i cannot understand why he isn't getting more game time, to bring Benteke on yesterday instead was the ultimate insult

“That’s a joke son, I say, that’s a joke.” “Nice boy, but he’s sharp as a throw pillow.” “He’s so dumb he thinks a Mexican border pays rent” “ “Son… I say, son, some people are so narrow minded they can look through a keyhole with both eyes.”__ Forhorn Leghorn

When I have watched him most recently, he does not seem keen to put a shift in and do the defensive side.

He’s mainly been deployed wide left, which he may not enjoy so much but sticking to the team plan is a minimum and Edouard doesn’t always do that.

Mateta, on the other hand will always put in a good shift.

Vive le Roy!

He surely poses more of an attacking threat than Benteke although the latter's hold up play is to be admired.

Bringing Benteke on yesterday was the right call. It we were going to score, it was always going to be a scrappy set piece, ala Anderson and Kouyate's headed chances. Benteke buries those. Eduoard wouldn't have offered much different to what Eze/Olise/Wilf were I don't think.

In saying that, I would definitely like to see more of Eduoard. He's got bucket loads more to offer than Mateta in terms of actual class and footballing ability...for some reason it's just not clicking yet.

Definitely this!! Benteke is too predictable and immobile,(basically what you said, statue) at least Ed has got nimble feet and is capable of going at someone.

Edited by monkey (18 Apr 2022 11.12am)

The Benteke call yesterday I’d argue was the right one.

We weren’t really creating anything from open play and a Benteke header seemed a far more realistic proposition for a goal than edouard on the end of a passing move.

I also think JPM left a lot to be desired in holding up the ball/ getting us up the pitch yesterday and again Benteke preferred option.

I think both JPM and Edouard have a lot more to offer but hypothetical, wishful thinking that they would all of a sudden produce it when needed is a tad unrealistic. We could equally be debating the logic of bringing on an ineffective, low confidence Edouard when we didn’t have any of the ball and Benteke on the bench.

I think Benteke will be gone next season but if JPM and Edouard fail to step up our never ending pursuit of a first choice RB and Striker will continue without sincere financial and well informed backing.

COYP

Now Zaha's got a bit of green grass ahead of him here... and finds Ambrose... not a bad effort!!!!