One thought - we badly miss an in-form Torres. So much of our play in the last couple of good years has come from Pau getting the ball in the centre circle and making some space or beating a man or playing a sharp ball right on the toes of the attacker in the right spot to make it count. He's been bullied out of the defence (so to speak) by very obvious tactics we've failed to help him against, and without him we've got so little to offer when the opposition is set and we've got the ball at the back.
The in-form Torres was a very long time ago. Can't pass wind these days. Let's say he finds his passing boots, Rogers and Watkins with their mahogany shins aren't making it stick anyway. Maybe there's something in that out ball option to a Diaby or Bailey on the right wing isn't there any more for him.
I think Maatsen, for better or worse, needs a long run in the team now. We absolutely have to get more width and legs into the team.
