03 Sep 2017 21:45:00
So I wanted to do a post on the transfer window and how it has effected the top six. There has been several naysayers complaining about the window we have had and that all the other teams by comparison have had far better windows than us. So I thought I would dive in and try and find out.

Let's start with Arsenal, last season Arsenal suffered from that condition that can only be called "Arsenal syndrome" where you play entertaining eye catching football but fail to win important games and get beaten by any team prepared to give you a physical battle. As a side they were weak in defense and lacked a clinical goalscorer. The also lacked a midfielder who was able to control a game when Santi Cazorla was out.

So they needed a ST, LB, CB and a CM. They got Kolasinac who solves the issue at LB and Lacazette who is that clinical striker. But they didn't get a proven top level CB nor a midfielder capable of controlling a game. They also lost several players who might not be first choice but are key players within the squad. Szczesny, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Gabriel, Gibbs, Lucas Perez as well as Jenkinson on loan. They might have slightly better options for the first team but their squad as a whole is weaker. A couple of key injuries could leave them wide open. They also haven't solved their issues in midfield or the heart of defense. Add that to seemingly not solved the mental block the side have and the chaos surrounding the Alexis Sanchez debacle then I think it is fair to say they haven't progressed this summer, and possibly might have regressed.

Across the road at Spurs they didn't have much work to do, last season and the season before their issue was squad depth, especially when Kane was injured. They also lacked a special wide player who could win a game in a moment of brilliance. That is the player Spurs need to raise them above also rans to title winners. The issue is these players are hard to come by and even harder to purchase unless you are one of the established top clubs.

In Llorente they now have that proven quality striker to rotate and cover Kane, also someone who won't have to change his style to adapt to the way Spurs play. They have upgraded Wimmer with Davison Sanchez and for me replaced Walker with a slightly better albeit potentially troubled player. Overall Spurs have had a very good window, the only thing they could have done better would be to sign one of these rare transformative players which are almost impossible to find and buy. Could have taken a punt on Draxler if he was available, or possibly Di Maria as PSG were looking to offload a player to aid FFP measures. But Spurs are unlikely to be so extravagant. For me Spurs will be stronger this year.

Liverpool's main weaknesses last year were poor defensive organisation, and a lack of squad depth. They could also do with a striker who fully fits Klopp's team. Sturridge doesn't look fancied by the German and Firmino does a fine job but doesn't always cut it.
So Liverpool needed a GK, CB, LB, CM and a striker. They bought, two wide players, a LB and an unproven striker at the highest level (albeit one who looks to have the required talent) . They sold Lucas, Sakho and Origi none who would really be first choice, but considering that Liverpool will compete in Europe this season with a squad size the same as last year and with less cover in defense and midfield then they certainly haven't progressed. I expect Liverpool to start well but fade around Christmas and struggle to maintain a top four finish by the seasons end.

Now we move onto Chelsea, like Liverpool they will be in Europe this year and as such mostly required padding out the squad to keep up with the demands on two games a week for pretty much the whole season. They really need cover for the wing back positions as they are highly demanding roles physically and they have a real lack of depth there. Or at least that was what we needed before Conte decided to fall out with Costa, from that moment on they also needed a new first choice striker. This was compounded when the board agreed to sell Matic to United, meaning they went from needing just extra bodies in midfield to a new first choice midfielder as well. So they needed RWB, LWB, CM and a ST as well as extra depth at CB.

With Begovic, Terry, Matic, Cuadrado, Ake, Solanke all heading out the door they managed to bring in Caballero to replace Begovic a slight downgrade but as he is second choice anyway it won't really matter. Rudiger to replace Terry, Bakayoko to replace Matic and Morata to replace Costa as first choice ST. They also added Drinkwater and Zappacosta to add depth at CM and RWB. On the surface a decent summer if all the new signings live up to the players they are replacing. But will they? Is it likely Rudiger will match the experience Terry had? Bakayoko is clearly talented but he has yet to prove his worth in the EPL or for more than a season. Morata might have a tough time replacing Costa, I highly rate Morata but he is under pressure now unlike any he has faced in his career. For me Chelsea are around the same level as they were last season, but will now have to handle league and European commitments. If they can do this they will challenge for the title.

