06 Jan 2018 09:01:42
The morning after and some reflection. Disappointed with the result but more positives for me compared to the league game.
Pickford was his usual steady self until the goal (still young and will learn but going to be quality)
Kenny may not be Coleman's level yet but always passionate and gives 100% (love him, player of season for me)
Holgate going to be class but still lots of learning needed. Postitionally and temperament.
Jags experienced showed class (what was he doing so far up)
Martina steady I suppose but LB needed immediately.

Schneiderlin needs to go - offers very little and seems confidence is gone.

McCarthy I like him. Busy player but red card waiting to happen.
Rooney let the occasion get to him. Think It's time for impact sub role.

Bolasie oh how glad am i to have his pace back. Needs a bit morre end product but at least we have an out ball.

Siggy. Starting to repay the big fee. Oozes class. Needs to be no. 10 for me.

Dcl runs forever and gives his all and takes no crap from defenders. Still learning but going to be quality I feel.

Lookman looked good again when he came on. Like bolasie needs an end product but got potential.

Niasse like headless chicken but i would keep him. If he doesn't know what he's doing, how do defenders.

Davies not long enough to show what he can do.

In conclusion I would play (all being fit)
Pickford
Kenny/ Coleman
Holgate
Keane
Garbutt/ a n other
Geuye
Davies
Lookman
Siggy
Bolasie
Tosun/ dcl

Siggy number 10 is world class. Needs to be there to show it with pace either side of him and see what this tosun can do.

{Ed025's Note - thats spot on for me geoff mate..

1.) 06 Jan 2018
06 Jan 2018 09:15:44
Very good assessment of last night mate, good post.

2.) 06 Jan 2018
06 Jan 2018 09:31:39
Agree with most Geoff, Niasse would be one I would let go if we could get another in but think that will be in the summer. Feel for Martina too as it's obviously not his position but gives it a go. Good post mate.

3.) 06 Jan 2018
06 Jan 2018 10:14:47
I agree with OP except McCarthy for Davies on current form. I haven’t given up on Schneiderlin yet. I thought at the beginning of the season Gueye and Schneiderlin would compliment each other similar to Kante and Matic did for Chelsea. I still believe they can both give the protection and let Lookman, Bolasie, Sigurdson and Tosun/ DCL do the damage.

4.) 06 Jan 2018
06 Jan 2018 10:24:02
Most of it I can agree with but Martina and Niasse are just not a good enough standard.
What's frustrating i'd Klassen and Ramirez not being a contributing part of the team, and our constant reliance on to many youngsters, if indeed our target is top 6above we need more experience.
Totally agree with Siggy in the 10 role let's face it we paid £45m to pit him there and rarely do!

5.) 06 Jan 2018
06 Jan 2018 10:27:50
Agree with all that. Jags played well and further forward at times, perhaps Sam remembered that Jags has played as a DM (and a very good one) , he may be the solution to Schneidlerlin until we get someone in.

6.) 06 Jan 2018
06 Jan 2018 11:27:14
Robbie. Forgot about McCarthy then but good shout.

7.) 06 Jan 2018
06 Jan 2018 12:32:51
Our 2 midfielders need to be able to drop back and cover when the other one bombs forward and vise versa. Unfortunately schneiderlin will never be that type of player, he likes to stay stationary and ping balls sideways, backwards and sometimes forwards. Gana can do it, Rooney can do it, McCarthy can do most of it and then we've got Davies and Baningime as young lads who can do most of what's needed. I don't see a need to have a Schneiderlin. The way our team I shaping I see Rooney or McCarthy as 1st choice alongside Gana.