Quote Originally Posted by WES View Post
Good post - although I would argue that Emery could have been and should have been stronger in getting rid of the players he didn't want. If he couldn't or wouldn't do that then he wasn't the manager we needed.

But your analysis is spot on, this squad has talented players (other than in defence) but it needs to be cleansed of those who aren't good enough and/or lack the character we need. The next manager has to be strong enough to do it.
Another problem with the defence is yes it's bloated again too but all of Mustafi, Sideshow, Holding, Chambers and Papastathopoulos are all the same sort of standard, slightly above average. So you're going to have to keep shuffling about with no clear stand out big potential player. Not selling Mustafi has also blocked the progress of the one potential big CB that could have become something and saved our defence, Big Mavropanos. He should have played in the UEFA cup and league cup and could have forced his way in to the team.