Now we move onto Man City. Last season their main weakness was a lack of adaption to Pep's coaching. Pep showed a lack of understanding in the speed of transitions in the EPL, which left City exposed defensively. They also have several key players who can be described as injury prone. Kompany and Gundogan for example. Their full backs clearly had gotten a little past their best. So what did City need? a GK who could be relied on to keep his net, a CB who could lead the inexperienced Stones, RB a LB, and a CM to cover their lack of depth (Fernandinho, Fernando, Toure and Gundogan might seem enough on paper but with Gundogan nearly always injured and Yaya Toure not getting any younger they do lack quality if Fernandinho is out) .

So what did they get? well they smashed it in the full back department, they signed three full backs for in excess of 150m. signed sealed and delivered. They also brought in Ederson, who is a talent. It is yet to be established if he will do the basics of his job as a keeper better than his predecessors. For me though they made a mistake in spending big on Bernardo Silva who is a phenomenal talent, but in doing so they didn't sign the quality they needed at CB and CM. not only that but they exasperated the issue in midfield by selling Fernando. If and when Fernandinho gets injured/ suspended they will have to turn to either an ill fitting and aging Toure or the likely also injured Gundogan. For me that was a big mistake. Also they will likely continue to ship silly goals while Stone and Otamendi remain their first choice CB's.

City look for all the world like a typical Arsenal side this year, get options going forward and will likely play some great football, but they look to have a soft underbelly and could be exposed by physical opposition. Clearly they are one of the best sides in the EPL this year, But they do have weak areas and by no means are going to have everything their way this year.

So now we move on to United. Last season our main weakness was an inability to break teams down and see out games. We dropped too many points because of a profligacy in front of goal. We also struggled to break down determined teams that sat deep and narrow. These issues were caused by several issues, the first being a tendency to build all our attacks around Zlatan which made us very predictable. The second a lack of width, with no wingers prepared to go on the outside and drag a full back out from the box that left four defenders tucked into the penalty area. The third issue was a lack of support from midfield, no late runners to offer an option on the edge of the area or to become the second or third wave of attack.

So we needed a first choice ST who was clinical and offered movement pace and strength, a midfielder who could properly anchor our midfield and give licence to players such as Pogba or Herrera to move forward and be that second wave of attack. Depth in both full back positions. Additional quality in the heart of defence and a player who can create from wide would be of huge advantage as well.

We got the striker, midfielder and added depth at CB, we didn't get the full backs or a winger. If we look at what that means for our side this season. Well we have a striker who will make our attack far more dynamic and offers a genuine option on the counter. We have a midfielder who has set Pogba free and offers stronger cover in front of the defence. We have a defender who could and likely will develop into Baileys long term partner. If Valencia can stay fit all season and if Shaw can kick on then we actually have little to worry about at full back, we have decent depth with Darmian, Blind, Mitchell and Tuanzebe more than able to step in. In an ideal world Blind and Darmian would have been upgraded. We also didn't sign a world class winger, but they are hard to come by and even harder to sign. Overall we have done pretty well. Our weaknesses are not adding an additional world class wide player and not adding greater quality in the full back areas.

So far we are top of the league, scored more than anyone else and conceded less than anyone else with a 100% winning record. We will drop points this season, but everyone else already has, so it's fair to say they will drop more. I think this season will be between ourselves and City, but I feel we have a better first 11 overall and a manager who has proven he knows what it takes to win the EPL. Chelsea and Spurs will also do well, Liverpool and Arsenal will ultimately struggle.


1.) 03 Sep 2017
03 Sep 2017 22:26:24
Great analysis Shappy

I think the other thing to bear in mind is you never know how players will settle. Last year City bought Stones and Otamendi and yet they were pants for most of the year.

