22 Jan 2020 12:04:06
I think we have a dilemma with Pickford he has the ability to be a top keeper. He will get better with a bit more maturity as keepers do. Do we persevere and give him time? The save last week v West Ham was quality but he was at fault for first goal last night. But not for the equaliser. Sidibe seems to be hot and cold but could be good with another solid CB alongside him and a decent midfield. Holgate has been a breath of fresh air and Mina has looked ok and could end up being quality but at the moment we need a more stable CB.
We all know we need a CM and hopefully have Gbamin and Gomes back ASAP. I would love to see us play with a three in attack DCL, Keane and Richarlison and play 3 MC against top teams to be more solid but against weaker teams and at home play Bernard as a CAM between the lines.
Which brings me to LB and Digne last season he was one of the best in the league but this season he looks to be lacking in confidence and personally would like to see a new LB who is bigger physically as we are vulnerable at crosses and set pieces with diagonal balls and strikers will always pull off to back post to gain the advantage. This is why Carlo v Newcastle away and Brighton he brought Keane on and put Holgate LB to deal with direct play. This is just my preference though and we all have our opinions.
Really positive about the manner of the performance last night with the intensity shown and early pressing to win possession.

1.) 22 Jan 2020
22 Jan 2020 13:06:02
I don't have a problem with his ability as a goalkeeper. However, if you have someone who is erratic and is driven by his emotions then it transcends to the rest of the defence.

If he stays calm like in the first half yesterday when he was getting stick then it gives confidence to the rest of the defence.

I remember Southall giving an interview after the 95 cup final and they asked him if it was his best ever performance. He said it was nothing special. On that pitch he never showed emotion when he made a save but would bark orders to make sure he didn't have to make the save again. That's what we need.

2.) 22 Jan 2020
22 Jan 2020 14:13:55
The main issue for me for their 2nd goal was that we sent the ball pretty much into our own box, from a kick-off, for them to attack. Should have wellied the ball out as close to their corner flag as possible!