Monk is spoilt for choice with his options, and maybe with so many options available to him, he can be forgiven for getting some of his subs wrong, though I'm not making any excuses for some of his poor decisions, but he does have many options all over the park this season!...........
Me too Musty, I'm sure he will fire up now after his raging bull stunt against the Saints!................
I can see what people are saying with regards to the Dyer/Routledge/Montero situation, but if it came down to form and/or ability, I reckon Routledge and Montero both edge it over Dyer. Routledge is on fire at the moment and Montero has been widely applauded for his performances. That said, Dyer isn't far behind. Like someone else said earlier (can't remember who, sorry), I also tried to think of a way all three could be on the pitch at the same time. Montero in the middle or at right back. Don't like either of those. What about Dyer in the middle, Routledge on the left and Dyer on the right. Could work.
Don't agree, Shaper. Everyone is cooing over Montero because of one game - Everton. He was fantastic for sure but I suspect Monk will stay with a tried and tested combo in Dyer and Routledge for now. You can't drop Dyer when he's having the season of his career. Montero needs to bide his teim and I'm sure he'll get is chance.
Routledge has expierence playing in the middle with us in the past . I could be wrong but I think he played in the middle with Siggy last time Siggy was here , like I say though , could be wrong
I agree. Dropping Dyer would be harsh, but we're all on the same page... how do we play all three??? Routledge has played in the middle for us. Maybe that would work, but who do you drop from the centre? Shelvey, Siggurdsson or Ki? My feeling was that Ki was an improvement when he came on and afforded us a bit more stability. I dunno!
Shelvey , so he can get his head clear and fight for a spot , its what he needs lmo , instead of knowing hes always penciled in and coast through games ..
I think it's tough on Montero but we don't play all three. Laudrup used to say you need two players for each position and the ones who are on the fringes have to wait until injury or suspension gives them a chance. That time will surely come for Montero, who it must be said will get game time almost every game anyway. Because of the energy pacey wingers put into every game if they're doing their job properly he's an ideal sub to bring on with 25 or 30 minutes to go when Routledge or Dyer have had enough.
Dragon I do agree that we will probably start Routledge and Dyer, But I think it is a bit unfair to say people are cooing after one game. Yes he was awsome on Tuesday, But every time he has taken the field he has terrorised the fullbacks he has been against. Not forgetting setting up the winning goal against Man Utd. What he also does is look for his last pass/cross into the box and not just hit it anywhere. For me he is due a start in the league, probably in front of Routledge, short of his stunning volley, he for me has been the quietest of the 3. Be interesting to see some stats on assists, goals crosses, pass accuracy. For all that as I have said earlier I fully expect Montero to start from the bech again.
Every game to date where'e he's started or come on as a sub he's had an impact , poor finishing from Bony v WBA would have given Montero an assist and numerous other opportunities created means he's certainly well worth start imo. with his preference to run to the corner ,as would expected he also attracts defenders to him and on Tuesday 3 Everton players were trying to defend against him leaving bigger spaces in the box for us to exploit rather than overcrowd the area .He'll get us penalties this year of that I'm sure .
What!!!!! he is our top scorer and is in the best form of his life, As it stands Dyer should be monks first name on his team sheet....
I agree that Montero has been excellent whenever he's played but let's be honest it's only after the Everton game that fans have been really praising him highly - and deservedly so. Putting Dyer on the bench is out so you're looking at Routledge. Imo he deserves to keep his place as he's contributing and scoring too. Essential when Bony and Gomis aren't off the mark yet. Montero is perfect to bring on later if Routledge or Dyer are tiring or are ineffective. A great option for a manager when defenders' legs are tired and we need something from the game.
As much as I hate to agree with you, your spot on, and Monk will not drop Dyer any time soon thank goodness. Monty will just have to be patient it's not as if he's not getting any games, but if he does start then I expect Routs to be the fall guy, and I'll put money on that!................
I seem to recall one RB doing well against him early season and I remember commenting on it to my son at the time, but I can't for the life of me remember which game. Having said that I don't think many could cope with him. Looks like Routs is going to have some real competition for his place and that has to be a good thing.
totally agree there Dragon, always good to have players fighting for their positions, don't know about the Monk clique if there is one
