenal.

[Saveloy]

Early signs are Benteke looks like he's going to prove me wrong. I never thought he was a lump or Carrolesque but I was worried he might be static or not a good fit with how we play.

I didnt catch the first game but I thought his movement was really good last night. He's quicker on the turn than I thought too.

We just need to give him better service and get runners closer to him. Oh and less of the lazy out ball lumped up to him.

[Shaggy]

It's tedious, I think the debate has been good, actually about football for once

So do I which is why I find sneery bull**** like the post I quoted so ridiculous and unnecessary....there is obviously a valid debate / discussion to be had but the happy clappers stamp down on it straight away. With no good reason.

[BigChief]

I would take Ibe out. He has not been effective in the first 2 games and should be taken out of the firing line before his confidence is shot.

You could put Ingsy, Divsy, Bobby F or Albey M into the team and they would be equally as effective if not more.

Can't wait to see the other guys, don't know about you guys but I'm still tingling with excitement/anticipation on how our team will look in 10 games time.

[Saveloy]

I would take Ibe out. He has not been effective in the first 2 games and should be taken out of the firing line before his confidence is shot.

You could put Ingsy, Divsy, Bobby F or Albey M into the team and they would be equally as effective if not more.

Albey M ?

You should be ashamed.

:littlebitofsickinmymouth:

[Chazza]

Albey M ?

You should be ashamed.

:littlebitofsickinmymouth:

Embrace it man!

He was hit and miss last season so a little name change can't hurt