01 Aug 2026 16:39:42
Well, another good performance, this time against Atleti.
Totally deserved victory with some excellent football being played especially first half, this being the most important thing.
Man of the Match for me was Mason Mount, he played the full game alongside Andrey Santos, who again played very well. Mount though was excellent, some of his passing was top notch and even his defensive work was impressive. If only he can stay fit!
A player I really like, and have posted about before, Shea Lacey, also put in a top performance following his Man of the Match show last week against Rosenborg. Most of the time he was playing as a No10. I think Carrick is going to have some decisions to make here, he definitely deserves first team opportunities.
Leny Yoro also continuing to do well at right back and Ayden Heaven looked pretty comfortable.
JJ Gabriel also made his debut with 10 mins left, hopefully the first of many, many times we see him.
As for Atleti, as expected, it was 3 at the back and playing on the break. Even in a friendly their keenness for the dark arts shone through, some of the holding at corners made Arsenal look amateurish. It was just like watching the South Americans at the World Cup again.
To think an esteemed (? ) poster on here has often stated his wish for Simeone to be our Manger. I say No, No and indeed thrice No. There would be real reason to complain if that happened.
01 Aug 2026 18:16:55
I think Lacey should be in the squad, he's ready to play. I hope there's a couple of others who can step up this year, too. The club has high hopes for Tyler Fletcher, albeit his brother got more minutes than him last year.
01 Aug 2026 19:43:12
I think it's been confirmed both are in the squad for the season, AJH.
Collyer, Gore, Amass, Vietk look to be on their way out with Fredrickson.
Lacey did well today in the friendly. He still looks like he needs to strengthen up, but there's lots of time for that. He showed he can beat his man either outside or cutting in. Good option to have.
01 Aug 2026 20:26:06
Lacey did himself no favors last year with that very sophomoric second yellow red card. He looks like a talented player.
01 Aug 2026 21:00:06
Toro at right back again. Just saying.
Carrick obviously fancies him there, otherwise why waste a pre-season playing here.
01 Aug 2026 21:04:17
I love watching Lacey. Bit of a throwback street baller. Very clever on and off the ball. I'm very excited to see what he can bring to the team this season.
Excuse the overused phrase, but he really looks like a new signing.
01 Aug 2026 21:08:51
Lacey is our Foden, but the problem is where does he fit atm. He should be out on loan next season to develop and play week in, and not just cameos from the bench. He's going to be a brilliant player.
Have to say Yoro and Heaven were brilliant today.
02 Aug 2026 10:06:06
It has been said before that Carrick played at Middlesborough with one of his full backs being a centre back, allowing the other full back to be more aggressive. It looks like he is trying that with Yoro. He also looks comfortable moving forward with the ball, so could adapt to this role successfully.
It may be a needs basis at the moment, with Maz/Dalot still not back, but I would not be surprised to see it continue.
It will be interesting with Heaven, as I think he should get a lot of minutes this year, just whether he will get those over Martinez.
Lacey should definitely be in the first team this year. He does not appear fazed by anything, and, whilst we need to dampen expectations, having him come on as a sub against tired legs would be scary and offer us a different type of player.