It’s not that he’s unsubbable. It’s that for most games this season he’s been pretty rubbish then popped up with match-winning goals and/or assists. You can’t take that off when chasing a winner. And he very nearly did it against Forest
6 Likes
Not having any of that. All that talk about Sturridge being psychologically frail or whatever it is came from Gerrard, a man who’s not exactly known for his intelligence now, is he?
It was exacerbated by Jürgen’s talking about how Sturridge needed to relearn what pain is, which is often taken out of context.
The issue with Sturridge is that he’s simply one of those players who have suffered so many injuries, it was quite hard for him to really figure out when it was his body was giving up on him again, or whether it was just something he could play through. It’s not a psychological issue in terms of that he was weak, it’s one in terms of how his injury history has made it simply impossible for him to really feel out his body properly. You can’t be performing at top speeds if you’re worried that you might tear something or strain something if you do.
I have no idea what it is with Keïta, but it seems as though he’s just overall really fragile. I don’t think it’s a psychological strength issue because no one who has worked with him has ever said that about him when they could have.
1 Like
Surely it would be the other way around? Chiesa seems to be quite good with either foot, supposedly.
1 Like
Would guess we’ll see the same front line as against Forest, as it will be a struggle for Jota. Maybe the odd change like Tsimikas in for Robbo. Question mark there, different factors to consider. But I don’t see many changes. Could make a few more against Lille.
1 Like
Salah - will he sign a new deal?
Jota - will we keep him due to injury record?
Nunez - will we keep him due to style/finishing record?
Chiesa - will we keep him and actually use him, or is it back to Italy?
Diaz - will we keep him and if so he needs to sign a new deal!
Of the six forwards on the books, it seems Gakpo is the only one where there are not significant question marks over whether they will be with us next season.
I don’t for one minute think it will be all change, but I would imagine we will change at least two of the five above.
And then going bare minimum we need a midfielder, probably; a left back, definitely; and a central defender, probably.
Lots of business to be done.
As for Brentford, tough game. Just get the three points and no injuries. It seems important to get back to winning ways after a bit of a slump, relatively speaking.
I’m backing Darwin Nunez to score. He has been out of sorts and I am hoping a nice winner will lift his confidence and give us a great asset for the rest of the season.
1 Like
As I said, obviously we don’t know them as people.
But I still believe that some people can endure and manage injuries better than others.
Its not weakness, its just psychological differences.
1 Like
That’s not even this season’s kit. 
I like Diaz at CF. I know people weren’t impressed with his last outing but we were playing a pretty good defensive team and everyone is allowed an off-day. Against less quality defences such as Spurs and West Ham he played well and scored. He also led the line excellently in the win against Man City.
He’s new to playing as a forward so obviously some teething issues but he’s fast, strong, good in the air, decent finisher… there is a lot to work with and it allows Gakpo to play LW.
I’d rather have Diaz up there learning the role than continue to give Nunez chances that he consistently fails to grasp.
3 Likes
Yeah I would like to see Chiesa get some minutes up there as well at some point. If I recall, I think his first appearance for us, he came in and went through the middle so clearly Slot rates him there as well.
I really really really want Nunez to do well and succeed, but if he isn’t part of the long term plan ( I don’t think he is) then I think his minutes can be spread around a bit.
Isn’t the problem the exact opposite, that he does seem to be in the long-term plans, but isn’t doing well enough at the moment?
Why do you feel the urge to be contrary everytime ?
I mean. It’s alright to be a contrariant most of the time. But you arent @cynicaloldgit and you certainly aren’t me.
I’m rather thinking of lumping you in the poser scene.
1 Like
Last game Mo and Diaz were dreadful, I would like to see Darwin start, he scored a beauty against them last season.
That logic didn’t quite work out for us against Newcastle unfortunately. Then again, scoring wasn’t the problem that game…
1 Like
I would rather have Nunez at 9 than Diaz. He offers physicality and pace. A point of difference.
Diaz is hardly a prolific finisher either.
2 Likes
Mods…
1 Like
Also height.
1 Like
Also looks.
1 Like
And offsides
2 Likes
He wakes up our fans also.
1 Like