Pob

I guess it's down to concerns that we didn't really show up (though, despite this, still hit the post twice) and Frank was found wanting tactically when it wasn't working out. I would have almost preferred some experimentation (such as a switch to wing backs or pushing James forward to a more attacking position on the right), even if it meant we had lost 2-0 or 3-0 instead of just by one.

I want to see what Havertz can bring through the middle when he adapts to the PL and gains a bit of confidence. He certainly isn't a wide player and that's affecting his form.

I think proper wingers would have tested Holgate, to an extent, and especially Godfrey though. Everton were without full backs but we couldn't take full advantage because we were without wingers. Havertz cannot play wide and Werner is better through the middle. As said earlier, I wonder if James should be pushed forward with Azpilicueta taking his place at RB but that would still leave question marks on the left.

I meant to say we looked weak and clueless today, sorry missed off a word!

To be fair, so he should have done considering the amount of money he had made available to him. My concern is, despite that, we're looking as clueless and weak as we did last year. Could a more experieced manager get more out of this squad?

0-0 would have been the right result but still look shot shy despite the amount paid on attacking players. At best this season is nothing more than a fight for the top four; I just have to wonder if that is acceptable.

If we’re not in touch of the top four at Christmas, Frank is gone. The problem is no one wanted to sign the plethora of centre backs we have so we could bring someone else in.

Caballero needs to play until he is fit. That should be Kepa’s last appearance but there might be 60m+ reasons why it isn’t.

We’re going to be so reliant on Mendy and Silva this season - if they had played today we would have won. But the defensive ills could sadly see Frank’s time here brought short.

And clearly Tomori didn't want to leave either!

We can only move players on who want to move on and who have clubs interested in them. Rudiger decided to stay put and it doesn't look like anyone put in a bid for Christensen (maybe we didn't invite interest but still...) This leaves Silva, Zouma, Christensen and Rudiger as our centre backs until January. That should be ok.

Much better half; scoring four without firing on all cylinders and ten league goals scored across four league matches. Looked much brighter in that half and Chilwell offers so much both defensively and offensively. My favourite part of the game was Azpilicueta putting his foot down with the second penalty; it’s the leadership we desperately need.

Who would we play out wide instead? Mount? Until Pulisic and Ziyech are fully fit we have limited options, plus Werner can play out there - he did for Leipzig many a time.

As long as it’s in the middle and doesn’t force Havertz out wide it wouldn’t be the worst of moves.

Flat, uninspiring, dull, we have no creativity whatsoever which is astounding considering the players we have out there. Disappointing is an understatement. If Pulisic can play for 45 minutes then get him on for Hudson-Odoi. Possibly Mount for Jorginho too.

If we want to bed in the 4-2-3-1 system we have little choice with Werner really; who else do we have fit who can play out wide unless we bring Moses out of purgatory? I agree it isn’t his favoured position but it’s not a long term plan - just until Pulisic and Ziyech are fully fit. As an aside I assume James will replace Chilwell around the hour mark with Azpilicueta switching to the left.

Considering what’s available I’m happy with that. Whilst it would be nice to see Werner through the middle availability dictates otherwise though it’s fantastic to see Pulisic on the bench. Mount being benched is probably the right decision though he has plenty of time in his career and, if Havertz struggles to impose himself in his usual position, then there’s a ready made replacement. No Christensen whatsoever is interesting; is he injured and I’ve missed it?

If that is the case then I am concerned that, at the loss of Pulisic and Ziyech, we seem to lose forward movement and structure. Rice may be key at breaking up play but as I said before we’re looking at potentially a very young midfield.

I’m referring to Rice rather than the other signings though I am concerned that trying to fit Havertz in is resulting in muddled thinking with our midfield.

I agree, are we signing for the sake of signing rather than knowing what is role will be in the team. With Havertz’s price tag and Mount being undroppable are we moving towards a very young trio in the middle of the park? I think the inexperience will catch us out. Is it really the case that the likes of Jorginho, Kovacic or Kante cannot do a similar job?

I’m sorry, still trying to work out multi-quotes on here. I guess, whilst this is logical, Frank wants to get the players used to 4-3-3/4-2-3-1 as they’re the preferred formations.

Thanks for the reply. We might possibly look towards that once Ziyech and Pulisic are fit though I’m sure we will be looking to play both Havertz and Werner in the same team. Mendy Christensen - Silva - Zouma Azpilicueta - Kante - Havertz - Chilwell Pulisic - Werner - Ziyech The problem is we need an extra body in the middle which results in us sacrificing a centre back for a midfielder.

Kepa, Alonso, Emerson and Christensen have shown why we needed new players in those positions though my point from last night stands about them looking worse under Frank than Sarri. We’ve lost Willian from last year and Ziyech is basically his replacement (though Frank wanted to keep both). The Havertz and Werner transfers are, on paper, upgrades on what we have already.

Out of interest who would you play instead and to what formation? The return of Pulisic and Ziyech will allow players to play in their preferred positions up top - at the moment we’re having to make do and mend.

Yes, though he was still coming in from the left, his starting point wasn’t the centre. I think he ripped Spurs a new one last season when playing from the left for Leipzig. I wouldn’t want to play him out there forever but, whilst Pulisic and Ziyech are injured, to me he seems to be the best option of a very shallow pool.