Missed the game live on Saturday, been waiting 3 weeks for BT to install a line. Managed to catch the highlights over the weekend, seems to be more like it going forward, much quicker playing the ball on the floor, players always offering an option. No surprises defensively yet again, will we ever see a change of fortune at the back? Changing the back line as often as we do probably not. Vlad needs a settled partner and a run in the team to get anywhere near a solid performance.
Not to down hearted though, aslong as we're still in touch at the this stage of the season, fitness and performance levels to rise, players still adapting to the system, things are looking up.
Interested to hear how Stambouli performed when he come on from those who saw it live, does he look as though he could do a job?
Benjamin Stambouli
posted on 15/9/14
comment by Ioavirgo (U10470)
posted 9 minutes ago
I did mention in a previous article that Stambouli could be exactly what we need. 'Gattuso-like' character to win the ball back in midfield.
From all accounts Dembele stepped up. Poch could have a nice choice of Dembele, Capoue and Stambouli for two 'pivot' roles in our formation.
Bentaleb should be used sparingly in the league and should start Europa league. Probably a better tempo of game for his passing and technique.
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Please for the love of God stop using the word 'pivot'.
posted on 15/9/14
comment by Edbo (U17933)
posted 4 minutes ago
comment by Ioavirgo (U10470)
posted 9 minutes ago
I did mention in a previous article that Stambouli could be exactly what we need. 'Gattuso-like' character to win the ball back in midfield.
From all accounts Dembele stepped up. Poch could have a nice choice of Dembele, Capoue and Stambouli for two 'pivot' roles in our formation.
Bentaleb should be used sparingly in the league and should start Europa league. Probably a better tempo of game for his passing and technique.
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Please for the love of God stop using the word 'pivot'.
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Deal with it. I don't like it either but I'm sick of having the discussion as to whether we play CMs or Dms as the two midfielders. Pivot means they do both.
posted on 15/9/14
Bentaleb should be used sparingly in the league and should start Europa league. Probably a better tempo of game for his passing and technique
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I see your argument, but I would argue that of all the midfielders we have, Bentaleb has the highest potential ceiling (I think he is still 19), and probably needs as much premier league football as possible to allow him to become the player that I think he can.
maybe leave him out the bigger games away from home where he struggles to dominate games, but he should be playing a fair bit in the league I think
posted on 15/9/14
If Stambouli can pick a pass then he must be a contender for a start. Looks to be much more dynamic at this stage than our current crop. The amount of tackles he gets in proves he is a very good reader of the game, seems like a bright footballer. Just read he was in the top 3 tacklers in France last season, opposition granted.
Be interesting to have a proper look over the next few weeks.
posted on 15/9/14
Dembele was really good Saturday... Him and capoue would be my first choice with benji & bentaleb as under study's
posted on 15/9/14
comment by Chronic - is 100% behind Poch! (U3423)
posted 1 hour, 3 minutes ago
Bentaleb should be used sparingly in the league and should start Europa league. Probably a better tempo of game for his passing and technique
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I see your argument, but I would argue that of all the midfielders we have, Bentaleb has the highest potential ceiling (I think he is still 19), and probably needs as much premier league football as possible to allow him to become the player that I think he can.
maybe leave him out the bigger games away from home where he struggles to dominate games, but he should be playing a fair bit in the league I think
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I thin bentaleb will get a lot of League game time due to injuries and fatigue. Especially as Dembele very rarely plays more than 20-25 games a season.
I'm just not sure Bentaleb should start ahead of a fit Capoue Dembele...Stambouli whilst not being the most technical of our midfielders seems to be the best at implementing Poch's pressing game.
posted on 15/9/14
Won Tackles
Mins
Mousa Dembélé
4 90
Benjamin Stambouli
4 20
Etienne Capoue
2 90
Nacer Chadli
2 70
Erik Lamela
2 90
Christian Eriksen
1 86
posted on 15/9/14
I didnt really notice Stambouli to be honest but thats not a bad thing if his job was to win the ball back and play it.
Dembele was impressive again and was just as unlucky as Lamela with his shot that hit the woodwork - maybe more so.
I'd personally drop Capoue.
posted on 15/9/14
I thought Stambouli disappeared, forgot he was even on the pitch.
posted on 15/9/14
Dembele needs to shoot more, amount of times he was in positions to have a crack and he just passed it wide instead.