Livermore, Gibbs, Gayle

[BaggieSingh]

Thought Livermore played really well for the first time in an Albion shirt, it could be he’s a confidence player and BD has finally got his head in a place for him to play the way that he supposedly can do

I thought the last few games Gibbs has got better n better he’s much more likely to pass forwards previously he was very negative and a square ball merchant which was so unlike the Gibbs we saw at Arsenal

Gayle has been outstanding every game, just makes me so happy just to see him chase hurry defenders and play with a big smile on his face

Barnes like Gayle has been really good and is so positive in his play and passing and it’s great to have Phillips back to the player he can be and was for us previously.

Hegazi seems to be getting better especially at crosses

But we are still missing that leadership in midfield, I think everyone can see that Brunt although is trying isn’t what we need alongside Livermore

When we are under pressure I don’t think any of the centrehalves or midfield are pushing and pulling our players around to focus everyone

Brunty tries but whenever I see him talking to other players I think he is a bit negative rather than a leader, it mainly consists of shrugging and pointing, instead of tackling and taking ownership and dishing out some advice

We could easily have drawn that game due to carelessness and inability to manage the game out and I hope BD can see that too

On the upside getting Dawson back in is a bonus and hopefully will forge a good partnership with Hegazi and any other CB. I’d like him to be more vocal though

COYB

[Lost city albion]

Thought Livermore played really well for the first time in an Albion shirt, it could be he’s a confidence player and BD has finally got his head in a place for him to play the way that he supposedly can do

I thought the last few games Gibbs has got better n better he’s much more likely to pass forwards previously he was very negative and a square ball merchant which was so unlike the Gibbs we saw at Arsenal

Gayle has been outstanding every game, just makes me so happy just to see him chase hurry defenders and play with a big smile on his face

Barnes like Gayle has been really good and is so positive in his play and passing and it’s great to have Phillips back to the player he can be and was for us previously.

Hegazi seems to be getting better especially at crosses

But we are still missing that leadership in midfield, I think everyone can see that Brunt although is trying isn’t what we need alongside Livermore

When we are under pressure I don’t think any of the centrehalves or midfield are pushing and pulling our players around to focus everyone

Brunty tries but whenever I see him talking to other players I think he is a bit negative rather than a leader, it mainly consists of shrugging and pointing, instead of tackling and taking ownership and dishing out some advice

We could easily have drawn that game due to carelessness and inability to manage the game out and I hope BD can see that too

On the upside getting Dawson back in is a bonus and hopefully will forge a good partnership with Hegazi and any other CB. I’d like him to be more vocal though

COYB

well said

[Leicesterbaggie]

Thought Livermore played really well for the first time in an Albion shirt, it could be he’s a confidence player and BD has finally got his head in a place for him to play the way that he supposedly can do

I thought the last few games Gibbs has got better n better he’s much more likely to pass forwards previously he was very negative and a square ball merchant which was so unlike the Gibbs we saw at Arsenal

Gayle has been outstanding every game, just makes me so happy just to see him chase hurry defenders and play with a big smile on his face

Barnes like Gayle has been really good and is so positive in his play and passing and it’s great to have Phillips back to the player he can be and was for us previously.

Hegazi seems to be getting better especially at crosses

But we are still missing that leadership in midfield, I think everyone can see that Brunt although is trying isn’t what we need alongside Livermore

When we are under pressure I don’t think any of the centrehalves or midfield are pushing and pulling our players around to focus everyone

Brunty tries but whenever I see him talking to other players I think he is a bit negative rather than a leader, it mainly consists of shrugging and pointing, instead of tackling and taking ownership and dishing out some advice

We could easily have drawn that game due to carelessness and inability to manage the game out and I hope BD can see that too

On the upside getting Dawson back in is a bonus and hopefully will forge a good partnership with Hegazi and any other CB. I’d like him to be more vocal though

COYB

An excellent summary of this season to date.

[talkSAFT]

That's a good point (sadly) about Brunty's leadership. Last season when the armband burden was taken off him, he got back to his old flair, and that's his best role - not Defensive Midfield.

[sweeper5]

That's a good point (sadly) about Brunty's leadership. Last season when the armband burden was taken off him, he got back to his old flair, and that's his best role - not Defensive Midfield.

I agree entirely with this.When given the armband in the past, his game changed completely. Now that Dawson is back, why not make him Captain and use Brunt for his ability to deliver the ball or even score goals from afar. This might mean he has to start on the bench.

[holmleighchris]

I don't think it would suit Dawson to be captain. Livermore maybe.

[Prando]

Agree with the sentiment and I believe that Brunty himself may wish to relinquish the captaincy, but it is difficult to see a way clear to achieve this without him losing face. I certainly would not wish to see him humiliated in any way.
The Dawson option is a runner, providing his teammates will respond. Maybe there is a ‘Alistair Cook’ type option allowing some sort of captaincy retirement allowing a designate position...indeed Livermore

[sweeper5]

I don't think he would lose face, Prando. When Pulis brought in Fletcher and promptly made him Captain, Brunt just got on with playing as best he could. Brunt has been a fantastic servant over the years he has been with us; the big question would be,if not captain, would he get game time?

[Prando]

Good point Sweeper buddy. As I commented above I am keen he receives his deserved acclaim for his years of service. The last couple of games I felt he should have been subbed and maybe the captaincy deterred DM ? I certainly not wishing to knock him.