It isn't just the lack of quality, it's the sheer drop from Son's level to whatever the hell is going on out on that flank now. Similar to when we tried to replace Kane's level with Pigeon Boy and then Solanke. The come-down in quality creates a burden on the entire team.
I think the ironic thing about it too as that for the best part of half a decade, LW and ST were our only two positions of quality, now they’re the weakest in the squad.
Certainly the case in the second half. Wolves were far more aggressive in the challenge, and quicker to the second ball all the time but we looked completely wrong footed by it.
I actually think we’re closer to top four than what’s being made out. Last season’s finish was just a representation of abysmal management, not our side’s quality. Judging by Ange’s start to life at Forest too I think it strengthens that argument. I’d say there’s probably only three sides genuinely a level or two above us and that’s Pool, Arsenal (eurgh) and City despite our comfortable win over the latter. There’s then about 5-6 teams who’ll be vying for 4th, 5th and 6th and we’re definitely one of them. If we can plug the LW issue in January and hope that Kolo can be an improvement on our two STs, I’d make us one of the favs for a top 4 finish but top 6 at worst.
Close as in about 10th..? Actually having just watched MOTD (only the action, skip the pundits) there are others in a possibly far worse off place at the moment than us.. Yesterday the midfield was a tad too defensive for me and the much vaunted front line too weak. Also, as already alluded to we simply forgot how to pass in the second 45. Saying that a huge bit of quality for our equaliser. Early days though, and I'm about to have a good laugh as my lad partakes in the Nottingham half marathon after a night out on the lash. Now this will be funny.....
Gash is being a bit harsh, but I agree that the difference is plain to see. I did wonder last night whether he just hasn't worked out how to play with and support Kudus, as they seemed to get their wires crossed several times. And Kudus usually having two players in him most of the night restricted that further?
Yeah that’s sort of why I think we’re well in the mix. There’s a lot of teams with decent sides but some obvious weaknesses. Ours are the former Kane and Son spots. We’re one of the few sides in the summer though who actually strengthened in my opinion. The Kudus and Palhinha additions alone have bumped us up a level and if Xavi and Kolo can make impacts then we’re in a decent spot, despite the lack of a quality LW and ST. Frank’s already improved us defensively, his next task is working on attacking phases and getting the selection right, which I think he will in time. I’m relatively confident we’ll have a decent season, I think 6th is definitely achievable and more importantly a good cup run.
I’m struggling to think of a decent RB performance from him tbh. Yet he’s probably dropped about 15+ MOTM worthy displays at LB. You could be right though about the lack of understanding with Kudus but with Kudus often preferring to cut inside, I think Porro is the far better option to link with him as the Spaniard’s crossing from out wide is superb, he’s probably the best creative FB in the Prem now that Trent’s gone too. Think he’s already leading the chances created numbers from FBs this season.
Porro has improved his game significantly and is far more consistent. Still not the greatest defensively, but brings a lot else to the table. Yet I thought even he wasn't great yesterday. Probably not helped by Kudus switching wings, as he had seemed to be developing that understanding recently.
It's all too predictable at the moment. LW is unsettled. Richarlison contributes almost nothing. He can't hold the ball up, isn't quick enough to run onto anything and doesn't bring others into play. So everything we do goes through Kudus, who is now being double marked in every game. It leaves the final third quite stagnant and easy to deal with. This is where Sarr was so important in earlier games with penetrating runs into the box to create a problem for the opposition. He gets stick for basically only running in straight lines, but in this sense that is actually a good thing. Bergvall currently isn't replicating it simply because he makes runs all over the place, tracking possession instead of space.
Both are vitally important to our system (assuming we have one). Would disagree about Bergvall to some degree though. Yes, he covers an immense amount of ground, but he also manages to find space and get on the end of chances. Something that Sarr does well too. I said yesterday I'd build a team around him, which was a somewhat hyperbolic comment, but I do think that him, Sarr with the experienced Palinha in support is the way to go.
Losing Kane was negligible, as 2023-24 proved, Losing Kane + Son is a much bigger obstacle to overcome. Time will tell soon enough on that one.
The old malaises are still there (I suspect change of squad personnel rather than coach/manager will be needed to fix that) , yet going "by the numbers" to date I have little to generally complain about. Harsher and more objective judgement will certainly be coming by mid season (sooner if the PL has completely discerned Frank-ball as they did last season for Ange-ball) .
The question (sadly) is how badly Munich have wage-polluted him wrt potential suitors. As far as "having a point to prove" goes, I have not seen such levels from a Spurs loan since Bale 2020-21.
Losing Kane was not negligible, as was amply demonstrated by every team in the league once they'd worked out Ange's system and we had no elite players to drag us out of trouble. 23/24 was a prelude, a portent and a warning for what was to come in 24/25. We only succeeded in the Europa League due to the fact that we played prime Pulis football and faced largely Championship level opposition apart from 2 or 3 fixtures.
