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Definitely not a one man team but when Dembele is out you can see the dramatic negative effects it has. I agree that the drop off at that position is substantial but I don't think it's particularly that the options we have are shit.
I've come to honestly, without hyperbole, believe that Dembele is the best midfielder in the league. And I don't believe it's even particularly close. And that's very high praise, because I absolutely wanted rid a few seasons ago before Poch got a hold of him. I think that's 2 points lost mostly on account of not having Dembele yesterday.
Our tactics last season, especially at home were to press high, move the ball from side to side to disjoint the other team, notice in the pre season friendly that teams are first to press us , with our play being forced backwards more often .
Everton with home advantage and a lively home crowd were always going to impress, but Dier & Wanyama are too much alike and I can't see it work too often .
Everton with home advantage and a lively home crowd were always going to impress, but Dier & Wanyama are too much alike and I can't see it work too often .
Awful first half, much better in the second. This Dier-Wanyama thing doesn't seem to work, two players wanting to do the same thing and just not enough creativity going forward.
Spot on!
It was West Ham away. They played 3 at the back and was one of two teams in the league that were well worthy of their win (Newcastle away the other) last season. I'm sure that another couple of teams also went three at the back for a half?? But it is the only time that we have looked poor playing against it, when I say poor I mean we are being out played. The good news is whilst being outplayed we are still good enough to prevent another team from creating that many chances against us. Something we need to work on though, either tactically find a solution using players on pitch or Poch needs to make a sub to change things early.
Janssen is a busy player, he always looking to progress the football, which will suit our energy. Being this way, he will inject a fresh approach to our attack. Kane, dare I say it, sometimes makes the wrong choice which will effect the way we play sometimes.
Crucial point in the game was Vorm's save just before half time, at 1-0 I thought we'd always come back - Everton had pressed to hard in the first half and were never going to maintain the intensity.
I remember hearing / reading in his first season that Poch trains in pre-season to get the players to full speed for the 6th - 7th league game, so if we are generally happy with him as manager then we just need to accept that we'll start the season slowly....
I remember hearing / reading in his first season that Poch trains in pre-season to get the players to full speed for the 6th - 7th league game, so if we are generally happy with him as manager then we just need to accept that we'll start the season slowly....
Which is why points in games like this are good. Goodison Park isn't an easy place to come and get points - we've now equaled what we got there last year as well as now being 1 point better off at the same stage last season. We have TWO home games on the bounce now and to get 6 points from those would be great.
Their keeper made two blinding saves, neither or ours had anything to do really ... their goal was very soft, Lloris should have been able to throw his hat on it. Otherwise it would have been 3 points and everybody happy.
Was at the game and honestly didn't think we played badly, saying the first half was awful is a bit melodramatic. Also didn't hear a fucking peep out the home crowd, not a single chant!
My main gripe is there was a lot of opportunities to work the channels, particular Jansen and lamela but we never tried the long ball. Was a cookie cutter of many of our performances last year. Imo if we want to go up a level we need a top draw midfielder
My main gripe is there was a lot of opportunities to work the channels, particular Jansen and lamela but we never tried the long ball. Was a cookie cutter of many of our performances last year. Imo if we want to go up a level we need a top draw midfielder
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Steady son. I love him too and it's very clear what he brings to this spurs side but he's certainly not in the top 5 midfielders in this league. Cazorla kante Pogba gundogan fernandinho fabregas are all better IMO. Fans tend to overrate their players when they don't play
At present form Dele, or more relevantly Kane. Both of the latter are (understandably) still not anywhere near matchfit after the Euros.
Unless we're playing Bayern it should be one or the other.
Neither eriksen or dele has to be dropped at home to Palace to accommodate Janssen
Dele can play alongside Dier/wanyama and Kane take his (dele's)place.
However, I feel that until dembele comes back Wanyama will play alongside Dier.
Therefore probably see the same 11 start and hope for improvement and plan b be implemented otherwise.
Palace will have Jedinak and Puncheon in CM probably. It's If Poch feels dele and dier/wanyama can hold that, yet we are at home
Dele can play alongside Dier/wanyama and Kane take his (dele's)place.
However, I feel that until dembele comes back Wanyama will play alongside Dier.
Therefore probably see the same 11 start and hope for improvement and plan b be implemented otherwise.
Palace will have Jedinak and Puncheon in CM probably. It's If Poch feels dele and dier/wanyama can hold that, yet we are at home
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Hard for me to get too excited about Janssen after 1/2 of a match. I hope he's a fraction of the player we're all hoping he is.
I'm the one in need of steadiness? Pogba and Gundogan haven't even played in this league! Statistically he's performed better than all of the above in the past 2 seasons (including Pogba in a very much inferior league). Just on the eye test with and without Cazorla/Fabregas/Fernandinho their clubs have put in great and poor performances. Kante was very good last season, but let's see him do it away from whatever the hell was on at Leicester last season.
Objectively, the only thing the above outperformed Dembele in over the past few seasons is press adoration. And it's pretty clear that with Dembele in recent seasons we've been championship form, without we're lower half/relegation form. Clearly no player has the impact for their team in the midfield that Dembele does.