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The club know more than we do, and there is a reason most of our managers since last season have insisted on moving him into the middle of the park. He doesn’t have the legs to play as a marauding RB anymore. If Alonso insists on playing 3-4-3 there is no role for him.

If he's as fit as you say, then he really should be playing in his specialist position at right back or right wing back. The fact that Alonso is choosing to play Neto or Gusto there instead speaks volumes ...

He’s not holding the team to ransom. We’re lucky to have him. He’s playing midfield because we’re short on numbers, which is really annoying. His fitness is the best I’ve seen for years. If he stays fit all season… I say start him at right back next season.

You could easily say the same for Fofana. Both of those guys should be the ones setting the standards, and not in the conversation for who was most at fault for goals conceded ...

Nope but it’s that ridiculous contract that is a noose around our neck. If Reece James can't play RCB, RB or RWB , then he is holding the team to Ransom. We need to start having the uncomfortable conversations, but there isn’t a market.

Whether to mark him with one man or none ?

I think what Alonso needs more than anything is someone on the pitch that he can rely on to organise the defence. Someone with a bit of experience. Think of the likes of Silva or Desailly. Joined us at what most thought was the swansong of their careers but brought a wealth of experience and confidence to the back line.

Trouble is Reece is a RB who can't play RB. If everyone's fit, does he even have a spot on the team?

Careful, some may take that as you asking Rogers and Palmer to actually defend properly. Not just Leeds. Yes we need to go long in the cups, especially with no Europe. We also need to beat Hull and Brentford before the break too. Is pretty easy to defend losing to the champions, spin the positives, be a lot more difficult to do so if we don't beat Hull and/or Brentford.

I didn't see the game live, but having watched the highlights, I'd have an issue with Fofana on both goals.

Right footed defender playing on the left to deal with left footed players cutting inside. What does he do with Havertz in the first half. Oh yes shows him inside and allows him all the time in the world to shoot. Nice one Wes.

And Arsenal have got a Champions League game away to Napoli during the week. Didn't seem to be on their minds today at all

OK, that's a fair point. Let's see how he uses this loss to move us forward.

Most of the goals we have conceded so far have been because of playing ghosting in behind then and them not tracking their men. There has to be some defensive discipline, even in the box to box midfielder.

Why can’t Palmer or Roger’s play in that Role, especially Palmer who come deep anyway

Why? I'm done with managers and coaches playing up to the cameras. Why does he need to show you, me or anyone outside of the dressing room what his thoughts are. The reputation of people should be built on their actions not on soundbites made to a fickle press.

Im enjoying the documentary, im on the last episode when he goes to Real. Pretty clear that Jose peaked 2003-2010. After that was a decline / football moved on. Always disappointed me that Jose never really built a proper club over a long period of time. He always said that he wanted to win the title in England, Spain and Italy and then do a long stint somewhere. He never managed to do it. He just burns people and clubs out.

Why not try playing Palmer or Roger’s as the attacking midfielder behind Pedro and play Steveo up front

No different than Raya for ours.

Pleased with the performance overall and we competed with them properly for the first time in the blue Co era (which is scandal in itself). When you compare it to last year under Resenoir where we were scared to attack until 75 mins, Alonso has bought us a good way forward. We know there’s areas for improvement but we were good for a draw.

Just saw the highlights. Martinez was p*ss poor for their first.

What problems did he cause them though?

A bitch for a bitch.

I do agree with you, but so much comes form belief and confidence, or the current lack of for us. Arsenal are supremely confident at the moment, they are riding high off of their title win, they only brought in two additional players (one of which was somewhat enforced) which have both slotted into the pattern. Always was going to be a tough ask. If we had of had Liverpool or Man City in that game today we could have given them a bloody nose, because they are also finding their feet. Beat Liverpool, beat Man City and that belief and confidence that we are on the right track would come flooding through us. We have another chance on Wednesday. Yes its only the Carabou cup but it Leeds United and recently we have so often been the southern softies, pussying out, when clubs like Leeds come after us. We need a strong performance and a significant win that breathes that confidence and belief into the team. Then we can start gaining some momentum.

Went with Stevie - needs more minutes. Nice save or he equalizes late for us.