We really needed another attacking option. - We failed to score against caimbridge. - We failed to truly break down Watford and they punished us late. Needed ASM to score a screamer. - We just scraped a 1-0 vs Leeds who's young keeper made an error. - We had Man Utd on the ropes and only managed to score one goal against them and we got punished late. We're not putting teams to bed. I'm thinking now our option is try and scrape 1-0 wins and hope one of our midfielders pops up with a wonder goal every week? I know we signed Wood but I don't think he'll score many, especially considering the only player than can cross on our team is trippier. We had an entire month and it's annoying that this is the best we could do. I know Bruno was a great signing but he's a CDM. We need goals. Looks like it's going to be a final half season of sitting back trying to scrape 1-0 wins then.
We will only know at the end of the season. Stay up it's a good window, go down and it isn't, simple as. I think we will stay up, just.
Not all of the problems up front are caused up front, though against Cambridge it would have helped to have a striker on the pitch. Wood would have scored against Cambridge. In the prem we will create more chances with a stronger midfield and should concede less with a stronger midfield and defence. Far too early to jump to conclusions.
To me, all parts of our team have been strengthened, particularly the defence and midfield. Bruno could make a decent difference with his forward passing ability. Man U should be ashamed of themselves for treating their player so appallingly. I'm grateful for this window.
Ideally another striker would have topped it off but definitely can't complain with that widow overall. At the end of the day we did get a CF in who has scored goals in the prem consistently so Wilson being out is not so much of a problem. I look forward to his return though. Also Targett does offer another croasing threat from the left now so I think gives us some better balance.
Bruno will make a difference. He'll boss it in front of the defense and allow Willock, Shelvey and Miggy to be more attacking. Wood gives us more of an aerial threat and also can hold up the ball and make space. Yeah he ain't Lewandowski, but he's still not the knacker some are making him out. The new dawn starts now, keep the faith
If Wood were to get injured i think i'd put Joelinton upfront again, i know he was ****e there but he might surprise us now he is playing with confidence, he can bring people into play if nothing else. It's better than Gayle or Maxi upfront.
Wood scored goals in a **** Burnley team. We are now better than Burnley so service to him will be the best he's ever had probably. What's not to be positive about.
No point in putting Joelinton up front. He can't score for ****. Unless we just use him as a target man I guess.
If Wood and Wilson were both out then I'd put Lascelles up front - we know Howe will play him, so at least that would keep him away from our defence.
Interesting, we have exactly the same number of points at this point in the season as Sunderland did when they went down in 2017. This window should prove the difference - they sold one of their best players (Van Aaholt) and brought in Joleon Lescott who managed to play a whole 2 games. At least our team is taking on a new look.
I’d have liked one more, Howe clearly would have liked two more attacking options in Ekitite and Lingard. On the flip side Bruno is such an impactful signing on all areas of the pitch. The quality of ball to the front players improves dramatically. Our ability to have possession and dictate play improves dramatically. Our cover in front of the defence improves dramatically. Our ability to not keep going behind in games improves dramatically. As does our ability to see out games. Getting Max in better areas is huge for our attacking threat. I don’t want to overplay it but I said for about 5 years now a quality centre midfielder or two changes the dynamics of this team more than any other signing we make - I see no reason to change that opinion. It was hugely important in my eyes and I think we’ve picked up an absolute gem on what I’ve seen and heard. I’m hopeful we might carry a much bigger goal threat and the likes of Wilson, Wood, Fraser, Almiron and of course Max might look a whole lot better.
I'd like almiron to get a chance at being an attacking player now we've got better players. His pace and Brunos through balls could get us in behind. Almiron has never allowed to stay fwd.
Ive had a soft spot for him since he arrived. His attitude always seems to have been first class. We judge the likes of him, Fraser and Max on what they can do carrying them ball 60yds before being near goal. Let’s see now they have the accuracy of Bruno as opposed to Jonjo. Let’s see what the pressing intent someone like that brings on where they are starting runs from or where they are receiving the ball and how. It’s about a TEAM and always is. You must have certain parts functioning to see the best of other parts. I’ve been disappointed with Fraser. His fitness, his form has been poor. But he looked useful previous. Almiron just needs a chance too. All of them will be needed if we are going to turn it around. The threat of incomings has gone with the window too. It’s natural to worry.
I like Almiron's attitude and work rate too. Kind of reminds me of Jonas, albeit their styles are different. Where would you see him and ASM both playing, in terms of formation/positions? Both seem to favour the left, but 'could' play right, or more central.
I'm pretty sure he'll get a chance through an injury or suspension. He's been used to conceal a poorly coached side and he's got in with it. He's had an awful role. I would like to see him picking the ball up further the fwd and running in behind.
