Summer Transfer Window - The Verdict

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Young played in midfield because Big Chuck started. I'd suggest Deano wagered it would be better to get an hour in Big Chuck's clock than it would Nkamba starting. It was a unsurprisingly frustrating performance, but long term Chuck playing minutes (at 17!) it's not a cataclysm and likely benefits the club.

[London Villan]

But claiming he is stockpiling midfielders then playing a combination that could have been father and son, neither who have played there in premier league match is odd to say the least.

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Sanson, Ramsey and McGinn were not available. Our first choice defensive midfielder (who was so good pre-Covid in January this site had him sold to Man City) was and started. The other senior option was our back up defensive midfielder and it would have made no sense to start both.

Traore and Bailey were unavailable so we couldn't move Buendia inside instead either. Options were limited. Deano gambled with Big Chuck and I think long term, despite only 1 point, that will have done him the world of good.

[Villafirst]

We still haven't got the required quality in depth. DS is too stubborn on adding extra quality.

[paul_e]

Sanson, Ramsey and McGinn were not available. Our first choice defensive midfielder (who was so good pre-Covid in January this site had him sold to Man City) was and started. The other senior option was our back up defensive midfielder and it would have made no sense to start both.

Traore and Bailey were unavailable so we couldn't move Buendia inside instead either. Options were limited. Deano gambled with Big Chuck and I think long term, despite only 1 point, that will have done him the world of good.

Agreed, I was away until yesterday so only saw bits and pieces of the game until last night but having watched more now Chuk looked a lot more like the player I wanted us to sign than I expected him to. He's not completely ready but if sticking with what we have means he gets regular cameos then I agree it might work in the long term.

[Steve67]

Still a couple of hours to go, fingers crossed.

On paper, Ings, Bailey and Buendia seem to be good signings and add something to the squad.  Tuanzebe and Young offer a bit of cover although I wouldn't expect them to play too often.  If we want to play all our best players in the same team, it looks like going 442 and the centre midfield is too weak for that.  We've had a really disrupted start to the season and things will settle down.  Losing two coaches and gaining one was a bit odd. We will score goals with Ings and Watkins up front, with Bailey and Buendia either side of midfield.  Would be a waste of we stay with 433 and one of Ings/watkins sits on the bench.  Better bench, that is for sure.  Centre midfield with an inconsistent McGinn and Luiz is a worry.  Seems we tried hard for JWP and ESR but only according to papers.  Not sure who, if anyone was the plan b or c. 

[Ian.]

Sanson, Ramsey and McGinn were not available. Our first choice defensive midfielder (who was so good pre-Covid in January this site had him sold to Man City) was and started. The other senior option was our back up defensive midfielder and it would have made no sense to start both.

Traore and Bailey were unavailable so we couldn't move Buendia inside instead either. Options were limited. Deano gambled with Big Chuck and I think long term, despite only 1 point, that will have done him the world of good.

Agreed, I was away until yesterday so only saw bits and pieces of the game until last night but having watched more now Chuk looked a lot more like the player I wanted us to sign than I expected him to. He's not completely ready but if sticking with what we have means he gets regular cameos then I agree it might work in the long term.

Definitely agree, I’m very happy we are giving these youngsters a run out. We’ll probably have to against Chelsea. It’s early days in the season, plenty of games to play and the more they play the better they will be for it. Ramsey the other day was superb, his experience from last season has really helped him on.

[maidstonevillain]

Bearing in mind that Trezegueut is a long term injury. And the "kids" don't count. We are 5 short of a squad of 25. Am I missing something?

[kippaxvilla2]

Move Konsa to DCM.  Just sayin’.

[Monty]

I think it's fair to hope for a Dougaissance. The problem with that is he's always looked better in a three rather than a two, so we'll see how he adapts if there is a new system. Also, the two with him does not seem to suit SJM at all really.

[richtheholtender]

Move Konsa to DCM.  Just sayin’.

I always thought that was a great shout and could have been possible if we hadn't have just let our back up right back walk put the door. The centre back who would be covering Konsa would have to cover right back as well. Still possible I suppose.

[TonyD]

The signings have been good. 
Just lacking the crucial DCM. 

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Dougie
McGinn
Sanson

Bailey
Ings
Watkins

Targett and Cash pushing high. Diet Liverpool.

Or

Dougie
McGinn/Sanson

Bailey
Beudia

Ings
Watkins

Lots of 4 man box pressing and running and running and running.

[The_ads]

Our academy knock out a league team and we’ve got people on here suggesting we should go after players like Choudhury who can’t get a game at Leicester and whom Newcastle want.

[kippaxvilla2]

Good posts Ads and the ads.  I just wanted to say that in the same sentence.