Got the team almost right, but they didn't play as I'd hoped or expected, pretty poor show against a really dogged and gutsy Barnsley.
Emerson in defence was a mistake for me, and he was unconvincing, Christensen can't control or organise a back 3, and he lacks attacking instincts and the ability to make telling long passes. Zouma looked a bit lost. Cue Audi to pull Christensen at half time, right decision. Gilmour was good, not great, Kante looked well rusty and CHO one of our best. Alonso just didn't run with enough determination and used the old "stop and pass back" far too much, he was hooked at half time as well. I thought Ziyech was dreadful and Pulisic almost as bad. Neither had any touch, control, flair or skill. Tammy was Tammy, some good stuff, too often in the wrong place, too slow to move, but at least gave it plenty. Kepa did OK but not inspiring. James was OK but has not looked the player of a month ago last couple of starts. Anjorin looked as if he belongs in the first team set up, comfortable ,solid but didn't shake the game up.
So a dull, sluggish, laboured performance, too much passing across the back line, not direct enough and little conviction. Could be all the changes caused a lack of understanding ,or could be some players are not consistently good enough and / or bang out of form.
