02 Nov 2026 06:54:18
So we lost a bit of control when Trey went off, that leaves AI with a big problem of where to play sob, it's either Sob or Wirtz not both.
02 Nov 2026 07:03:43
Very true, was thinking exactly the same thing. I think Iraola made the wrong switch. We also have a real problem if Isak isn't firing, until Ekitike is fit there's just no quality alternative in the squad including Gakpo or Koumas. Neither are good enough as a nine or false nine.
02 Nov 2026 07:38:15
It's hard to blame Isak if we aren't giving him any chances, he should of made a big deal of that pull (no idea why he didn't)
It needed one of our top players yesterday to score a worldie, you could just see as soon as they scored the pattern of the game was set out.
Yes we played well but it's was a lot of huffing and puffing, no shots on target (very difficult granted with how Arsenal dropped off and defended)
It needed someone to step up a get a goal from somewhere but it just didn't happen.
02 Nov 2026 11:57:16
We still have a ball progression problem. We have loads of ball carriers but not enough passers. We need to be feeding the forwards more often, and quicker.
02 Nov 2026 12:12:41
I think the fact that we identified players like Zubimendi and Wharton suggests it is a player profile we are looking to bring in. Nyoni has stepped in and made himself look integral which, for a player that is 19, first genuine senior season, must drive the more senior players to offer more, hopefully.
When Nyoni went off, the midfield failed to function. Szobo is quality, but he is not a natural passer (I. e. breaking lines, quick decision making) he tends to dally on the ball and assess his options. He is also on the front foot a lot when pressing, eager to win back possession, which is great if a CAM with cover behind. But, as one of the 8's, he has to be smarter, and not leave gaps that can be so easily exploited.
It is so no wonder Wirtz improved when Nyoni entered the team, as Nyoni is mentally quite fast, recognises opportunities to break lines and get the ball up the pitch. Van Dijk trusts him a lot, and will seek him out when in possession of the ball. Wirtz trusts him too, and will find pockets of space to receive.
It is really important we don't overplay Nyoni, but, at this point, he offers far too much to be left out. If we don't bring in another astute passer in midfield, then Nyoni will be required.
02 Nov 2026 12:35:06
IF, and I'm not saying it is because I don't agree, but IF the choice is between Wirtz and Dom it's Dom all day, it's a no-brainer. Wirtz has zero end product. Dom was our best player by a country mile last season, his goal contributions increased by 50% after being moved from the 10 to an 8 so it's hard to argue he should be moved back to a 10, a position he was criticised for not producing enough in.
02 Nov 2026 14:31:31
I don't fully understand it, but what do I know? People talk about Wirtz like he's the next "Zidane", who needs more and more time to "adjust", for his team mates to "adjust" to him and for him to "adjust" to the "new" environment. Because moving from one European country to another is unimaginably difficult and probably very perilous at the same time. It's a wonder he's able to kick a ball during a match, at all. ?
An "opportunistic signing" that basically hasn't worked out so far, as they may or may not. And just the remnants of a regime that didn't know its head from its posterior.
03 Nov 2026 10:42:34
Chewy, Dom has no end product either and even worse, cannot find a key pass to break the lines, takes too much touches before releasing the ball, lack the vision nor awareness to find holes in the oppo's defence etc., all of which Wirtz has shown to possess.
So no, Dom is not a no brainer because he is a no.10 without a single creative bone to his body. Wirtz is levels above him in this regard. He just needs to show it more consistently.