13 Mar 2021 16:10:49
Sloppy performance today, but another clean sheet and the unbeaten streak continues. Still positive under Tuchel, but a few things are starting to become clear before the summer.
Can't imagine Ziyech will get too many more opportunities. Goes through games like he's on a leisurely stroll in the park, I just don't think he's dynamic enough for the pace of the game.
Azpilicueta is great on the right of a three, but his days as a natural RB are limited.
Pulisic did ok, but Hudson-Odoi looked more of a threat later on. Room for both, but Pulisic is clearly a way of Hudson-Odoi at the moment.
I imagine the future of the midfield will revolve around Kante, Gilmour and the ever elusive DCM. But, for me, Gilmour should be getting more opportunities now. He has more ability to increase the tempo from the midfield, even if he does lack experience.
I like Havertz, you can see the star quality in his touch, but he isn't a natural focal point as a striker. Much better coming off, as a false nine, linking play and then getting back into the box. I also don't think we'll win the Haaland sweepstakes, but a striker is needed - especially as Giroud and Abraham are likely moving on.
13 Mar 2021 16:26:25
Nice and well reasoned post “Jâ€.
If we don’t get Haaland I’m not sure who we go for and we may well need another striker because as you say both Giroud and Tammy could be leaving.
13 Mar 2021 16:38:03
Unfortunately, I don’t think we will get Haaland, I hope I’m wrong. That being the case I just can’t think of who else to go for. Giroud is likely to go in the summer and Abraham is not good enough. Oh well that’s a problem for the summer so we must kick on for fourth place.
13 Mar 2021 16:49:32
Spot on Jimbo.
13 Mar 2021 17:25:55
There's a problem when our top scorer isn't good enough. I'd actually caveat it with "for the role he wants to play". But, I'm not saying you're wrong Jimbo, just that it points to a pretty big and clear problem.
13 Mar 2021 17:52:55
Good post J.
There is certainly Lukaku available if we are getting into negotiation with Raiola.
DCL is another option which might be a bit hard to get.
I don't think both Giroud and Tammy will leave, it's probably Giroud and I actually think Tammy is going to stay.
13 Mar 2021 18:28:50
Ashk I don’t think Tammy will stay. I don’t think anything will change next season: his contract talks are deadlocked. For his own development he probably needs to move on. He isn’t going to be the go to man under TT.
13 Mar 2021 18:38:45
I think Calvert-Lewin would be an excellent signing of Haaland isn't possible. We too many good balls into the box, which aren't given the appreciation they deserve from a striker. Calvert-Lewin certainly comes to life in and around the six yard box.
13 Mar 2021 18:41:25
I think both will leave and that will put a lot of pressure on the club.
If we do sign Haaland and I’m not sure that will happen, who would come in as his cover? That in itself is a problem.
Tammy maybe acting like a Prima Donna but he has to do what he thinks is best for his career and anyway we don’t keep players who want to leave.
13 Mar 2021 19:15:58
Very sloppy today and we were lucky not to get beaten late on.
But ee could and should have scored and our lack of confodent goal scoring attackers is alarming. Who is coaching them for composure and right choice selection and to shoot more often low and across the keeper?
13 Mar 2021 18:57:17
You are right about Tammy not being the go to man under TT and I think he hasn't earned that but I still think it is a little premature to say he would absolutely go else where. A lot of things can change.
All in all, we certainly will bring another striker in. Let's hope it's a good one.
{Ed002's Note - Unless he sorts himself out he will be sold in the summer.}
13 Mar 2021 19:53:42
Tom. If we managed to get Haaland I wouldn’t be worried about cover; we could play play false nines or promote an academy player.
13 Mar 2021 20:03:45
I suppose that’s true Jimbo. No point in getting ahead of myself.
I’m not as convinced as some about Haaland signing for us and that does worry me.
13 Mar 2021 20:21:46
Thanks for the info Ed.
I hope there is a proper plan for improving our forward position.
{Ed002's Note - Of course there is a plan.}
13 Mar 2021 21:53:28
Tom. I agree I don’t think we will get Haaland if not please let him go to somewhere other than EPL. I just don’t understand why players like Werner, Pulisic, CHO etc aren’t scoring. Also no goals from midfield; Kante, Jorginho and Koviac are never going to make meaningful contributions. A lot to think about in the summer. We also need a big clear out of players: quality not quantity.
14 Mar 2021 07:22:55
I don't get the pessimism about Halaand. If we really need him we can get him. we are a few side that can afford him especially after the effects of the CV and obviously we need him. if we prioritize him we can get him . it's easy to see why we can sign him.
14 Mar 2021 08:03:43
We're definitely in the running ilo, but if I had to put money down I'd say he'll end up at City.
Aguero leaving, there's a natural gap for him to fill and the connection with his dad etc. They'll have one eye on FFP, but they have the finances to make it happen. Either that or he'll stay in Germany with Bayern.
The rich become richer.
14 Mar 2021 04:52:21
i know it won't happen but Kane would be my dream signing.
any chance ED002 or will he move to city . that surely will be another PL in the bag if that happens for city.
{Ed002's Note - Chelsea has no interest in Harry Kane.}