Echo the comments above, pretty much perfect. We got the balanced defence we all wanted, some youngsters getting starts and minutes and finally a decent performance, clean sheet and some goals. To make it even better, all 3 English clubs lost which goes to show, even when we are ****, we still carry the flag in Europe Such a shame that injuries to Pedro and Willian will mean more reshuffling for what is probably our biggest game so far v the Arse. Possible team: - Begovic Dave Zouma Terry Rahman RLC Matic Oscar Fabregas Hazard Costa Wouldn't be surprised to see Ramires on the right though and Fabregas instead of RLC. Jose will probably also just revert back to the 'normal' back 4.
Spot on almost. RLC was great. Hope he continues in the league. And One legged Fab > Four legged Mikel There Jose will effectively surrender 3pts to Arsene for the first time in forever.
Defence still showed it's frailty despite being younger than normal. I don't think it is just playing high and not quick enough to get back. Zouma lost touch with the other three and played attack onside. Jose used to stop fullbacks attacking. He grudgingly allows it now but it needs one to stay back when the other goes and this year it seems both are allowed to attack at the same time and it lets opponents counter through midfield with out challenge as the def mids are trying to contain and intercept while the back four are just concentrating on running back. We are not pressing the ball as much as last year and to me it looks deliberate and it clearly isn't working. Jose is torn between being told to increase the attack and his instinct to defend. Last year he relied on four of eleven going forwards with one wide and one centre support. This season he seems to want five attacking and three in support. I would guess Roman has requested this and told Jose if you are so good make it work.
