I understand our injury issues and Pochettino's reluctance to play Gusto from the start but I insist that Poch had no reason to play back 4 if he didn't want to. Maatsen can play as an attacking LB, Disasi as a defensive RB or rather go with a flat back 3 and use Maatsen as a LWB and Sterling as RWB. Or use someone from the Academy. There were options. But I think he gave Newcastle too much respect. He went for stability first before anything. Towards the end, we had Maatsen and Gusto as FBs and heaven didn't fall. Since PSG days, Pochettino seems to have become very pragmatic and doesn't take many risks. A bold manager would've played Maatsen from the start. I'm not saying it's wrong but he needs to find a balance. We could've lost last if he didn't sub on those FBs, especially Gusto.
@Blue_Footy There was a rough 10-15 minute period after Mudryk and Maatsen came on that would have been devastating at the start of the game. So we survived it, and the outcome was spectacular, but it was certainly touch and go
@Blue_Footy If we leak goals you will complain and say he isn’t good enough.. can’t please you!! He should do what he believes in
@Blue_Footy The back 4 wasn’t the issue we conceded the early goal, went down to the error from Badiashile. No one will play with his job, I think he put out the best line up for the game. If Nkuku is fit to start he would have, same with gusto.
@Blue_Footy He doesn't trust Maatsen yet, that's the issue. Gusto wasn't fit enough to play 90 minutes. We have 3 FBs out injured long term. Had no other choice, nothing more to it!
@Blue_Footy Good observe but we forget something, each team has its character n we must first deal with that before going full blast. We u want to take a bath in hot water, there is wisdom in not throwing all ur body into it to avoid been burnt but little by little u tune down its hotness