02 Sep 2022 06:19:52
It must be that Frank sees Anthony Gordon as Richarlison's replacement. Risky? Maybe but 2 goals from 2 games so only 8 more to match Richarlison's output last season. Very possible he could achieve this.

It would have been nice to add another forward but I still think that DCL is one of the best strikers in the league when fit and the new recruits in midfield will see us control the ball better and hopefully create more chances for him.

Frank and Thelwell have added a lot of steel to the centre of defence, full backs are good - Patterson looks a great prospect. Idrissa as the no. 6 will make a huge difference and Onana, Iwobi, Doucoure, Garner for the other two spots means more athleticism and ability in midfield.

Gordon, Gray, McNeil (will get better) , Townsend. strength in depth could be better but if Gordon and Gray stay fit should be ok.

DCL upfront with Maupay off the bench or together in a differnet system. Could be worse.

This squad is a huge improvement on what Frank walked into 8 months ago. The spirit is better, the ability is better and athleticism is better.

We will finish in the bottom half still because I don't think there's enough firepower to achieve more over a full season taking into account likely injuries etc. However after another two transfer windows I hope we will be able to compete for Europe again.

When every club in the Premier League has the ability to spend money on players it must be incredibly difficult to compete in the transfer market especially when we don't have European competition to offer and having finished 16th last season.

We're making progress and that is all we can hope for currently.

Bring on the Reds tomorrow!

1.) 02 Sep 2022
02 Sep 2022 07:19:37
Kenyan_Toffee the word on DCL there was If! Ricky went (they knew he was going) they know DCL is a sick note but gambled and lost. I would argue with a Striker we would be 5 points better off at this point. As it is we are playing catch up, when we really shouldn't be. As for Liverpool tomorrow, we go up against them with injuries and probably without Gueye and Garner, Maupay hasn't played but has had another 7 days.

2.) 02 Sep 2022
02 Sep 2022 08:32:03
What can I say?! I’m a glass half full kind of a guy!

I can see your point and yes if DCL had been fit we’d have more points… but it’s not easy to just go and buy and forward in today’s market. Diaz is unproven in the Prem. Probably should have kept Simms until transfer deadline day.

Still, it’s been largely positive if not perfect and I’m happy to let them wait for the next window or next summer to recruit the right player.

I could be wrong but it doesn’t feel like we’ll ship many soft goals this season and that will go a long way to where we end up in the league.

UTT.