Scout report thread -- Cody Gakpo A critical analysis of the Dutchman's game. All RTs, likes and shares are appreciated!

Think that McConnell shot sums up this game.

...need more from Elliott/Chiesa to provide width and make the aforementioned runs. McConnell passing range not there either - so unsure about this tactical switch because it blunts the rhs. Also opens the threat on transitions for Wright if he is drifting into the centre.

Few ways to combat this. One is go to the FB early and back inside to the DM first touch with the other pivot player on the horizontal line for a give and go / easy pass to then feed the far side.

And how he's been taken off. What a pointless, confidence dampening move in an already confidence shot side. Sense.

...in behind for the ball over the top. Salah/Bradley, Salah/Szoboszlai, Gakpo/Robertson did this well. Threat from range adds to our potency so much more than people realise — likes of Szo/Gravenberch/MacA mop up 2nd balls outside the area and we saw Grav's ability from range.

All mentality. Arsenal look cold in a cauldron which Newcastle are thriving in. Fouls, shoves, digs, driving up the crowd (Tripper/Bruno G) has built up. Volume levels go up 2/3x notches when Arsenal have possession in their first line, anticipating a mistake. Its incredible.

I've never seen Saliba and Gabriel so nervous vs a CF. Particularly the former — the duel in the lead-up to the goal was one the Frenchman usually eats up for breakfast but he looked very tentative here.

Hahaha... long to Soucek who dominates Cucurella from their own half - won the next ball and goal.

@RyanH_LFC There's no point selling for cheap in a January window where there's not many seekers for transfers at all. Summer better.

Would like to see Soucek as the 10 and Soler next to Irving. Gives West Ham more direct option from Cresswell (diagonal as Soucek peels towards Cucurella, for e.g.). Current West Ham pivot aren't technically clean enough to receive and turn/play on the half-turn.

@krawf24 The size thing is incredible, Kovacic looks like a minion compared to his opposition

@LeGMJames11 Their lack of size is incredible and those that do are pathetic in duels.

... lack of players in halfspaces making runs to draw Arsenal pivot player deeper with which opens up space on edge of area.