Ross Barkley

[CT]

If he did all the defensive work on top of what he offers attack wise, and did it every game, he wouldn't be on loan to us.

While that might be true, it still shouldnt stop Barkley putting more of a shift in without the ball. At times when Grealish is caught up the pitch it shouldn't be beyond him to cover back. Watkins at times sprinted back to help us out.

I thought he was spent on 70 minutes. A couple of times he was trotting around and seemingly unable to run properly. I would’ve taken him off, but then he set up the second goal!

[simboy]

If we can, I think we should try and make it a permanent move in January before Chelsea decide he can do a job for them

I don’t think Chelsea will want him back. Their squad is full of midfielders who he’d struggle to get past, Mount, Pulisic, Havertz, Ziyech. They have the strongest midfield in the competition, arguably, which is why we have got Barkley.

More of a worry is that he attracts the attention of another “top six” club, Man United or the Arse for example and we get into a bidding war. Clearly Yanited are in turmoil, with Olly gone I’d imagine before the end of the season. If a new manager goes in and is a big fan of Barkley then, who knows.

Will Smith (as he’s promised)  get him in the Euro squad? If so then I think he will stay.

[Dave P]

Will Smith (as he’s promised)  get him in the Euro squad? If so then I think he will stay.

He certainly is our fresh prince.

[dave shelley]

Will Smith (as he’s promised)  get him in the Euro squad? If so then I think he will stay.

He certainly is our fresh prince.

He is Legend!

[Drummond]

Just as well he wasn't dropped, he's adding another dimension.

It's great to see him and Grealish just enjoying playing together. It's early days but this could be really interesting to watch develop.

[Risso]

The build up to the first goal was pure showboating filth.  They took the piss out of the Arsenal defence, pure and simple.

[Mister E]

I noticed him a couple of times go to track back onto the advancing Arsenal midfield, but he stopped himself. I reckon he was under instruction to stay up top near Watkins, and it's hard to argue that that didn't pay a handsome dividend. Similarly, both Grealish and Trezeguet rarely got dragged deeper than Targett or Cash. Stick to the game plan and trust your teammates.

I think this is exactly the point. He's a withdrawn striker, and he's very effective at it when the opposition let him be.

[simboy]

Will Smith (as he’s promised)  get him in the Euro squad? If so then I think he will stay.

He certainly is our fresh prince.

He is Legend!

Good to see he’s a man in black ... ink.

[ChicagoLion]

Begining to see what we have got in Barkley. He only has a forward gear it seems and to an extent other players have got to make up for this. However he has a lot of talent and to get the most out of him Smith is giving him liscence to roam and hurt the opposition offensively. Great performance last night.

[paul_e]

Begining to see what we have got in Barkley. He only has a forward gear it seems and to an extent other players have got to make up for this. However he has a lot of talent and to get the most out of him Smith is giving him liscence to roam and hurt the opposition offensively. Great performance last night.

I think I agree. Games where we can get control he'll be a key player and will turns draws into wins. When we're struggling to get control in the midfield he becomes a luxury we can't carry.

[DrGonzo]

He offers something that Hourihane certainly can't...

[Risso]

The biggest problem with Ross is....he pulls his socks over his knees.  No, no, no and indeed, no.  Sort it out.

[eamonn]

Maybe he's worried they're too knobbly.

[robleflaneur]

Begining to see what we have got in Barkley. He only has a forward gear it seems and to an extent other players have got to make up for this. However he has a lot of talent and to get the most out of him Smith is giving him liscence to roam and hurt the opposition offensively. Great performance last night.

I think I agree. Games where we can get control he'll be a key player and will turns draws into wins. When we're struggling to get control in the midfield he becomes a luxury we can't carry.

When I saw him first play for England,I was very critical of his non tracking back but he's still more mobile and a better tackler than Hotlips.Playing SJM deeper is the answer in the way that Saints use Ward-Prowse and Romeu.

[Steve67]

What sort of monetary value are we putting on Ross if we try to sign him?  Is he likely to be available?  Would you sign him, if so?