I'm going to give BR the benefit of the doubt at the mo,lets see how Flanno copes. Agree its out of leftfield
Clearly BR know's it's a battle of the Midfields - Hence not putting Hendo as RB. But there must be better choices than Flanno, at least Arsenal don't play with too much width, so hopefully Lucas and Toure can help him out.
Flanagan is an interesting choice. He is actually a right back, but its more interesting to ask why Henderson, who has been playing out on the right wing back role had been deployed centrally today. Looks to me that BR has decided to concentrate on competing and dominating the central midfield battle. Could have selected Moses. Allen or Luis Alberto in the link role between midfield and the SAS, but seems to have decided to go with a more orthodox central 3 instead. Having decided to do that, choosing Flanagan in the absence of Johnson becomes less of a decision and more of a fait accomplait. Wisdom is out on loan, Kelly not match fit apparently, and Johnson still injured...
Worried now that Flanagan is starting, haven't we got anyone else who can play there? Kelly was back last week, too soon to be starting? Allen on the bench, shift Hendo out wide would have been my choice
Ah well, c'mon Flanno! I remember Robinson coming in against Arsenal and he was immense. Here's your chance lad, take it.
Well this will either make or break Flanagahn. A good performance will boost him, a bad performance and he will probably take years to recover his confidence. A lot of pressure on him, but maybe he has matured since his infamously bad game when he got hauled off at Anfield to prevent him being sent off. Fingers crossed. One thing in our favour is I am going out for a meal so will not be watching, gave the Mrs a long list of places to eat ( all of which are showing the match) but she sussed me out and has chosen somewhere with no TV's.
I like the fact that to Brendan the team is more important than the individuals. He is clearly not willing to compromise the shape and therefore has brought Flannaghan in. Im a bit surprised that he is in infront of Kelly though
That has to be his rationale behind it - Hendo's energy is needed in the middle. People like Allen and Alberto would just go missing against Ozil et al.
This game really is too close to call. I'd take a draw bearing in mind next week's fixtures. Also I think we have a responsibility to the PL to not let this Arsenal team go 5 points clear
