Match Day Thread Match Preview: Arsenal Vs Sunderland

Posted a couple of weeks ago that I was really disappointed with PVA (It was in the combined NE team thread) as I thought he was a good player who was looking shocking but he's been very good your past few games. I've not seen much of your games this season but one player who has looked patchy is Pants, from the snippets I've seen he's been great in some games and sloppy in others rather than just a consistent 7/10 I would want from a keeper - I'm only basing that on a handful of games though to be fair but if Pickford is looking great then I'd be tempted to have him in (provided he earns the right in training) the moment Pants slips up (there's a joke there somewhere...).

 

Shame we didn't get a point today, not that I saw it. But sounds like a bit better finishing could have seen us through. Great to be in a position to say that away at the Arsenal.

 

I don't see it. Pantilimon is good enough and looking much better recently so what's the point in bringing a player back from first team footy to sit on our bench would serve no purpose at all! Just imo

 

I think we may be looking at the interest from Spurs, United etc and thinking we need to establish him here. Believe me I have no concerns if he isn't brought back, but Allardyce has been to see him personally a few times supposedly.

 

Match wasn't Iive down here, but I can get it on demand tomorrow. I know the score, but will I enjoy watching it, or give it a miss?

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We played well mate. I will be a refreshing watch.

 

I thought we played very well. Allardyce has them working hard. The shape looked good the work rate was excellent today with the exception of Lens who was a lazy bastard when he came on. PVA was excellent, m'vila was superb. I hate Fletcher but he was very good today. Borini worked hard, needs more games. The three centre halves were excellent. Once again watmore caused problems with his direct running. Thought he was going to score. His ability to go both ways causes defenders all kinds of problems adding to that his defensive work was excellent too! Toineven looked good today too. Defensively he's no cattermole but he used the ball brilliantly. Plenty of positives. Yedlin got caught out for the first but he played well overall. The second was a great goal from arsenal. The third we were pushing for a draw. Shoreline flattered Arsenal. Keep playing like that and we will be fine.

 

All the signs there today were good ones for the rest of the season. Having said that, Bournemouth have just taken the lead at Chelsea.

 

Back to Pickford.

 

He's bigger than I thought. For some reason I thought he was shorter and smaller than that.

Great to see him doing well and hopefully be our #1 in the not so distant future.

 

He's about 6-6.1

 

No idea why but I thought he was shorter. Great to see him doing well.

What you reckon about Pantilimon? Leave as no1 for the season then let him and Pickford fight it out pre season next year IMO.

Probably will depend on what league we're in as well I'd guess.

 

Pant's is a very good keeper, parts of his game are world class but other parts are weak. Pickford is a good all rounder with no glaring weakness but lacks the attributes which come with experience. I wouldn't begrudge Pickford a start to be honest. He's attracting interest so he'll get his shot soon. Could be our starting keeper for pre-season.

 

After watching Hugo Lioris for a few seasons now, Pantilimon seems to have slow reflexes.

 

I don't think his reflexes are that slow. For such a big guy he does struggle to get down at times. I think it's his positioning and distribution that are his biggest weaknesses.

What you need to remember is that Loris is one of the best keepers in England or even the world.