18 Jul 2019 09:46:14
Question to you all, would you rather get Zaha for that amount of money or throw on a defender which is much needed.

1.) 18 Jul 2019
18 Jul 2019 11:02:34
Good question Moe, I think the answer really depends on Emery, if he is going to pursue his win 5 3 philosophy them it wouldn't make any difference at all which defenders we brought in because the game plan is already fatally flawed so we might as well enjoy Zaha skill and accept our europa league place maximum level.
On the other hand if Emery has learned from last season and is prepared to ditch his win 5 3 philosophy for a more sensible one that includes the values of not conceding as well as the values of scoring goals then I'd go defender everytime.
I genuinely don't think If we'd had Van excellent in our defence last season he would have made any difference to our defence because as much as the personel we have might not be not be top notch Emery philosophy of last season Did and always will make them look much worse than they actually are.

2.) 18 Jul 2019
18 Jul 2019 11:40:12
I can't deny being slightly excited about Zaha. Would love the deal to come through. However, I wouldn't choose him instead of a commanding centre back. I would much rather give Nelson a decent run and go for Maguire or similar. It so frustrating watching our quality attack be destroyed by a pathetic back line. I think the bigger question however, is whether Emery could coach and teach a back line to work solidly together. No point having a rear engine beast full of aggression and traction ruined by a terrible driver. I hope Emery could succeed, but without actually buying a decent defender we will never know.

3.) 18 Jul 2019
18 Jul 2019 12:50:58
The more sensible option is to buy Everton, Tierney and a Cb and rb for the same price it would cost to buy Zaha as much as a like him.

4.) 18 Jul 2019
18 Jul 2019 13:11:46
I would have mixed feelings about Zaha. Yes he is a very good player who has shown his ability in the premiership, so that's a massive tick. However, his role is quite specialist, so in signing would that mean PEA or Lacca would once again have to be benched, or do we play them as a front 3, which looks exciting on paper but would force PEA to play in a wider position, which based on last season is not his strongest position.

So you would you gain on one hand (Zaha) but lose on the other (PEA) ? Also with this where do you play Ozil. No way can he be part of the midfield 3, and so you end up permanently benching you 300k per week player? Therefore would we be better off signing players who would best fit into a team playing PEA and Lacca as 2 strikers, perhaps with Ozil in the whole behind? (ie Diamond 4-4-2) . Could Zaha play as part of a midfield 3, would that waste his talent?

5.) 18 Jul 2019
18 Jul 2019 16:19:22
I would rather a commanding CB.

6.) 18 Jul 2019
18 Jul 2019 16:34:30
My point is our scoring record is great but our conceding record was also great as big. While we are trying to enforce our attack I think we should add a quality CB with that money and tied up the back a little. I would love Zaha in our shirt but spend big on a player when you more in need for someone else.

7.) 18 Jul 2019
18 Jul 2019 19:00:27
If Emery changes his thinking on and value of the art of defending then real improvement is possible both with or without new defenders but new faces playing the same way would simply be a waste of time.

8.) 18 Jul 2019
18 Jul 2019 19:11:29
Epping mate, I think it will work having Zaha in the team both him and Auba on either side of Laca as a front 3. In a 433 formation. In the midfield w hI think he will play xhaka and Torreria behind ozil. Looks good on paper.
Would love to have Fakeri (spelling) instead of ozil but our man is staying put for a long time.

9.) 18 Jul 2019
18 Jul 2019 21:46:39
I don't think Emery will play Mesut much at all Moe mate, I think he will try and pausude him to move else where in January or next summer by only using him in cups or when forced, it's no secret like Ramsey Dick doesn't want Mesut in his squad at all.

10.) 19 Jul 2019
19 Jul 2019 12:46:08
It does look good on paper MG, but as the old joke goes, its a shame we play on grass not paper! As G62 says, i doubt we will play Ozil much, but if we did I would still love a big powerhouse to come into midfield, especially if we did dare play the 4-3-3 you suggest with both the front 3 and Ozil. Always been a fan of Kondogbia, and its someone like him i would love to park in the middle of the pitch.