jb4life

Fact is, 2 games, 2 assists. Barely played any competitive football in the past year. Played out of position. Played in a team last night without Mane, only had Pelle to hit. If you're looking to pick out performances that were weak last night, I can think of a few players ahead of Gaston.

This. People are obsessed with passing sideways and retaining possession. Gaston's first thought is to move the ball forward and create a goal scoring opportunity. I'd like to see him play with Mane, I think he'd have a field day playing in somebody with pace.

Never lost the ball, set up the goal, ran the length of the pitch to set up Pelle. Perfect opp to start him v Villa now Mane is suspended.

Forster Cedric Fonte Yosh Bertrand Wanyama Clasie Tadic Mane JRod Pelle Personally think Mane has to play as a no.10. Far more influential in a central position, and a perfect foil for Pelle.

More like hanging onto the only playmaker left at the club. Perhaps we don't need a genuine playmaker. Maybe Mane plays the 10 position so well it's actually on the wings we need to sharpen up? Although saying this, when your West Brom's, West Ham's come to St Mary's, somebody who can play a killer ball is needed. The last two seasons tell you that.

Agree with virtually all of that. West Ham away was huge. Morgan's performance in that game was the best individual performance I witnessed all season.

I'd hang onto him until we can actually find an attacking midfielder to replace him with. There's no point in losing Gaston if we can't find an upgrade. Otherwise we're at risk of bringing in another Elia or Djuricic.

Tadić can go missing for long periods. But there's no denying he has been the catalyst for a lot of key moments in big games this season. Assists and goals against Liverpool (away), United (away), Arsenal (cup), Chelsea (home and away). Wouldn't be too quick to get rid of creative players who can perform against the better teams.

4th. We've won the FA cup. Getting into the champions league would be a far greater achievement.

Agree to disagree. I'd say we have two forwards to pick from - Pelle and Long. But only one creative midfielder - Tadić. Lack depth in both positions tbf.

People are analysing gaston far too much on this thread. He's better than Mayuka, and Mayuka has been a bit of a regular on the bench. Therefore keeping him wouldn't be that ridiculous a decision.

Bolasie. A winger in form who can pick a man out and run at a defender. Been crying out for one since punch left.

The midfielders being named are all very good players and based on overall performances and the expectations of the prem, they probably deserve a start ahead of Gaston. I personally believe Gaston offers something nobody else does. I always recall WBA at home last season. We could have played them all day and not scored. Gaston came on, played a chipped ball over the top to Lallana, and we win 1-0. I don't believe any of our midfielders, with the exception of an in form Tadic can produce that moment. Wages are obviously a factor with Gaston. But for pure footballing reasons, we lack a real option to change a game. Sometimes he won't, but he has the ability to. Creative ability that is lacking on our bench, and our first 11 given the number of chances created yesterday.

This. The size of our squad does not give us the luxury of sending players like Gaston out on loan. He might not be the long term answer but he's a pretty good option now. He plays with far more intelligence than the likes of Mane and Mayuka who are just sprinters.