Actually I don't agree at all. I think Gabriel is a similar player to Koscielny (perhaps not as good) and I think a Gabriel and Mert combo would still be pretty effective. Also I remember reading an article last Season that claimed our win rate without Mertesacker was worse than without Kos. But Koscieleny is certainly one of our main men these days. We could make a strong argument for Giroud being our most vital player. He's the only real target man in our squad and much of the time our system depends on one.
In fairness Chelsea were also with Costa so we both missed out on our main attacking threat. Was highly amusing to see us employ Chelski tactics, get the early goal and then sit back and hit on the counter. The more we did it the more irate Maureen got which amused me no end. Both teams looked a bit off the pace but I'd say them more than us. Hopefully this means we'll hit the season running unlike last c*cking season. The great thing is we have the boost of Alexis coming back to give the squad a lift too. I was a little upset by handshakegate though. How often does a man get the chance to shake JM's hand only to pull it away at the last second and smooth their hair after beating them in a "cup final"?! On camera too! Chance wasted imo. Did I mention I enjoyed seeing Maureen getting upset?
Think our best CB combos are the "fast" type like Kos plus the "slow" type like Mert. Kos + Mert Gabriel + Mert Kos + Chambers Gabriel + Chambers 4 good combinations right there and there is also Mert + Chambers and Kos + Gabriel as well.
Agree with that. Remember when Kos and Vermaelen used to play together ? Both good players, but it never clicked as they were too similar. Since Mert came in Kos has become World class and in my opinion that's because he needs a different type of CB to play off. The above combo's should work well and I'd be tempted to start Gabriel and Chambers in the league cup games.
There is certainly plenty of evidence to suggest we are more solid with the little and large combo. Good thing we have Chambers coming through as it will maintain this type of partnership at the back should Mertz be injured or not around.
