A 1-0 win against Southampton perhaps may not have been the easiest to watch, but three points are what was achieved at the end of the day.
However, this came with a cost. Two first-half substitutions saw Max Kilman exit the pitch clutching his shoulder, as well as Fabianski being carried off the pitch in a stretcher. While in the second half, Carlos Soler came off with a suspected knee injury.
The extent of the injuries are currently unknown, but Fabianski is forced out of the Liverpool game with the FA concussion rule coming into place.
Assuming that Max Kilman isn't able to recover in time, we would most likely see ourselves lining up with the triangle of Mavropanos, Todibo and Areola. I also noticed that against Brighton in the 1-1 draw, Alvarez started to drop back into defence and play more of a sweeper esc role, I'd guess that we'd use the same tactic against Liverpool, yet... that's where we run into further issues.
In addition to the injuries sustained, Soucek and Guido Rodriguez find themselves suspended for the Liverpool match due to accumulating too many yellow cards, therefore meaning, if the injury rumours about Soler are true, we will have Alvarez, Paqueta and Irving as our midfield for the match...
Now, not to say that it's a poor midfield, but it are options that Lopetegui hasn't exactly used together before, his utility of Soucek has helped him greatly this season. However, I guess if there was a game he had to serve a ban for, you'd probably want it to be this one.
With the silly season we are currently in, who knows what can happen. We're undefeated in four, we're 9 points off the drop, but we're also then 6 points off Europe, 1 point above Manchester United and on the same points as Spurs.
Admittedly, our next three matches will really show us the levels of this squad. Liverpool at home tomorrow and then two away games against City and Villa in the cup.
Anything can happen against City currently, 1 win in the last 13 so my expectations for the match are clueless, then a game against Villa in the cup, a match where a win may not seem so significant due to it being such an early round, but one that could perhaps enlighten fans and give us something to look forward to.
A season of chaos already, and with the January window approaching, I can't wait to see the havoc we cause! I'll be counting and noting the hundreds of players we're inevitably linked to.
Comments
Areola
Is definitely a cause for concern. There is a total lack of confidence in the defence with Areola in goal and he isn't a goalkeeper who pulls off many worldies except in the clanger department.
I doubt many of us were expecting much from this run of fixtures so it's not a bad time to give the kids (those that are still here that is), a bit of experience although if there is any time to play City and expect anything from it, now is ideal. So if you're not expecting much then you can't be too disappointed at the end. In that respect, I'm writing off the Liverpool game. slightly hopeful against City and anything could happen with Villa as they are now in fixture congestion territory.
As for January, ignore the media hype and lets just hope the necessary goings and comings have been thought out well in advance. I won't be holding my breath
Yes it never rains but it
Yes it never rains but it pours. Whilst in some sort of transition period form wise. The good old injury curse comes along. Notwithstanding the suspensions, brought about by indiscipline. I include El Loppo in that, as he's had his fair share for a manager.
Tis the silly season indeed. I expect to be well and truly titraped by the scousers today. But I think we will bimble and stumble our way through the following couple of fixtures.
As for the board and their potential infighting and bemusing decisions. That will be the entertaining part, the fvcknuggets!!