23 Sep 2024 10:03:15
Great result, clinical finishing, a few wobbly moments defensively but overall a top performance.

I thought we'd have a hard time dealing with Kudus, Bowen etc from a physical standpoint, and there were still a few moments where we can be bypassed in midfield too easily but overall we held up excellently. Hopefully Fofana won't miss any time with what looks like some inflammation of the knee.

The risk taking in midfield worked to perfection, aided by some absolutely horrendous West Ham tactics. But great to see Enzo actually putting in a decent performance for the first time in a while. I'm still not convinced he has a position in this set-up though, unless he can develop a much more positionally aware mindset when we don't have the ball.

Maresca's comments before the game made it clear he sees Nkunku as a 9, which is a shame for me as I am still of the opinion that the three truly game-changing talents we have in the attacking part of the team are Jackson, Nkunku and Palmer. Also, despite the game being a bit of a non-event in the second half, I'm still not seeing enough from Felix or Neto. Sancho and Madueke were by no means brilliant this weekend, but they have stamped their authority on games straight away.

Progress is progress, so no complaints from me. On to Barrow, where I hope to see Acheampong and George getting serious gametime. McNeilly would also be great, but we all know it will be Guiu, for 'reasons'.

1.) 25 Sep 2024
25 Sep 2024 12:50:12
Good points RBD and would also love to see a way or wasy in whick Nkunku could be played alongside Palmer and Jackson. Most obviously with some interchange in positioning between a front two of Jackson and Nkunku with Palmer behind them. with one or other moving wide at times into wing position etc?

2.) 25 Sep 2024
25 Sep 2024 13:40:29
Sooner rather than later it has to happen, its Maresca's job to figure out how to find the balance. The simple fact is that as nice as it is having two players for every position, a lot of them flatter to deceive.

One option is surely to move to a back 3 - we tend to play in a shape with three at the back anyway so I don't see why it would be a problem?

Sanchez
Fofana Colwill Badiashile
Gusto Enzo Caicedo Chilwell
Palmer Jackson Nkunku.

3.) 25 Sep 2024
25 Sep 2024 14:01:29
Stick to the day job RBD. Our coach is doing just fine mate.

4.) 25 Sep 2024
25 Sep 2024 14:20:10
A back three notva bad idea. Colwill should definitely be part of it if so but wonder if it might include Tosin rather than BB if so? Also not sure whether Maresca would want to depart from back 4.

5.) 26 Sep 2024
26 Sep 2024 08:03:06
FFS guys, start believing in the Maresco project, and stop questioning every decision he makes. Enzo has already proved that he has options which he implements in whatever situation the team is in, in which ever competition, let's just get behind him/ back him in every game, to get the best result for our team/ our club this season!

6.) 26 Sep 2024
26 Sep 2024 08:32:00
As much as people might like the idea I don’t see a way Jackson and Nkunku can start together without unbalancing the team.

7.) 28 Sep 2024
28 Sep 2024 10:23:50
Have enjoyed your posts in past Kiwi Pete but not sure your one on this thread made any sense. To discuss whether it might be possible and if so how to include both Jackson and Nkunku in CFC team is hardly questioning Maresca's 'every decision'?

It might as Jimbo thinks seem difficult to include both but not necessarily impossible. Nor impossible that Maresca could decide to do this at some stage. Would you then question his decision to?

This is a banter site where surely we are free to discuss permutations of players and positions especially given the enviable array of attacking options. That's what fans usually do.

8.) 28 Sep 2024
28 Sep 2024 15:19:33
PS I think we all think the ' Maresca project' has started pretty well in the league if especially in away games. But to expect complete ' belief' in the ptoject only five games in seems a bit over the top. We still have a bit of a dodgy defense and we're v lucky to get 3 points v Bournemouth. We have not been great in two EPL games at the Bridge. And yet to beat top 4 rival opposition. But am sure we all fervently hope the project will work of course.

9.) 28 Sep 2024
28 Sep 2024 21:02:24
That was quite a game. beginning to turn hope. in project to belief.?