He has to cover most of the defensive midfield alone. Not much assistance from Schlupp. Just follow him thru the game and see how often he jogs around between players, and most of his passes are going sideways or backwards. In a 4-3-3 formation Schlupp is of very little use defending.
Think that is why Doucoure has ended up 5 yellow - too much ground to cover.

Having just given TL nightmares re Gordon's likely availability for Saturday, time to turn to last night's match.

Firstly, I was at the match and, therefore, probably viewed things differently to those who watched on tv.

- I found it a very entertaining game with two sides trying to play quick progressive football for the most part.
- their goal was well worked with a couple of neat short flicks, in the centre of the pitch setting up a great pass out to the new LB/wing-back whose cross was just as good as the one Olise put over for Eze's goal. If we had scored that goal our fans would have been purring and rightly so.
- the atmosphere in the ground was transformed when Eze scored so early in the second half. Half time blues evaporated in an instant and the way we attacked in the next 15 minutes helped keep the fans buoyant and optimistic.
- both I and those next to me in the Glazier lounge stand were pleased to see both Ayew and Mateta come on when they did because we needed fresh legs. Both players did what they had clearly been sent on to do, harassing the opposition and, in Ayew's case, winding down the clock by winning fouls.

Yes, I'd have loved to have seen us score a third goal, but Wolves defended well for the most part.

Everton will be another tough game, especially now that Doucoure will be absent. It will be interesting to see how PV decides to set us up for that one. Obviously, I want us to win but I'll be happy with a point.

He got caught up the pitch, I've seen it in the academy side as well.

He did track back but his initial position was too far forward.

Hmm, not a bad tactic as long as we go in 0-0 at half time and we tighten up defensively, especially the first 20 when we often go missing altogether. For obvious reasons and as you alluded to, chasing the game is not ideal.

I agree, I thought he played well. Made a nuisance of himself by pushing forward more often than he usually does. The goal imo was more Mitchell’s fault. He needs to learn to stand sideways on to the game so he can see those attacking his post as well as those in the centre. He often gets sucked in thinking he is helping the centre half.out but in doing so leaves a big space at the far post.

He looked round for someone to blame, but really he needed to have one eye on Traore himself.

Don’t know how he’s managed it, but Anthony Gordon is playing tonight and has just picked up his 6th booking of the season. Surely it’s a 1 game ban after 5 yellows.