Aidan

11 minutes ago, KinL said:

Good post Aidan, no idea why you'd want to singe our forwards though

I really couldn't be bothered proof reading all of that

Not sure if I want to see Maupay and Gana start this one having both not featured for us yet, but maybe it's the best option for us.

                        Pickford

Patterson Coady Tarkowski Mykolenko

                Gana Iwobi Onana

            Mcneil Maupay Gordon

That's my guess.

I've seen mixed reviews on the window. In my opinion, those that are not happy with the window I imagine would think it was a successful one had we singed one more forward player. From where I stand, I am satisfied with the window and think we did some much needed business. 

If we take the squad as a whole at the start of the window, we see areas that needed revamping and areas that needed reinforcing. The two areas that needed revamping were CB and CM.

We brought in 2 experienced, quality CBs in Coady and Tarks - probably the best we could get in our circumstances and both cost next to nothing. We now have 5 CBs competing for 2 or 3 spots. Much more quality and depth. 

CM needed a complete overhaul. For me, it was the most important area to improve on during the window. Gueye will bring experience and tenacity, along with Onana's energy and drive. I think Garner will be introduced slowly, but another option and young exciting player who can develop here. Iwobi feels like a new singing and will hopefully be a main stay in midfield for us. We again have more depth here too, Doucoure, Allan, Davies all fighting for a place in the starting line up. This now gives us 7 players fighting for 2 or 3 spots. 

In the wide positions we have Grey, Gordon, McNeil and Townsend, along with Maupay who has played in wider positions during his career. Admittedly, this area appears a little light in depth. It would have been nice to add another forward to the squad before the window closed, however we have addressed a lot of major issues this window and I believe we have recruited the right personnel. I'd much rather the club spend time recruiting and getting it right, than buying for the sake of it like we've seen in the past (even as recently as Rondon, El Ghazi). 

In a way we have replaced Richarlison's goals with Maupay. Although whether or not he starts along with DCL is yet to be seen. For me this adds a lot more pressure on wider forward to score goals. I don't think we will see buckets full from McNeil, which for me adds expectation on Grey and especially Gordon. We've seen Gordon take a lot of shots on so far this season, and despite Dom returning I expect this to continue.

In an ideal world, I'd hope to see DCL hit 15 goals this season if he stays fit, Gordon 10, Maupay 7-10, and at least another 10 between Iwobi, Townsend, Grey and McNeil. With a much more rounded midfield and defence, I'll be more confident against us conceding 63 goals this season like we did last. My belief is we probably wont score more than 50 goals this season, because we don't have the personnel, but I hope we can win a lot more games with a much more balanced squad. 

In Conclusion, net spend is roughly £25m in total, but the squad is a lot better off in terms of quality and depth. We've also freed the club of some expensive wages such as Sigurdsson, Richarlison, Tosun, Gomes, Delph, Alli, Gbamin - most of those players we're likely on £80k+ per week. Gueye and Tarks are the only two players we have signed who I can see us being close to that wage. I think we've improved the squad drastically (minus losing Richy) whilst also improving the finances and wage structure of the club.

Another window closed, still no Riquelme. Joke of a club.

Just now, SpartyBlue said:

Does he? I don’t think Gerry D had a choice.

I assumed that's how it works, they set a price they can sign the player back for and then the player sings a new contract with them? That's the process I'd made up in my mind anyway.

14 minutes ago, RuffRob said:

Apparently there will be a buy back clause in the contract for Utd. I thought £15m was a very good deal, so not surprised there is a catch.

A lot of pundits are surprised Utd are even allowing a sale. 

I will worry about a buy back when he starts bossing the midfield for us!!

 

He has to want to go back to United though, who are gradually losing their appeal (I know... Casimero, Ronaldo etc..)

Leeds have hardly looked a threat and we've created some good opportunities and look comfortable. Not too concerned about how much of the ball we have at the minute.

6 minutes ago, chicagoblue said:

Are we trying to be a joke? Wasting time in the 23rd minute 

Trying to slow leeds down. And it's working.

2 minutes ago, chicagoblue said:

We carry zero threat. 

Lies!

Just now, plaidharper said:

Really hope that doesn't mean Iwobi or one of the front three moves into a wingback role...

Surly it would have to be Davies, Iwobi far too influential in midfield at the moment.

Might give this thread a miss until after the match actually

1 minute ago, Goodison Glory said:

He played 4 at the back vs. Leeds last season. 

Hopefully the same result tonight.

Lampard said before the match it doesn't necessarily mean a change of shape. In that case Mykolenko CB, or Onana?

Almost definitely not a back 3. Wonder if we'd have set up this way with Holgate fit, if so, Keane is really falling out of favour.

That being said I think I'd rather see Keane start in the 3 over Davies.

4 hours ago, Romey 1878 said:

Is that why he loaned him out?

Mustn't have liked him very much then. Did not do my homework.

I have a feeling with Anthony going to United, Ross Barkley is going to be our next option. Apparently Lampard liked him at Chelsea and he's a free agent so the board will too.

2 minutes ago, Romey 1878 said:

It's Leeds next.

Apologies forgot about the midweek game. This one's a must win then really.

So Liverpool next, it's going to be 5 games without a win and it's directly the boards fault for still not replacing Richarlison. Lampard is going to be under heavy pressure soon.

Conceded far too many chances and looked shakey at the back the last 10 minutes or so. Need to reset a little bit because if Brentford had better quality upfront they'd have equalised.

Onana looks to have a great dribble on him and Gordon looks like he's enjoying himself and not thinking about the Chelsea bid.

I'm watching on Optus sport and I don't know who he is but the co-commentator is an absolute nob.

I'd start him over rondon even if we could only register him 5 minutes before the game.

My guess is were buying these players to play across a front 3. I think both will have plenty of opportunity in the wide areas as well as centrally.

I mean when he does finish they aren't bad goals at all. These were just from last season, a few seem to be important goals too.

Done deal, apparently. Not sure of the source, but GOT seem to think he's in the know.