28 Aug 2021 22:19:45
I took my Man City supporting son to there game today ( disappointed in him doesn't come close ) so I was driving home during our game, seen the red, not really to much to say, and I d vvd an only say from radio they every man was superb in doing there job and sounded like 11 v 11 we looked good for a win, so the only thing I can really mention is kante, I defended him during the Sarri and Lampard days were people questioned him and I will say that he is vital snd our best player. IMO, but we need to bring in his replacement whilst his still here, he missed 1/ 3 of games last season and already missing games this season, kovecic and jorginho isn't a title winning midfield, and a game I can comment on as I watched live, wow arsenal are poor. Heads down from minute one.

1.) 28 Aug 2021
28 Aug 2021 22:37:08
His injuries are a worry but he has two weeks to recover.

Whistling in the wind but I think we might still get Saul.

2.) 28 Aug 2021
28 Aug 2021 22:38:23
I presume this means kounde is close to being done, will miss zouma, what a character. We need a midfielder though Tom, someone who has the stamina and legs to break up but also can really pass a ball forward, and long balls. We saw pogba dishing out some long balls v Leeds, very handy weapon.

3.) 29 Aug 2021
28 Aug 2021 22:47:03
I agree about having a player who has a full range of passing Matt.

4.) 29 Aug 2021
29 Aug 2021 04:03:45
We are lost without Kante in midfield not bothered what anyone say if they say different they don’t know football. Jorginho, Kovi, mount, they have nothing on kante we are so weak when he’s not there. I am more mind blown than Jorginho to how many trophies he’s won this year. He’s a yard behind everyone all game.

5.) 29 Aug 2021
29 Aug 2021 06:44:34
I agree that we need a replacement for Kante, he has already missed lots of games. He missed 50% of games in the first season under Lampard.
We don't have anyone with the same characteristics as Kante and we really really need an enforcer type of player in the middle.
I don't think we can find anyone suitable right now, but we must look to strengthen our midfield.

6.) 29 Aug 2021
29 Aug 2021 07:18:15
Kante is maybe the most difficult player to (like for like) replace in the league. When he moves on our midfield will need a complete rethink, which in my opinion will likely involve a new genuine holding midfielder coming in alongside a creative box to box type. It's probably not that outlandish to say the whole teams setup might need a rethink, Kante just does so much, gets through so much work, that no one else does or can.

But, I do think someone like Tchouameni would only benefit from a season or two alongside Kante.

7.) 29 Aug 2021
29 Aug 2021 09:28:59
I agree with you J, we might need two midfielders to replace Kante. Probably Gillmour and Gallagher can play a part in our first team next season and then a new player is needed for sure.

8.) 29 Aug 2021
29 Aug 2021 09:43:08
IMO, i think the ideal scenario would be to sign Saul Niguez on loan this season; and go for a cheaper, better and more experienced Tchouameni next season cos I think Saul Niguez will be more useful than Tchouameni at the moment cos of his experience level. If Saul Niguez eventually turns out to be extraordinarily good (with us), then we have a good problem in our hands- deciding if we make Saul’s deal permanent or get Tchouameni next season.

9.) 29 Aug 2021
29 Aug 2021 11:11:44
I just don't understand why we sent Conor Gallagher out on loan again.

He was WBA's Player of the Season last season and I think he will be Crystal Palace's Player of the Season this year - surely he should have been our 4th midfielder.

{Ed002's Note - He wanted game time and Chelsea could not guarantee it.}

10.) 29 Aug 2021
29 Aug 2021 11:57:38
Gallagher needed mins. Him playing week in, week out now will only benefit us in the long term. Got to look beyond this season.

11.) 29 Aug 2021
29 Aug 2021 12:23:42
Adding to our existing midfield is a tricky decision.
Nguez would have been an ideal profile if he had accepted fighting for a place in the side.
Signing a young player wouldn't add much to the group in the short term and potentially restrict Gilmour and Gallagher development moving forward.
Maybe we will need to use either James or Chalobah as a back up this season particularly if we sign Kounde whose natural position is on the right side where we have James Azpi and Chalobah already.

12.) 29 Aug 2021
29 Aug 2021 13:47:23
I 100% agree Strasbourg. The Saul loan with an option to buy would be perfect and I’m still holding g the slim hope it may happen.

13.) 29 Aug 2021
29 Aug 2021 17:09:09
Midfield not good enough?
We just drew 1-1 with what is classed as one of the top 4 with that midfield and with 10 men.

14.) 29 Aug 2021
29 Aug 2021 23:27:05
We don't need replacement for Kante! We need back up for Kante. IMHO best candidate would be Bissuma.