The central midfield area is not particularly effective in AFCB's game. There was an effort to change things with Andrew Surman being dropped for the last match, but there is still a lack of energy and precision in the passing from central areas.
Harry Arter is the only central midfielder that has played in all the matches in the league, but he does seem off the pace and it was also the case in the Republic of Ireland match he recently played in for 60 minutes. Harry may benefit from a short rest to get him back up to his best - knowing he can be dropped. I know players run into form by playing, but when AFCB don't win Arter gets very frustrated and it may be as well to protect him at this moment.
It was also evident that Dan Gosling was not competitive enough against Arsenal and got caught in the centre of the pitch when Ramsey robbed him to set-up Welbeck's second goal and Arsenal's third. AFCB need to get more appetite in midfield and while Nathan Aké played in front of the back line as the game against Arsenal fell away, it was a temporary fix that may not be the best way to start against Brighton.
I imagine Eddie would be pleased to give Lewis his start and would have some careful instructions to give to him before the match starts if he is to get the call up. AFCB can't afford anyone to freeze now and this is a vital game to get things moving in the right direction.
In other news, Lewis Grabban has a hamstring injury after playing against Nottigham Forest says the Sunderland Echo.
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| He's waited long enough. |
While the calls for Lewis Cook have been growing ever since the first game, it is likely that Eddie Howe will relent to fan pressure and try Lewis now. He has done well in the league cup game and in the England U21 matches, so having been able to rest for over a week, he just might bring the energy and freshness in the centre of the park that is hard for Eddie to resist.
Harry Arter is the only central midfielder that has played in all the matches in the league, but he does seem off the pace and it was also the case in the Republic of Ireland match he recently played in for 60 minutes. Harry may benefit from a short rest to get him back up to his best - knowing he can be dropped. I know players run into form by playing, but when AFCB don't win Arter gets very frustrated and it may be as well to protect him at this moment.
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It was also evident that Dan Gosling was not competitive enough against Arsenal and got caught in the centre of the pitch when Ramsey robbed him to set-up Welbeck's second goal and Arsenal's third. AFCB need to get more appetite in midfield and while Nathan Aké played in front of the back line as the game against Arsenal fell away, it was a temporary fix that may not be the best way to start against Brighton.
I imagine Eddie would be pleased to give Lewis his start and would have some careful instructions to give to him before the match starts if he is to get the call up. AFCB can't afford anyone to freeze now and this is a vital game to get things moving in the right direction.
In other news, Lewis Grabban has a hamstring injury after playing against Nottigham Forest says the Sunderland Echo.
To many COOKS Spoil the broth NOT THIS TIME THOUGH 😊 Dish up a WIN LEWIS AAAAHHHHH 🍒
ReplyDeleteSee surridge scored his first goal for yeovil last night
ReplyDeleteWe need lewis playing now, thought he was better than Wilshire at the end of last season ,might give the others a kick up the are as well !!
ReplyDeleteSensible report. I'd probably play Lewis in midfield but with who is the question. Whilst Harry should probably be rested and is not at his best (I'll always love him though!)a Surman/ Cook partnership may be somewhat negative. A genuine change may be to put Ake on midfield with Cookie partnering Franno or Mings in central defence. That however is throwing the dice a little and should a new central pairing fail open up more questions. In Eddie we trust. UTCIAD
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