Longstaff was poor against Leeds mind. And that’s when managers make decisions based on performances. Joelinton needs to be dropped back into that midfield.
How was he poor? Just on the missed chances? I thought he was working well and getting in to some good attacking positions. He missed a couple of chances he should have done better on but you don't drop a holding midfielder for missing chances. To me he has been a vital part of what we have been doing right over the past few months. I don't think anybody deserves to get dropped just because we didn't score against Leeds. We created plenty of chances but just didn't take them. If we concede an early goal tonight then I would consider bring St Maximin on early, to try and upset their rhythm, as once they get into their stride they tend to control possession in midfield and having someone who can run at them may unsettle them more.
He missed a number of key chances and his passing was off. He runs about all day. But Miggy used to do that. He’s allowed an off game.
Covering ground and trying hard isn't enough especially tonight. It's time to move on from that kind of player. It would appear they're in the market for a player that will see longstaff benched.
But clearly it is enough otherwise we wouldn’t be in the position we are. Just because we are looking to improve doesn’t mean He should be dropped. At some point we’ll be looking at better players than Pope, Trippier, Wilson etc but doesn’t mean they should be dropped now.
Let’s look: Last 6 months of Rafa he was a £50m player. Your man, Bruce, comes in and he suffers an injury and looks **** like all our other players In comes EH and slowly he has improved.
Longstaff just had a bad game against Leeds. He’s a good player to have atm. But we have to improve on him soon. Joelinton and Bruno definite starts in that midfield so it’s a toss up between Longstaff and Willock. Willock just gets the nod for me.
Longstaff is a yard too slow and seconds behind in his decision making He’s had time in the first team to improve that and he hasn’t Squad player - yes But he shouldn’t be a regular after this window
Longstaff is a yard too slow and seconds behind in his decision making He’s had time in the first team to improve that and he hasn’t Squad player - yes But he shouldn’t be a regular after this window
It's OK to have a different opinion mate but I really don't think he's a better option than Joelinton in there. He gives 100% he's doing ugly stuff bit he hasn't got enough and I think he'll be replaced this window or next. Ultimately what I think is irrelevant
Everyone is kind of right about Longstaff! Is he currently important? Yes. Has he contributed? Yes. Does he graft? Yes. Can he be a little slow in decision making? Yes. Is he the future? Probably not. It's not really a secret that the club sees CM as probably the most important position to improve - and this is a club with Dan Burn at left back. So I think it's recognised that Longstaff is not going to be a regular starter for 23/24, potentially even after Jan. But will he start tonight? 100% yes. And he may, as he has a tendency to do, surprise a few of us.
I hope he does That was my assessment of him over the this season, not just Leeds game In fact his shooting has gone backwards
And ASM ripped Arsenal apart at SJP last season, but he ain't the answer right now, looked kinda rusty and lacking in confidence Vs Leeds, tried to make his runs but was constantly tackled and closed down.
Arsenal will hopefully play more on the front foot than Leeds did. We may have a chance if they go toe to toe with us and leave gaps to exploit. That being said, they have been playing tremendously and a draw would be a phenomenal result for us. The likes of Spurs and Liverpool losing to no hopers really gives me a positive feeling over finishing top 6. A draw or better here would further embolden me although I fear getting too carried away! Longstaff will play tonight and given all the moans we have (rightly) made about him, watch him pull off a blinding performance tonight. If Wood starts, the game is done. We won't score, just like against Leeds
