23 Jul 2026 09:30:51
I think we all agreed come the end of the season the squad needed strengthening, however maybe not in the way it has transpired, i.e. Tielemans going and Onana’s ACL injury. Gomes can replace Onana’s bite in the midfield. Garnacho will provide pace out wide and Manzambi will be the box-to-box midfielder, so that’s all fine.
However, both Tielemans and Rogers had the ability to take a ball in tight spaces, on the half turn and drive onto the opposition’s back four. I’m not sure any of the signings to date tick that box, nor do any of the players we are being linked with. I wonder if Emery is going to tinker with how we play next season?
25 Jul 2026 04:35:23
I'm thinking a bit more positive about it all now. We haven't replaced 'like for like', imo, we've replaced for the (potentially) better. I think Onana would've been gone if it wasn't for his injury & been replaced with someone that ain't made of glass. Manzambi has more to his game than Rogers. Not sour grapes cos he's left, he's just more versatile & seems more energetic. It'll just be different next season & different could mean finishing higher, winning another trophy.
Lots of talk about Watkins & Konsa going. Don't think we've heard the last of Martinez leaving either. Going on the prices quoted, if they went for north of £100M, they will get replaced with younger players. & we have our loaned out players back that could do a job too, Madjo & Allyson could be in & around the 1st team too, all positives. ??
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