I see it as a 3 way fight between us, City, and Chelsea. We have to do it consistently particularly against the lesser teams, Chelsea are champions but have not really strengthened their squad (you didn't mention the mighty Drinkwater) and I think teams will be able to be able to bully City if they are prepared to man up.

Arsenal appear to be in free fall and whilst the Scousers look good going forward their defence remains suspect.

The other point to remember is momentum whIch can be hard to change, after a few years of moving in the wrong direction it appears we are now on an upward curve, whilst Arsenal are dive bombing. City and Chelsea are at best static and it remains to be seen how Liverpool will do (I find it hard to assess them) . I don't see Spurs moving go forward this year either.

Jose seems happy and relaxed, there is a great team spirit and we have a few more games before things may get tricky. We need to maximise out points right now and put pressure on everyone else. Jose likes to lead from the front so another 3 wins would be very welcome.


2.) 04 Sep 2017
03 Sep 2017 23:04:55
Good post shappy. I agree with nearly all of that and for me it sums up all the pluses and minus's for all the top 6.
Where i differ slightly is that i think liverpool will sustain a challenge depending on cup runs if they go out of cups early they will do well in the league. They have very good attacking players and have a much more solid looking midfield their biggest issues for me are klopp keeper and centre defence in that order.
Arsenal look a bit in disarray if wenger can galvanise this squad and get top 4 it will be his greatest achievement ever imo.
Spurs and chelsea i agree with you. I also agree that city can be bullied and if kompany is out they look a bit soft to me that said i think they will really batter a few teams this year.
United i agree a bale / sanchez/ or greizman would have been ideal. But in mata jessie rash and martial we have good options wide.
Matic is not only expert I his own role but his mere presence and expertise is allowing pogba mata and miki to roam and play with more freedom.
Lukaku again provides better movement than ibra and creates space for runners like pog rash and martial while miki and mata have been operating in the pockers between the lines. My issue is with the full back areas i think we are weak quality wise on both sides but are blessed with 3 really good pros in valencia blind and darmian and a player with potential in shaw.
The only issue i have with valencia blind and darmian is that they are not dynamic enough. The full back position now more than ever is filled by game changers and chance creators in most of the best teams. Players with pace power and intelligent running and selfless running off the ball and most the best ones have very high quality and consistent final ball. i'm thinking lahm marcelo sandro alvez cavahal alaba mendy then the tier below danilo walker rose alba bellerin semodo trippier aurier sidibie . Our guys are just not at that level imo particularly going forward.
Shaw was once regarded as the next best thing its not too late for him but he is in last chance saloon i think he needs to deliver this season it will take him time to get up to speed but i'd like to see some positive signs soon.
Keeping toni pogba bailly and matic fit and available for the big games and indeed for the most part is key. Because with the exception of herrera the cover for those quys is where our squad is weakest.
If fellaini rojo darmian jessie smalling all have to start 20 games a season i think we would struggle to win the league but if they only need to fill in as subs or the few odd starts then our first 16 or so are good enough to win this league. i hoping that lindeof and tuanzebe will give better options than darmian rojo and smalling. I rate tuanzebe highly.
I don't see everton breaking the top 6 unless arsenal collapse and i think west brom will be best of the rest unless pulis and co down tools when they hit 40pts.


3.) 04 Sep 2017
04 Sep 2017 05:18:41
Think your doing a massive disservice to the liverpool squad mate. Agree that our CB and GK issue is a problem but the rest of our squad is more than a match for any of the top 6. One thing I definitely don't agree with is the need for a striker. Have any of you guys even watched Firmino play. He is the key to the majority of our attacking play and more than makes up for his lack of goals. He makes that attack tick and we would score much less if we replaced him with a straight goalscorer e.g Lukaku. Plus having six midfield options is more than enough cover. To say we will struggle for top 4 is a bit of a stretch. We are definitely good enough to challenge.


