I don't think Slot wants an out and out ball winner. He wants a deep player who can receive the ball under pressure and get us on the move up the pitch. Obviously some ball winning is required which is why we went for Zubimendi. Gravenberch can do some of what is required but for me only one player in the squad can do all of what is required and that's Bajcetic. I'm not sure where Slot stands on chances given to young players but now would be the time to take that gamble. Gravenberch had a good game but I can't see him being the long term answer.

The second half showed that we need to get TAA into those inside right positions as often as possible. What he does in there I don't think there's many in world football that can match it. There will of course be times when this leaves gaps, which probably means Konate needs to start ahead of Quansah, for his covering pace.

Diaz needs to finish his chances. Szoboszlai needs to make sure he's having an impact on games. These are the two, besides Quansah for tactical reasons who could find themselves dropped if they don't work on their game.

"I don't think Slot wants an out and out ball winner. He wants a deep player who can receive the ball under pressure and get us on the move up the pitch. Obviously some ball winning is required which is why we went for Zubimendi."

Zero issue but then we're conceding that we will not win much midfield duels and we will rely more on our CBs to win these duels. You also then have to look at upgrading your LB to someone more defence minded to compensate for the lack of ball winners in your midfield.

We have energetic players that will press the life out of you in midfield but they're not ball winners.

It seems shortsighted imo to not acknowledge it as the obvious need in the midfield.

We need balance imo

I actually didn't mind Diaz performance over the weekend. Did almost everything right apart from a few final ball moments. That basically tells you why the fanbase is split on him tbh

Really good article

I was really encouraged.

Slot showed strong decision making and also demonstrated, by hooking Quansah, that you have to perform.

I REALLY like the attacking patterns, we’ve seen that triangle in midfield and then releasing the late runner a few times now. Teams will adapt to that though, so let’s see how we manage it. It’s very hard to mark though, and suits our players.

There’s a lot more to come too, in terms of fitness and form and if we can sharpen up our set pieces, and start to get goals from those again, I see us winning a lot of games this season.

Can’t wait for the next game.

Ipswich read it like a book and had a plan. They took a chance with a high line and 4 up pressing but very narrow as our full backs would be tucked in.

We were in trouble. But then they faded and got an injury and by the time they made changes were behind.

It was actually the CBs who were in trouble with ipswich as they couldn't pick their first pass. hats where all the issues stemmed from.

Yes there was a good bit of decision making and adjustment. And probably a riot act about duels.

But in the end the goals were good. the first was a perfect example of playing through lines like he'd want.

the second a classic vvd to salah moment.

First half was rubbish and then it all changed.

I was critical of szob thst 1st half but 2nd half, credit to him, he turned his game. He wasn't just running but doing intricate plays in small zones.

We need him to be consistent and if he can do that it would be fantastic for us.