My biggest issue with Slot was his criticism of opponents using long balls tactics to beat us.

That worried me as it appeared that he was both unprepared for opponents and unable to neutralise their tactics.

Slow build up play and persistent selection of Gakpo over Chiesa are my next concerns.

I’d start Wirtz over Gakpo.

That said Gakpo had a decent little cameo through the middle tonight.

I still want to see more of Chiesa though.

Stats are great but worthless without context. I bet there isn’t a stat for counter attacks slowed.

I like Gakpo arriving at the back post but he needs supply for that. Without Trent, the supply is vastly different.

I just watch Chiesa and see a better player regardless of stats.

My question is why Slot favours him at LW over Diaz and Chiesa.

I’d answer your question by asking what is his best attribute? For me it is arriving into the box to score. He’s also good defensively. In short, I don’t think he’s an orthodox LW. I’d be tempted to play him centrally with a partner.

I’m afraid I agree totally. He needs to pick the best players and create a better platform. He’s not doing that at the minute.

Our signings have all been below par (Ekitike being the exception) but not sure that’s on Slot. He needs to create the environment to get the best from the squad.

We are really not doing the basics well. That’s the issue.

At times our players look like amateurs. So bizarre. Poor touches and poor passes.

Also some really bad decisions and execution in the final third that waste opportunities.

Darwin had the uncanny ability to miss open goals. He also spent 50% of every game off side.

I still loved the mad bastard though!

I’m team Chiesa. Gakpo’s goals have masked how bad he’s been.

I’m just old fashioned. Play the players that are playing best.

That includes Ekitike over Isak.

I think both Jones and Chiesa should feature more.

MacAllister and Gakpo were two of the most consistent and players last year, along with Salah.

They are now the least consistent. (Gakpo is getting goals but otherwise playing poorly.)

Good stuff has been happening when Jones and Chiesa are on.

We’ve been put away from home as long as I can remember.

All will be forgotten if there is a good performance vs Chelsea. I’d love a good performance.

Totally agree. He’s a squad filler. Not first choice.

In short, I’d rather see Endo at CB than DM.

Gutted for Leoni but how many minutes would he have played between now and Jan?

Won’t be many but those minutes need to be filled to prevent overloading an aging (albeit class) Virg and fragile Ibou and fragile Jomez.

I agree that he shouldn’t be used in any game of any significance.

I would absolutely use him as much as possible to lighten the load on the other 3 senior CBs though as often as possible. 10 minutes here, cup game there.

I’d also hate to lose Gravenberch from DM to play CB.

Great minds and all that

I missed your previous post but I totally agree.

No stats to back this up but in my view, he’s a better CB than DM.