4.) 04 Sep 2017
04 Sep 2017 08:01:12
dilakh2, I think the Liverpool squad just isn't deep enough to sustain a fun in Europe, several rounds of the FA and league cup and a title challenge.
Last season Liverpool didn't have European football to contend with, the last time you did was the season before last, which ended with Liverpool running out of steam by March. This season you might have as many as 10 or more extra games plus maybe as much as 2-3k miles of extra travelling or more. That takes a toll on the squad. Liverpool haven't increased the size of their squad this summer, 4 in and 4 out. So you aren't better equipped to play extra games.

I also feel that out of the top 6 sides Liverpool have one of the weakest sides when comparing squad depth. Your first 11 is more or less as strong as anyone's, certainly going forward.
Write down your first choice 11 on paper, then disregard those 11 players and pick a team out of the players you have left. Do the same for the other top sides and compare those teams. Does Liverpool's second 11 look a match for those of United, City and Chelsea? Spurs and Arsenal's second 11 look like possibly stronger.

For me United, City, Chelsea and Spurs look stronger than the rest. So which of those four teams do you see dropping out of the top four for Liverpool to take a place? United and City have had very good overhauls this summer with nearly all pundits believing the title will go to either the red or the blue side of Manchester. Chelsea are the title holders and have added a bit more depth to their squad so overall look slightly stronger than last year. Spurs have finished second twice now, thier main weakness over the last couple of seasons has been a over reliance on Kane to score their goals with no good option when Kane was out injured, now they have Llorente so they look stronger than last season.
Liverpool look stronger going forward thanks to Salah but not defending of a stronger squad overall. So I see them struggling for top four come the end of the season unless they get knocked out of all the cups in the first round.


5.) 04 Sep 2017
04 Sep 2017 08:48:41
The importance of attacking fullbacks is being massively blown out of proportion.
Have a look in the epl how many goals and assists fullbacks get over a season it's next to nothing .
There playing as fullback because there not good enough or creative enough to be attacker's .

Jose team will be solid at the back first we have always seen that, the Fb will give us options but the attacking will be down to the mire creative players .

This is a very talented squad with a strong bench with plenty of options.

Herrera can't get in to the first 11, lindelof can't get in to the squad 1 of either martial or rashford has been on the bench every game, Darmian the italian international is only a squad player, fellaini gives us great options of the bench .
Ibra shaw rojo and even young who has never let us down are still to come back .

Good first 11, good bench, good options .
Good squad 3 games 3 wins 10 goal 3 clean sheets 6 different scorers.
The team is making a few critics look a bit daft.


6.) 04 Sep 2017
04 Sep 2017 09:05:32
Possibly the biggest change we will have this season is what seems to be a happier, more positive manager.

I think our success or lack of it will very much depend on Mourinho. Will he keep it together when we go through difficult periods and will he use the squad sensibly to rest key players and keep them fit over the course of the season?


7.) 04 Sep 2017
04 Sep 2017 09:43:20
Liverpool fans always laugh at me when I say Firmino is their most important player. Good to see one who agrees.


8.) 04 Sep 2017
04 Sep 2017 10:40:00
I will read when I have enough data allowance. Thanks shappy.


9.) 04 Sep 2017
04 Sep 2017 11:44:56
Jred you said the need for an defensive midfielder was also blown out of proportion despite all the best teams having one. I think you also said lee cattermole could do equally as good a job as matic or cassemiro its a simple role to play which is of course nonsense. Well for me its the same with full backs all the best teams have really good ones. Its one of those things perhaps you don't really aopreciate until you have a really good one.
The assist stat is often misleading talk to ed001 about that, a good full back creates space and time for others with their running off the ball. They may not always play the assist pass but they are always assisting.
Maybe all the best coaches are wrong on this and your right. Jose recognised the weakness and did try to upgrade our full backs but no joy he will do next window or summer i guess.


10.) 04 Sep 2017
04 Sep 2017 12:03:31
Liverpool fan thinks Liverpool are good enough to challenge for the title in September, shocker.


11.) 04 Sep 2017
04 Sep 2017 13:27:25
Great post as always shappy was going to post something similar though not in so much detail. I also think Chelsea and spurs will join the Manchester clubs in the top 4. Am sure arsenal will pick up but like Liverpool I feel that they will always concede goals which will result in dropping too many points.


