21 Apr 2015 20:48:09
Watching the way Barcelona and Bayern are ripping PSG and Porto apart we seriously need to improve our team with 2 or 3 world class players to compete at their level. Never mind the youth, let's go for Varane, Pogba and a top, top back up striker. Jose is absolutely correct when he says we can accommodate 3 or 4 youth team players but it is a learning curve for them. 20 minutes here and there in cup games until they are ready. The step up from best in England to best in Europe is huge.
Believable1
Unbelievable1
21 Apr 2015 21:09:19
Who would you class as a top draw back up striker though? Remy is a good back up, let's face it we're not going to get a Benzema just to warm the bench for Costa.
Agree0
Disagree1
21 Apr 2015 22:34:03
I do think we should go for Varane definitely and a box to box cm my choice would be Gomes. I'd like Icardi to replace Remy just because he's not injury prone and we need that class striker who isn't.
People on here love Willian. I like him but people need to realize our play patterns are too predictable. We only attack down the left with Hazard. That's why I'd like too see an attacking trio of Oscar, Fabregas and Hazard so they can interchange. If Bale comes available it's a no brainer for me. HG and world class RM.
Agree5
Disagree5
22 Apr 2015 07:27:32
How did we manage to get knocked out by PSG? I know it was Barcelona, but they've been awful in the 2 matches against them.
Agree1
Disagree0
22 Apr 2015 08:19:38
It looks like the club have agreed a deal for Koke so I guess Pogba won't happen if that is the case. Barcelona have Messi, Suarez and Neymar but still want Dybala next January as well. that is the level we must get to. Costa, Remi and Dybala or Icardi would be a start with Bamford getting another year on loan and Solanke, Brown etc learning with first team and getting minutes when Jose thinks it is right. I agree Welsh that Bale would be a fantastic signing.
Agree2
Disagree1
{Ed002's Note - Someone is misleading you - there is no agreed deal for Koke.}
22 Apr 2015 08:43:54
We lost against PSG because of the negative tactics. Instead of playing attacking football and letting the players like hazard play his game,we just sat back and looked awful. Very similar to what PSG done against Barcelona. Would agree with the post regarding bale though, would be a great signing but can't see it as we only just signed cuadrado.
Agree2
Disagree0
22 Apr 2015 20:00:12
The PSG we played and the PSG barca played were two different teams entirely. In the away league we got the result of a scoring draw which everyone was content with. In the home leg we never pressed our man advantage and the only times they could level the playing field in terms of being short a man (at the set pieces) they scored. Overall we just played very lacidasically in the second leg and they played one of their better games in recent memory. That's football.
Agree0
Disagree0
21 Apr 2015 12:55:09
Banter please
Who up front for arsenal then? That's if Drogba, Remy and Costa still aren't available
Options are
Solanke
Brown
Hazard false 9
Oscar false 9
Fabregas false 9
Caudrado false 9
Ivanovic
Who would everyone play? I think I'd go with hazard :) opinions
Believable0
Unbelievable5
21 Apr 2015 13:46:33
Tough one! I would stick Oscar up top, hazard left, Willian right, fab in middle & have zouma & matic behind, unless he opts for 433 then I would still have Oscar up top & have a midfield 3 of fab, matic & mikel/zouma
Agree6
Disagree2
21 Apr 2015 13:57:58
Hazards too valuable on the wing IMO. We wouldn't get the ball forward enough with him up front.id honestly give Solanke his chance. His link up play is very good and I'd be more confident with him there than Drogba.
Agree4
Disagree4
21 Apr 2015 14:38:50
I think Willian would probably play up front on his own. My preference would be to give Solanke a go. I imagine we will be playing defensively again, so I wouldn't expect whoever the striker is to get many chances anyway.
Agree1
Disagree1
{Ed002's Note - I would not expect Solanke to start as he has another commitment on the Monday. Costa to perhaps start. Ivanovic an unlikely but possible option.
21 Apr 2015 14:42:14
Was saying the other day i'd rather player Solanke than drogba. I agree with people who have said that hazard is too good coming off the wing and I'm not sure how he would play as the focal point of an attack. This is all assuming I'm not allowed to put mikel up front, as he would certainly bang them in.
Agree0
Disagree1
21 Apr 2015 16:20:58
It doesn't really matter if Solanke plays Monday. The youth is there to step up to first team when needed. I'm sure Abraham can start up front then Boga will come into the side.
Agree2
Disagree4
{Ed002's Note - I'll stick with Costa or Ivanovic.}
21 Apr 2015 17:31:12
If any attacking midfielder plays as centre forward then I'd go for Oscar.
Ivanovic starting as striker would be glorious hahaha :) Ivanovic himself would probably love it as well!
Costa shouldn't be rushed, his hamstring is too vulnerable IMO. That said, the medical staff obviously know a hell of a lot more than I do so I'm sure they'll make the right decision.
Ed, do you know whether Remy will definitely out of the game on Sunday?
Agree0
Disagree0
21 Apr 2015 18:40:38
I think you are right Ed02, Solanke will be involved with Youth Cup on Monday as will Brown. I think Costa might play if Remy not fit but that would be a big risk. Don't see us playing a false 9 so maybe Branna.
Agree3
Disagree1
{Ed002's Note - In 1971-72, Chelsea defender David Webb's record against Ipswich. (H) Started and played the whole game in goal, keeping a clean sheet). (A) Started as a makeshift centre forward. Played the whole game there scoring both goals in a 2-1 victory.
21 Apr 2015 20:13:15
Can you imagine Ivanovic scoring at the Emirates? :-P I'd go absolutely mental! :)
Agree2
Disagree0
21 Apr 2015 20:35:41
The more I think of it, the more I can see Jose playing Branna up front. He would give their CB's a hard time, knows where the goal is and can defend at set pieces. Luis at LB and Dave at RB. I remember Dave Webb in goal!!
Agree2
Disagree0
21 Apr 2015 23:48:37
Two of my favourite memories - Spider keeping the clean sheet in one match then striker in the next. There again, shows how bad my memory can be - thought he got a hat-trick!
Agree2
Disagree0
22 Apr 2015 18:44:58
I would really live Branna up front. Was saying rhis since we bought torres and he was crap! But saying this I generally believe and could bet my all wages that we never see it happening. if we won't have a striker it will be false number 9
Agree0
Disagree0