2022/23 Season

[Irishnev]

If you look at our signings we've brought in 2 solid first teamers every season during that time - Nunez and Gakpo this season, Diaz and Konate last season, Jota and Thiago in 20/21. All of those 6 could feasibly be in our first XI when fit.

It's not the replacement rate, it's just the midfield. Including Thiago, Fabinho and Henderson, we've just got crocks, geriatrics and youngsters. And those three are tipping towards the first two categories themselves.

Despite that, we're really missed Diaz and Jota - their goals would have got us out of the **** in a couple of games where we were playing badly.

Fixed it

[Paul12]

1 It is disappointing but it seems likely that we will not be buying a midfielder until the summer.

2 We are currently playing very poorly in all areas of thepitch and, although injuries are a factor, it doesn't feel like getting the injured players back will turn us back into a winning machine.

3 Personally, I have not lost faith in the manager, although I would criticse him and his staff for not changing tactics or set up to mitigate the weaknesses that are appearing - even if the result would have been less of an attacking threat. (Clean sheets and avoiding defeats would improve confidence at the moment.)

So, bearing that in mind, what would you do now to get us through to the end of the season? My initial thoughts are:

1 We can't get away wirth playing only three in midfield at the moment (because the gaps are proving too big and it is too easy to move the defensive midfielder out of the way). So we need to play at least 4. (Another possibility I suppose is to play with wingbacks so that the three midfielders are more central, but that is not my preference.)

2 We can't afford to play with flying fullbacks at the moment (too often when we lose possession they are too far up the pitch). We need solid full-backs. Robbo could play that role, but I am not convinced Trent can (did you see his lack of movement on the third goal on Saturday). That means that, although I think he is a fabulous footballer, unless he is given a midfield role (and I wouldn't start by doing that), Trent is out of the first 11 for now. I'd be inclined to use Joe G at right-back, despite how easily Wellbeck played him on Saturday.

3 In a more defensive set-up, we should abandon the high-line. That makes it more realistic to pick Nat Philipps and I would do that. He is not as great as some of this website think, but he is solid and will not let us down.

4 The midfield is so poor at the moment that putting at least one energetic promising youngster in there wouldn't be the risk it would be if we were vying for the title. So proper game time for Bajcetic. And either Curtis Jones is good enough to play in this team as it is now or he needs to be added to the list of players who need shipping out.

5 I don't think we should be playing Jordan, Thiago and Fabinho in the same 11 - not enough pace or energy. So pearl two of three.

6 The two upfront would be a more central Mo and one of Darwin and Cody. And when fit Luis and Diogo.

7 I haven't mentioned Bobby, Harvey or Fabio. I love Bobby, and maybe he could be occasionally be one of the upfront players or put on as a sub when we are chasing a game, but he is not part of our future. For me, Harvey and Fabio don't influence the game enough to be part of a more solid set-up.

[Exiled_red]

If you look at our signings we've brought in 2 solid first teamers every season during that time - Nunez and Gakpo this season, Diaz and Konate last season, Jota and Thiago in 20/21. All of those 6 could feasibly be in our first XI when fit.

It's not the replacement rate, it's just the midfield. After Thiago, Fabinho and Henderson, we've just got crocks, geriatrics and youngsters. And those three are tipping towards the first two categories themselves.

Despite that, we're really missed Diaz and Jota - their goals would have got us out of the **** in a couple of games where we were playing badly.

They are good players but I would argue that so far Jota and Konate haven't yet established themselves as first 11 players. Diaz and Thiago have, Nunez and Gakpo it's too early to say (I would say Nunez probably has). Nunez, Diaz, Jota, Gakpo and Salah all have to fit into 3 spots in the the side, so at most we have changed 4 players in that time arguably only 3 (Thiago, Diaz and Nunez) because Salah is still undoubtedly a first teamer.

[BobTheCharmer]

Jota hadn't scored in his last 20 games. I hardly think his goals are missing.

[rudedog]

Jota hadn't scored in his last 20 games. I hardly think his goals are missing.

He scored 15 goals in the league last season and has had this season completely derailed by injuries.

Our top scorers this season are Firmino (currently injured) and Salah, both on 7.


We are definitely missing his goals.

[calvoboy]

Jota hadn't scored in his last 20 games. I hardly think his goals are missing.

You don't think we'd score more with Jota in the front three instead of Ox?

[BobTheCharmer]

You don't think we'd score more with Jota in the front three instead of Ox?

Yes I do.

Just saying that after a great first season, he hadn't scored in a lot of games at the end of the season. That's when he wasn't injured. He's a streaky player who I really rate.

[rudedog]

Yes I do.

Just saying that after a great first season, he hadn't scored in a lot of games at the end of the season. That's when he wasn't injured. He's a streaky player who I really rate.

Yeah but you have to look at his contribution over a season, last season he got 21 goals. This season he’s played about 5 games.

[danperkins]

I think you are both have valid points. I really like Jota and think he's a great squad option to have. He's not exactly a speed merchant but he makes genuinely world class runs and likes to press, has an opportunist instinct in front of goal but hasn't been the same since the initial injury and went through a rough patch no doubts. What I will say though and what is really annoying is the last game he played when he ****ed himself vs City, he was brilliant. Relentless work rate, pressing and constantly running between the lines. He's a big miss to our squad options.

[wiw]

Jota almost single-handedly kept our attack/season going during January last year. Did he not get injured after that? From what I remember he was being phased back in towards the end of the season.

[Kenneth]

He’s going to need to be eased back this time too.

[Buzzo]

Our last big performance was the City game (or Spurs away around the same time) but Jota was amazing v City and got injured the same match.

Hopefully he is managed back to fitness for the next round of the CL.

[Cerbie]

Our last big performance was the City game (or Spurs away around the same time) but Jota was amazing v City and got injured the same match.

Hopefully he is managed back to fitness for the next round of the CL.

Got to hope his energy and commitment will spur the rest of the front line on and lead the way in the press. Might need to use all 5 subs in the midfield for them to keep up though!

[SB]

don't have the inside scoop but sounded like mane wanted a change.

That’s what I believe to be true too from whatever I read.

[red g]

Apart from the fact we are not very good, Top 4 should be attainable this year.

9 points and half a season.

Easily do-able if we were anywhere near our 'a' game.

With every game that passes that seems further away.