12.) 04 Sep 2017
04 Sep 2017 13:38:27
Good post shappy. Decent breakdown of the window.

I think the key for us was 2 things. A) The ability to sign a DM in Matic who unlocks an awful lot of potential going forward. B) Our manager's own happiness because I firmly believe it reflects in the team. There is a noticeable air of confidence and aura about Jose, the likes in which we haven't seen for a number of years. Highlighted in his taking part in the Grenfell charity match at the weekend. Although a wonderful thing to do, I'm not so sure if last year's Jose would have taken part.

I also agree that not getting some FB's in, hampers us a bit as I believe if we had secured a LB, it would have alleviated the issues we have there and also added another dimension, probably allowing us more width. At the moment we do play quite narrow.

But overall, I think we had arguably the best window of all the clubs and despite not securing all of Jose's targets, he will be extremely happy and there is now a belief we can compete on all fronts with the squad we have at our disposal.

Looking forward to the forthcoming fixtures.


13.) 04 Sep 2017
04 Sep 2017 14:13:00
Good one Shappy, why say something in 100 words when 1000 will do 😂

We haven't seen our squad face too much adversity yet. There are great signs, but from games we should be winning.

I agree with your main point though. Our squad depth is very good. Smalling might be an awful first team choice, but as a squad player he is a very good option.

We probably have the best second team in the league, this could help to see us through to the title, or could make us favourites for the league cup!


14.) 04 Sep 2017
04 Sep 2017 14:53:32
Excellent post Shappy. Agree with everything. On the fullbacks issue, i think we are well covered on RB with Valencia being first choice and Darmian a more than usefule backup. I seriously hope that Shaw comes back with a hunger to prove himself at the top level with United. If he sorts out his issues, he could well be the signing that most wanted in the summer. He could bring the width on the left wing as we do on the right and that would make our team a lot better going forward.

Liverpool is Liverpool and i really don't fancy them winning anything this season. They seriously lack squad depth and squad quality. Take out Mane from that team and see the difference. I do think that it will be between the two Manchester clubs and Jose's experience in the PL gives him the edge. I also hope Arsenal improve because its really painful to watch a manager like Arsene Wenger being blown to bits like that. If it were Klopp or Conte then i would really like them to be humiliated and insulted as i hate them and their facial expressions.


15.) 04 Sep 2017
04 Sep 2017 15:14:50
Ken
lol I think I have explained my drunken reference to cattermole before .
I am sure you have posted you would prefer a play maker in the role not a defensive cm?

As I have said many times before, all summer in fact we where 1 light in cm but we didn't have to buy matic there are many others we could of bought I don't even think he was first choice, in fact ed2 said he was an outside bet .

But as always if we get linked to a player he becomes world class, exactly the player we need no one else will do .
Just like Fabinho and dier where before we got linked to matic .
Lindelof is another great example, I'm amazed how many people must of been watching the Portuguese league week in week out lol

As for people obsession with attacking fb ed 01 made his feelings know on here the other day, you should look back and read it.
Also good teams have a good balance between defence and attack this current united team have that, solid base at the back which is what you would expect of a Jose team and good attacking options .
No need to be pushing the FB up anymore than they are now, 10 goal 3 clean sheets .
We look a Jose squad in fact we look a very good squad and it's no surprise we are currently doing well and making a lot of critics look a bit daft .
Strong first 11 strong bench and still players to come back from injury .


Tony v will be 1 of the first names on the team sheet every week Jose has been very vocal about the player so no surprise we never bought a fancy name he was always going to be a starter. He does the job ivanovic (a Jose type player) did for Chelsea .
In fact never mind all the fancy names tony v was prob the best rb in the league last season
Jose said he wanted a cb and cm which he got and no surprise as we where prob 1 light there .
We obviously needed a striker which he got,
Cb looks one for the future cm and cf for the now .
2first team players added, the big plus is the form of the players we already had .