January soon; who do we fancy?

[Rich]

Or are we skint again

A left winger to compete with Trossard (who is superb at the moment, I must say). Jesus being back means we can leave the striker issue until summer.

Also my worry is that Zubimendi plays too many minutes. Not sure if we can get some cover there.

[Peter]

A left winger to compete with Trossard (who is superb at the moment, I must say). Jesus being back means we can leave the striker issue until summer.

Also my worry is that Zubimendi plays too many minutes. Not sure if we can get some cover there.

We have cover for Zubimendi but Arteta doesn't use him.

[redgunamo]

I hear spurs are going to sell Johnson. I've always thought he's probably their best player, certainly looks a threat and scores. Odd club

Very odd. I shall wait for the video in which he claims to have been thrown under the proverbial bus

[WES]

We have cover for Zubimendi but Arteta doesn't use him.

Quite. Without examining the details, the simple fact is that our squad depth is so good that there is no excuse for anyone to ever get injured from being played too much.

Impact injuries will happen, but if we lose someone who has been overplayed it is on Arteta

Mind you, Gabriel and Havertz are not in that category.

[redgunamo]

Havertz. But it isnt just about the starting 11. Injuries outside the 11 are part of what overloads your starting 11 and hits their fitness and form- causing more injuries.

What is this "starting 11" of which you speak.

Injuries is proving to be our most important asset; a sort of AI assistant manager in charge of team selection

[Rich]

We have cover for Zubimendi but Arteta doesn't use him.

Well I'm not sure that Norgaard is on the same level or anywhere close to it. Perhaps it's just that the level drops to such an extent when he's not playing that he cannot seem to drop him.

The alternative would be to drop Rice into that role and play MLS in Rice's role. Could work.

[WES]

Well I'm not sure that Norgaard is on the same level or anywhere close to it. Perhaps it's just that the level drops to such an extent when he's not playing that he cannot seem to drop him.

The alternative would be to drop Rice into that role and play MLS in Rice's role. Could work.

To be fair I thought Norgaard had also been injured. And that certainly isn't through overuse

[redgunamo]

Quite. Without examining the details, the simple fact is that our squad depth is so good that there is no excuse for anyone to ever get injured from being played too much.

Impact injuries will happen, but if we lose someone who has been overplayed it is on Arteta

Mind you, Gabriel and Havertz are not in that category.

Well, according to Google* the busiest players out of our 24 games are Zubi with 20 games, Gabriel Maga (19), Dec, and Vik (21 each). Plus the goalie, of course, with 22 appearances.

Hardly a bootcamp, however you look at it.


*so probably nonsense.

[redgunamo]

Well I'm not sure that Norgaard is on the same level or anywhere close to it. Perhaps it's just that the level drops to such an extent when he's not playing that he cannot seem to drop him.

The alternative would be to drop Rice into that role and play MLS in Rice's role. Could work.

Norgaard played 35 games for Brentford last season plus 12 for his national team. He did quite well the other night so ought to at least be trusted to hold up an end once in a while.

No wonder we never win anything; the Arsenal is turning into a holiday camp

[Rich]

Norgaard played 35 games for Brentford last season plus 12 for his national team. He did quite well the other night so ought to at least be trusted to hold up an end once in a while.

No wonder we never win anything; the Arsenal is turning into a holiday camp

I take your point and I don't think anyone doubts that Norgaard isn't a top level footballer. But Zubimendi is something very special. I like to single him out and watch him most games. His range of passing is unmatched (I know Odegaard is good too) but Zubimendi has a wide range of different passes - and seems to know when to use each one depending on the attack he's looking to set in motion).