That said, running against cuomo (2x) makes it easy to not have to campaign against him since we are all (unfortunately) so intimately familiar with his flawed past. Curious how this would have played out against a less flawed opponent

Fair point. Just couldn’t think of any other reason it’s so much lower this season

Could that be down to injury/minutes played? (I have no idea how these contracts are set up fwiw)

Looks like shape is staying the same at the start at least

Agreed. For all that chatter about the lineup, the midfield is still getting played through too easily

I agree, but I think in a game we imagine to have much more possession, I don't mind having Gakpo on for the attack. But you're right hopefully his defensive inabilities do not come back to bite us

I'm honestly not even sure it makes sense that way. who is the midfield 2 that doesn't leave us absolutely lost defensively?

I don't love Andy back there, but hopefully giving him less offensive responsibilities will save his legs so he won't get burned as easily going backwards. I'm not as pressed by Gakpo as wingback since he does work hard defensively. He has lapses sure, but he is good for the effort at least