Title defence over?

[kubrickscube]

I know this is possibly a knee-jerk reaction (probably a poor choice of phrase given the circumstances), but if Virg is out for the season, and Thiago is similarly sidelined, do you think we can realistically defend our title?
We are worryingly short on defensive options, and Van Dijk has such a influential role, it's going to be very difficult to maintain our high standards in his absence.
What a depressing day.

[Kenneth]

If other top teams were being as consistent as you'd expect, then quite possibly. But this is going to be a weird season, probably related to lack of crowds, so there will be ups and downs for everyone. But I personally don't think we'll win it from here, but can't say who will.

[Exiled_red]

I think given the impact that VVD has had on the side, if he is out for any significant amount of time (as looks to be the case) then realistically the answer is yes. Sure we can try to build a case for a defence built around Matip, Gomez and Fabinho doing a good job, but the organisation and confidence that VVD gives us is a massive part of our game, without him we will concede more goals so unless we can find the extra goals from somewhere to start winning games 4-3 rather than 1-0 or 2-1 then I fear that the VVD injury will have been the turning point.

Thiago is also a big loss (particularly if we have to shift Fabinho back into defence) but given he's only played two games it is difficult to assess how much of an impact he would have had on the side.

[Maxiedge]

Matip is still one of the best defenders in the league and Godmez will step up for his pal. Also, have plenty of options in midfield.

So no, it’s nowhere near over.

[Norbs]

Except they have Adrian behind them and not Alisson

[Maxiedge]

Except they have Adrian behind them and not Alisson

Alisson will be back earlier than initially expected apparently. One bit of good news from yesterday (aside from the performance too).

[Norbs]

Alisson will be back earlier than initially expected apparently. One bit of good news from yesterday (aside from the performance too).

Kin hope so

[Cormack74]

Matip is still one of the best defenders in the league and Godmez will step up for his pal. Also, have plenty of options in midfield.

So no, it’s nowhere near over.

Gomez and Matip is a reasonable pairing - good even - but we'll have to buck the trend of one or both getting injured at some point if we're going to have any chance of being in the hunt IMO.

[Mark79]

Yeah, so far we’ve been able to juggle Matip and Gomez’ injuries. Now we’re looking at needing them to go maybe 6 or 7 months injury free concurrently.

[Buzzo]

Way too early for this sort of chat.

Fight to the end. I think it will be a tight race this season seems as though some teams are playing with more confidence without having the home crowd on their backs.

So expect teams to drop more points.

We will be right in the mix even without VVD. If he is out for the season we will have to bring someone in in Jan.

[Gray]

Its not like the other contenders are amazing. Every one will drop points.

[Fosterbloke]

FFS no way! I reckon we'll see Jones step up with Fabinho in defence and we'll revert to 4-0 thrashings Liverpool when Salah first joined us!

[Sus]

Way too early for this sort of chat.

Fight to the end. I think it will be a tight race this season seems as though some teams are playing with more confidence without having the home crowd on their backs.

So expect teams to drop more points.

We will be right in the mix even without VVD. If he is out for the season we will have to bring someone in in Jan.

Spot on Buzzo. Will make it harder but its the reason
We have a big squad.

Crazy season already so it's all up for grabs

[RichC]

I can’t believe there’s a thread for this after 5 games. **** me

[RedReet]

I can’t believe there’s a thread for this after 5 games. **** me

Some of the **** posted after the Villa match makes a mockery of the 'opposition fan gems' thread as some of our supporters are worse.