Hart
Bardsley
Gibson
Lennon
JBG
Brady
Jay Rod

Not involved: Vydra, Taylor and Drinkwater


Pleasing that we’re starting to see real game-changers coming from off the bench and making a significant contribution. It’s a squad game and long may our squad remain fully fit and competitive.

And Taylor. You're spot on - stronger squad.

Haha, just edited Charlie in. One of my favourite players

Don't really see the logic in having 3 wide players on the bench and only 1 striker. But I think we all knew it would be Vydra who had to make way.

Improving the first 11 automatically improves the squad.

Spending 40m to improve the bench, or to not even make the 18 isn't the best policy.

Be better spending 40m improving the team, with those making way dropping to the bench.
That's when theres "real competition in the squad"

I dont think we can really say we've real competition, as those in the first 11 wont get dropped, rotated unless theres an injury, and even then it ain't nailed on.

Having decent players on the bench provides competition for places which should improve performance levels. Therefore having an expensive bench should not necessarily be seen as money wasted.

The bench highlights how the squad is stronger each season. Great progress. We now travel away trying to win the game rather than get a draw.

Proves you can keep improving with smallish investment and first class coaching.

MACCA wrote:Improving the first 11 automatically improves the squad.

Spending 40m to improve the bench, or to not even make the 18 isn't the best policy.

Be better spending 40m improving the team, with those making way dropping to the bench.
That's when theres "real competition in the squad"

I dont think we can really say we've real competition, as those in the first 11 wont get dropped, rotated unless theres an injury, and even then it ain't nailed on.

Spot on.

Hibsclaret wrote:The bench highlights how the squad is stronger each season. Great progress. We now travel away trying to win the game rather than get a draw.

I see your point but dont particularly agree.

The last 2 away games against lesser sides we've created very little, played very little football and been quite fortunate to come away with 2 draws IMO.

Certainly haven't looked to have set up to take the game to the opposition and go for the win.

But suppose it depends what you like to watch.

I always think not the majority of pundits, opposition players/management/fans and some of our own can't all be wrong, all of the time.

The pundits from yesterday haven't had too many nice words to say about us after yesterday, but some of our fans were delighted with it.

Not really bothered about what pundits say. Rather trust my own eyes.

At Arsenal we dominated the first half and should have been ahead. Never done that at the Emirates before.

At Wolves we dominated the whole 90 mins.

At Brighton we dominated the first 20 and then struggled with their tweaks to the shape but definitely went for the win.

Yesterday was more even and we struggled in the latter part of the first half but still could have nicked a couple of goals before half time (certainly Wood should score). Second half was disrupted by their shenanigans but we were the better team second half. No doubt about that.

The boss does his squad rotation via the bench!

Long was the other senior player not involved. On another thread there's a Pieters v Taylor debate - but if Taylor's not even in the 18 and with so few minutes this season he seems some way off a start - is he still carrying an injury?

Agree with Ian's comment - our rotation happens on the bench and Sean alluded to this yesterday in his post-match when he talked about keeping a bigger/better squad involved and match-ready.

Post international break we've salvaged two away points from losing positions and sandwiched in between that comfortably beaten a limited Norwich team at TM.

Barring injury nothing is going to change soon 1-11.

jdrobbo wrote:Hart
Bardsley
Gibson
Lennon
JBG
Brady
Jay Rod

Not involved: Vydra, Taylor and Drinkwater


Pleasing that we’re starting to see real game-changers coming from off the bench and making a significant contribution. It’s a squad game and long may our squad remain fully fit and competitive.

Good strength but I still think we're missing that luxury player who, whilst he may not be relied upon to put in the defensive work and play within the framework for a full game, can come on and frighten the life out of the opposition for the last 20-25 mins - particularly when we're chasing a game and have nothing to lose.