most important thing about this shape is that the CBs aren't being forced to pass to each other as often. FBs and Grav are being found more consistently.

Wirtz LW can be really good in certain games. The space is often on the left with our structure, and bringing a facilitator in that role over Gakpo can be a huge ceiling raiser. Would like to see Kerkez overlapping, but Slot needs to grant him the freedom and be willing to cede numbers in the back.

even taking into account our lineup, this was Slot's worst game of the season. our third game against Palace this year and the tactical changes made us even worse suited for their gameplan.

The 3 CBs in build up strategy is not working at all. They can easily cut off the 1st receiver with an extra body in midfield and force us wide.

team selection aside, this shape is not doing us any favors. we are somehow short in every phase, and Palace’s two 10s have so much space in the pocket with Nketiah pinning both CBs. really baffling stuff from Slot

+3 points for Dycheball. Practicality vs Idealism

IMO this is how our IP shape should look going forward. Salah can start for either Isak/Hugo interchangeably. Szobo starts at RB where he doesn't have to worry about OOP positioning as much, and can access interplay with Jones and Wirtz more easily. Should be able to track back well with his engine.

This is where we're at. Jones didn't even play particularly well for his standards, but he's the only one that can do the IP job this team needs right now. Should be starting on Saturday and weekly going forward. Would like to see Baj in the role too but that's a long shot.

finally giving corners the focus they deserve. great dummy run from Szobo, and we're finally pressuring the keeper on their line.

Hugo is a revelation. hard to justify him on the bench at all, especially when he's the only one performing.

?

the buildup looks so much better already with Jones in for Grav.

a lot of lineup confusion going around. could be Frimpong RW, Szobo RB, Hugo 10, Wirtz playing deep in the pivot.

Wirtz needs to play. Curtis Jones needs to play, either at RB or alongside Grav. I like Szobo at RB, but he takes too many risks IP. Worth considering a trial on the wing. Back 3 IP of Virgil, Konate, Jones - Kerkez holding width with Ekitike or Gakpo playing inside at LW could be an option.

this is the crux of it.

It feels like the Sporting decisions have been made to reinforce a position of strength, instead of making shrewd signings that actually fit the game model. That's the Michael Edwards bread and butter - weighing the tactical suitability of a player as equally as their individual ability.

It's all down the fullbacks. They aren't allowed to bomb forward like they want, and they're unable do the buildup job they're asked. Also, it's very strange the Isak needs to be played into form, but Wirtz is benched for the second game in a row. Can't understand the decisions from Slot here.

Hey man, I don't know how to tell you this. He's not getting 30 weeks.

Sometimes you don’t even have to wait that long.

Everything is starting to make a bit more sense.

Returning from a socials break after a few weeks to see dozens of Spurs fans defending Ange's Forest project in my mentions. Sometimes all you have to do is wait.

Forest could genuinely be relegated this season. Massively overperformed last season on every metric, and Spurs were nearly relegated with a squad made for Ange-ball. Imagine where he'll be with a team built for the exact opposite style of football. Will love to watch it.

that Wirtz VIP cam from the Arsenal game is worth its weight in gold btw. if you watch that and can't understand why he's worth every penny, I don't know what to tell you. Up against 3 of the most physical midfields itl, and just glides through them. Once the G/A start flowing watch out.

Would rather have Rio playing UCL league phase games than Chiesa, yeah.

Some thoughts now that Isak is done: - My initial disbelief in our pursuit ultimately came down to Newcastles leverage. I didn't think Liverpool would have the ability to turn his head as much as they did. There was also the "broken promises" - if he was offered a new contract, think he stays.

If you still don't see it with Jones, don't what to tell you!

strange how this Guehi negotiation is playing out so publically. can palace not keep a lid on things or is this coming from us?

both Madrid teams at Anfield is a huge deal. everything else should be doable. Galatasary away could be interesting but hope it's dusted by then.

Hatewatch already rewarded by seeing one of the next great football screenshots live.

Baj staying is incredible really. Was so worried we'd let him go.

In games like yesterday, Jones is an invaluable player. Every touch is a release valve. It's like the team takes a breath when he's on the ball. I think his game is less valuable in matches where Wirtz has space, but when you need a calm, trustworthy touch on the ball - we have noone better.

Also while on I'm on fullbacks - I would actually rather see Szobo play RB than Frimpong right now.

Had some concerns about Kerkez coming into the season and they are becoming concrete issues. A like-for-like upgrade on Robbo but it feels like the squad is screaming for a completely different profile at LB. Tall, physical, reliable in build up and in the air. So many goals at the LB's post.

Hugo is unbelievable by the way. Really starting to feel like we should sign a cheap-ish striker backup and wait for next summer for Isak, if at all.

That's probably 2 of the 10 hardest fixtures of the season btw. Dusted with 6 points.

Rio should be getting about half of the LW minutes this season.

I think we should give Chelsea another $0 tbh

Newcastle have nothing to gain at this point by keeping Isak other than saving face. It's either that or a british record transfer fee. Take your pick!

Arsenal fans better hope that the Gyokeres-type signing isn't a regular occurance under this new sporting director... long years ahead if that's the case.

Watching back the Community Shield game and I'm really not sure why we signed Kerkez if this is how we want to play. He's sitting deep and tasked with build-up, which he is capable of to a degree, but it doesn't play to his strengths at all. It may change when Grav can drop into the CB slot?

If we can get Guehi and Isak in, that's a 10/10 window. I have a hunch that Bradley will be our actual starting RB for the majority of the season, and that will help solidify a lot of our issues in the palace game. Better timing of jumps/offside traps should fix the rest. Futureproofing >>

Yeah Wirtz is our answer to the super physical m2m problem we had last season. Plus goals from MF, low-block breaker, intelligent pressing, progression machine. The nerds did their homework.

Ekitike's agility with his frame is mind-boggling.

Rio should be getting about half of the LW minutes this season.

It’s interesting that it’s mainly English journos reporting on the Diaz news.

Bald Nunez getting the golden boot in Italy, put the house on it.

now that Lyon are officially relegated - we should be chasing Fofana hard. Already been linked with him, very exciting young talent at a cut rate deal? Has Edwards written all over it