16 Sep 2026 01:03:05
Missed the game as I was working, were we really as bad as everyone is making out on here? ED001 thoughts?

{Ed001's Note - I thought we were ok, after initially being poor. When you consider the mixed up side, I thought it was a decent performance from a couple of the kids, Koumas in particular, and the side overall did enough to win. There was a short period after Szobo and Gravy came on that they were very slack and allowed to Spurs to get into it, but as soon as they scored Szobo stepped up a gear and cut out the slackness and then scored. It wasn't a great performance by any means, but there were some good signs - particularly the pressing by Koumas which caused so many problems. To be fair though, Spurs are an awful side, they play themselves into trouble constantly.}

1.) 16 Sep 2026
16 Sep 2026 07:24:25
Not difficult, but so much better and more enjoyable to watch than last year's performances.

2.) 16 Sep 2026
16 Sep 2026 07:29:06
Koumas aggressive pressing was great to see, mcconnell in the 10 also particularly as game went on. Made a real difference forwards pressing like they meant it.
Both full backs had there best game of season also I thought.

3.) 16 Sep 2026
16 Sep 2026 08:23:01
Iam with you Digger Kumas living the dream, love to see putting a real shift in.
Would absolutely love to see this kid push on as I think we have a real talent with loads of heart for this club we love.
Great home support as usual.

4.) 16 Sep 2026
16 Sep 2026 09:02:34
McConnell, Nyoni, Koumas all excellent, Mamardashvili brilliant shot stopping performance. Not sure why anybody would say that was a bad performance from us, if we were bad then Spurs were truly wretched. Started pretty badly but really grew into the game, second half was another example of us going ahead and then clamping down to take the sting out the game.

5.) 16 Sep 2026
16 Sep 2026 07:57:34
I thought Spurs played into our hands by playing from the back. As Ed said we gained control in the game after an unconvincing start. The midfield looked much more balanced with Grav and Nyoni as the pivot. Grav I thought played better but he still wants to be in front of the ball, which unbalances the team.

He really does need to step it up.
Koumas pressing was great, he missed a good chance too. At times I thought his hold up play was good too.
Frimpong looked strong and aggressive against Tel probably a reflection of how bad Tel is but you have to give Frimpong credit as he didn't look so lightweight for a change.

6.) 16 Sep 2026
16 Sep 2026 09:30:02
Ed01 if I may re: Koumas and is ability to run for days and press the oppo. well, does this not remind you of what Evanilson was doing under Iraola at B'mouth? because that was what he was known for, not scoring goals for fun because they had/have Tavernier, Kluivert, Kroupi and Rayan to bank on. Or even Alex Scott.

Hence in a perfect world in our situation (I know, good luck with that), do you think that AI would rather an Evanilson/Koumas type player as the CF, one who presses and pursues then oppo.'s defence and who also has the striking ability Isak in front of goal? Cheers, man.

{Ed001's Note - yes, I think he is a better fit on that performance and Isak's performances so far this season. I think that was obvious by the way Isak came on and ran about for a change. He must realise that his place is now in jeopardy after the way Koumas played. The youngster showed him up.}

7.) 16 Sep 2026
16 Sep 2026 09:52:39
I mean no disrespect, I Just disagree on the Isak part, Isak is Just getting fitter by the day. They are on a different planet quality wise and I am convinced Isak will prove his worth soon enough ?.

8.) 16 Sep 2026
16 Sep 2026 10:03:46
Ed, what do you think about Nyoni last night? I didn't watch the game as they don't broadcast the Carling Cup in my country, but many said we lost control of the game once he and McConnell were replaced by Dom and Grav.

That's not a good thing, is it? We allowed Spurs to get into the game and only stepped up when they scored. Good sides won't allow that to happen.

{Ed001's Note - Nyoni was very good, he held position and did his role without trying to be a hero, like Gravenberch does. That is why the control vanished without him, as suddenly there was a hole at the base of midfield at times. Gravy initially sat in but soon started wandering. I would say Nyoni, like Koumas, showed the most last night to suggest they could push the first choice players.

I have seen a lot of praise for Mamardashvili, but he was not good. He made one very good save, one good save and one was hit at him, that was the good, but everything else was horrible. He kicks every ball to the opposition. He flaps miserably at corners and crosses, costing a goal. And he is so slow to do anything that it invites pressure from the opposition. He is not what we need at all. He creates more problems than his shot stopping even comes close to fixing.

McConnell grew into the game and got better, after initially not playing well. By the time he was taken off, he was playing very well.

Rio was again poor, at best. He gives the ball away far too easily and often. Even the goal that came from his run was luck it broke the right way after he messed up, rather than him doing well.

Gomez was ok, looked rusty but showed some good pieces of defending. I liked that he was aggressive and looked to make challenges early, but there were moments you could see he was just back after a long break.

The full-backs both had their best games for us yet, Kerkez in particular was good.

Mac Allister, Gakpo and Araujo were all good, helped the team to find its feet together. Mac Allister was particularly good, to be fair, he looks like he has realised Mourinho is not coming in for him and so is working for that new contract!}

9.) 16 Sep 2026
16 Sep 2026 11:05:41
Thanks, Ed01.

@Arne, I see your point and do think Isak is getting fitter and more confident. I see it a diff. way. I see it as us having two options to pick from who offer diff. qualities.

And for Koumas with a bit of luck, could have scored last night, as well.

10.) 16 Sep 2026
16 Sep 2026 11:34:06
Thanks for the complete summary, Ed. I really appreciate it.

Who would you go for in midfield this weekend? I would personally go with Nyoni and Macca as the pivot with Wirtz as the 10. I think that would be the best midfield going forward.

{Ed001's Note - I am with you on that. I think Dom needs that kick up the arse. He was terrible until Spurs scored.}

11.) 16 Sep 2026
16 Sep 2026 12:02:34
Kerkez was magnificent I think. Also agree with you about Mamardashvili ed, but that save he pulled off from the deflection was one of the very best I've seen in recent memory, and not sure he could do too much about the goal we did let in.

Overall he doesn't have the skillset to do what we need a Liverpool keeper to do, the young Belgian lad coming in looks special though and could be a worldie in a few years.

12.) 16 Sep 2026
16 Sep 2026 12:02:34
Kerkez was magnificent I think. Also agree with you about Mamardashvili ed, but that save he pulled off from the deflection was one of the very best I've seen in recent memory, and not sure he could do too much about the goal we did let in.

Overall he doesn't have the skillset to do what we need a Liverpool keeper to do, the young Belgian lad coming in looks special though and could be a worldie in a few years.

13.) 16 Sep 2026
16 Sep 2026 12:54:17
After seeing the evidence of the last few games and pre season the starting midfield and front four should be Trey and Macca, Gakpo left, Szob central, Barcola right, and Isak upfront. Wirtz and Koumas can swap out for Szob and Isak if it's not gelling.

Reality won't be that but on merit that's probably how you'd start.

14.) 16 Sep 2026
16 Sep 2026 14:29:54
I think Archie Gray's subtle nudge on Mamardashvilli did the damage on the goal. Yes, he should have been stronger but it was a clever move from the Spurs player and just put him under the ball by a foot or so, so he flapped at it.