Maybe I was spoilt towards the end of last season but we don't seem to be clicking at the minute going forward. Luckily we're still getting the goals we need to win games but as far as fluent attacking play I'm not seeing it at the minute. Our biggest strength last year was werner, havertz and Mount, all full of energy interchanging and causing problems to the opposition. So far this season, werner hasn't played and Mount and havertz haven't been at their best yet. I think as a team we're still very much getting used to lukaku being a true focal point up top. Throw into that alot of rotation, which is good for the squad in terms of keeping them happy, not so much in terms of performances. I also think the absence of James, Chilwell and kante from alot of games hasn't helped as they bring alot of energy and drive going forward. Hopefully we can click soon because I think we can really be a fighting prospect with our solid defence, controlling midfield if the attack can find that right balance with lukaku now there to finish the chances.
posted on 20/9/21
James has been banned, Kante injured Alonso on fire (I've been expecting the old Alonso). Havertz didn't play much for the first half of the season, having suffered covid he struggled for fitness, having had it myself I fully understand that.
Last season we won by small margins under tt typically, relying on our defence not to concede we avoided draws if we scored. This season the defence remains solid so far and we are scoring more goals, with Lukaku all ready scoring I'm happy with that. Yesterday but for some fine saves and blocks from Tottenham, we could have had 6.
posted on 20/9/21
I think Mount is tired. He's young and played a lot of football last season - he needs a proper rest. He's just lost that edge, that energy. Also, our squad has to learn how to play with Lukaku. We are still slowing play down too much instead of playing quick through balls, or some direct passes or quick crosses. I know people criticise Lukaku a lot but I think just his presence leading the line gives us an extra dimension. Kante's goal came from the space he made occupying the defence. I'd like to see Werner playing off Lukaku a little more.
posted on 20/9/21
I agree with Eric.
posted on 21/9/21
The solution is very simple...start playing our best attacker by a mile (in and out of possession) - Hudson-Odoi consistently.
Demonstrably stronger attacking outfit with Cal in the team and that bears out in the data, despite being the youngest least favoured attacker & least experienced.
Makes the attack function like no other with his smarts, the glue in attack.
The synergy he creates just by being greater than the alternative attackers in stretching play, positioning, decision-making & speed of thought is a cut-above, unparalleled.
Cal has NEVER dropped performances as dreadful as Timo or Pulisic have in the past months, or even Kai, Mount and Ziyech in the past couple of matches when starting matches.
If he did he'd wouldn't see time the day on the pitch for months, no leeway.