WOW. So, despite his form not being great recently, it just goes to show how vital Dembele is in that midfield. Wasn't expecting to see 0 defeats.
Just delighted to see Daws back in and involved with the team, a great pro, player and leader. I can't help but feel that had Andre not disregarded him so early on, our early season form COULD have been a lot better. Good to see he recognised the mistake though, credit to him for that, many others (Lambert with Bent for example) still stand by ridiculous decisions to leave out players.
I've been halfway tracking Dembele's presence/absence this year. I think the one game we lost that he started was Everton, but he was withdrawn before the tying and losing goals came in. I had no idea about our record with Dawson being so good, though. I chalk it up to presence--they're both pretty intimidating.
You could look at that from the opposite direction altogether - that it was being put on the spot to decide whether to stick around and fight for his place or move on that has prompted the level of performance. Don't get me wrong, I am a big fan of Daws for all the obvious reasons and wanted him to stay with us, but his current consistent form is exceptional whichever way you look at it......
