Completely agree.

I've always thought that (when watching JMP in real life) he like to shoot early, little flicked finishes etc. Which just isn't inline with our pedestrian build up.

Also not slagging off Olise, but a right footer on the right would be useful. Ayew cross to Edouard last night was almost a carbon copy of the Sheffield goal. Those crosses are soo hard to defend against

how much is that happy outlook worth in goals over a season? If we can agree that happy outlook roughly translates to optimism, Mateta might be inclined to think he has more of a chance and gamble/press/chase/close down more than Edouard. Some would say there is evidence to support this. I reckon that could = an additional 2-3 goals over a season, however that may be balanced out by Edouard's slightly more composed finishing, which means it makes bugger all difference.

The biggest frustration that we all have is their inability to get involved.

As a good example: Antonio isn't IMO as technically good as either of our 2, nor is he a very good finisher.

But (from memory, I cant be bothered to check) he was heavily involved in the build up of all 3 of WH's goals at the weekend, by simply being in the right place, running and being a nuisance.

If JPM started all 38 games I'd back him to score more, but I'd back us to score more as a team if we had Antonio

Tend to agree with most views here - but why can't we coach Mateta to jump and head the ball properly, if he had half of Benteke's heading ability he could bag 10 or more a season with his finishing. If he gets a run in the team, imho, he would outshine Edouard, who is lazy and often gets caught offside as he can't time his runs properly and drifts into the wrong position. As other have said, we don't get to see them in training, so at the end of the day we have to bow to Roy and Ray's judgements.

I hope Mateta starts on Sunday, just because players should get reward and recognition when they deliver and let's admit, he did save us "egg on face" last night, notwithstanding its been a long time since we had a hat-trick.

Glenn Murray used to say that whatever league you in and whoever you are playing, the Goal is the same size.

“That’s a joke son, I say, that’s a joke.” “Nice boy, but he’s sharp as a throw pillow.” “He’s so dumb he thinks a Mexican border pays rent” “ “Son… I say, son, some people are so narrow minded they can look through a keyhole with both eyes.”__ Forhorn Leghorn

I also think Mateta deserves a start on Sunday otherwise you disincentive players on the fringes.

However.. get him heading the ball more in practice and running to the back post in anticipation of crosses. He tends to get lost in the box. I’m not sure he’s got great game awareness including the ability to second guess where ball is going to land but you can’t really teach that. Hence get him running to back post in training where he has a better chance especially with his height and Wards overhit crosses.

His ability to strike the ball well in open play is undisputed.

The beatings will stop when morale improves.