striker

2-0 final. Austin and Tadic.

Unfortunate. We could have 2 goals or more. Austin causing them fits. Complain all you want but the guy is scrapping in there all the time. He's always a threat. Who else do we have that is that active near the goal? No one hits 50% even, it's about chances. Plus when he gets a real chance it's on net.

I think Burnley has backed up the bus (so to speak) after Austin's near miss.

He's just mad because Puel has hair.

Wow, nice cross, great header, great save.

Well I sure hope he is as good as he is being built up to be. I don't see anyway Puel takes his favorte "Lil Henry" off the field, so Boufal will come on at someone else's expense, maybe Hojbjerg, Tadic, or Austin. However I wouldn't want to see him on for Austin. Boufal strikes me (and granted I am not that knowledgeable about his play) as another Redmond/Tadic style player, not a box-type striker. I like to see one guy out there who can hold up the ball, win in the air, and create chances around the goal.

Boufal isn't a striker, he's a creator in midfield. How many goals has he scored the past two years? I think I read 4 somewhere. He's a #10

People are unrealistic about strikers. A top striker gets lets say 15 goals in the PL. That is about 1 goal every 2.5 games, so even the top guys go 1-2 games without scoring. Scoring in the PL is not easy. There are top defenders and a limited number of decent chances.

Good game, I'll take the point. We had chances and so did they, an even game in my view. Our strikers are fine, as are all our attackers. Leicester is a tough team and were at home.

Whew

What" We have one guy winning the headers, Austin. And they were all tough chances. No one else is even getting touches in the box. We are giving them fits.

Nice shot. We are playing well. The defense looks solid.

Austin is getting to all the headers. Its a matter of time.

I'm fine with a draw. We beat them soundly at home.

Austin makes a huge difference. Yes for his scoring and runs, but also for being the target. His hold up play, and general good skill in the air, provide something the others don't.

Puel must think Redmond and Romeu can run all day. Most of the rest of the players who will feature on Sunday are either still home (Austin, Fonte, Davis, Bertrand), or sitting on the bench (Tadic, Hojbjerg, Cedric). Along with Forster, and VVD thats 9 out of the 11. My guess is that Redmond and Romeu get substituted out at some point (maybe the half), depending on how the game is progressing.

Interesting, Tadic, Hojbjerg, and Cedric on the bench. I think I like it. Keeps these guys fresher for Sunday even though they will also help today. Good opportunity for Hesketh, and I hope Olomola gets some time.

This is a great video, and matches what I thought I saw. We look best with Austin in the #9, and Redmond/Long/Tadic in the outside forwards. This is because those positions are getting the ball a lot of time in open space, out near the boundaries. This takes advantage of their quickness and pace. The #9 is more of a central striker, and is also usually in the position to play the longer "hold up" type ball, which Austin is the best at for us.

Yep. Left behind Austin, Fonte, Bertrand, and Davis. Maybe you will see them at that pub in London again tonight.

Would like to see Hesketh get some more time.

Exactly. Why is it assumed they were ****ed? Because Austin had a stain on his shirt (which could have happened from anything) or because Forster had camera flashes go off in his face? Its likely they went there to unwind and have a beer, thats it. No stumbling around, picking up girls, etc. This is a non story.

With the exception of Forster they all look fine, and he could have just been taken at the wrong time. I see nothing wrong with having a few beers before their day off. Plus I do like the bonding aspect of it. I wish more players were there, maybe there were and the paparazzi buy just saw them?

This looks good for me except I'd sit Forster too. Bring on some subs in the second half if necessary, but lets not get tired for Leicester.

On the post match show with Thierry (you know the little Redmond guy), I thought it was funny when they showed a picture of Puel grimacing on the sidelines. It was 3-0 at that point, yet Puel was still complaining about something. Thierry said yep, that's his happy face.

In my book, I never understand why people always throw money at Carroll. He's usually hurt or ineffective. He seems to only play the last 20 minutes where the team is hoping for the in the box header. I don't know why he is considered better than others.