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Reader Comments (7)

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Jeff Spiers
1 Posted 28/08/2025 at 08:47:01
What was the attendance?
Andrew Ellams
2 Posted 28/08/2025 at 08:49:08
Just under 50,000 Jeff
Mark Murphy
3 Posted 28/08/2025 at 10:13:31
I quite enjoyed that! It was a million miles away from past, nervy, early rounds matches against lower opposition and we dealt with Mansfield comfortably.
I thought Alcaraz was exceptional in the first half and it was great to see Mykolenko back and seemingly comfortable. Armstrongs performance was also a bonus and I think we should use him in the squad rather than loan him out, unless we get more midfielders in this window.
Ashley Krotosky
4 Posted 28/08/2025 at 11:31:32
Yes there's progress from last year's exit v Southampton, in terms of bench quality, but several (well known) squad areas still too thin, and a couple of injuries here and there will again reveal the threadbare limits of the squad. This includes LB where VM seems to be injury prone, and Aznou may not be ready. How about bringing in Chilwell anyone?

We are hoping that playing in Europe will put the likes of Palace, Forrest, Villa, Newcastle etc under strain in the PL, so that we can leapfrog some to replace them in Europe next year. If some players, (Armstrong, Chermitti, Aznou etc) can be improved by playing elsewhere, regularly on loan, -and stay registered, they could be put to good use next season- should qualification for Europe be achieved, when a much larger squad would be needed.

Ian Bennett
5 Posted 28/08/2025 at 11:51:25
there was a fair amount of segregation with mansfield fans taking their cup allocation.

It was sold out last night, but didn't meet capacity due to segregation or fans buying tickets and not turning up.

Tommy Carter
6 Posted 28/08/2025 at 12:10:08
@4 Ashley

I would favour a move for either Zinchenko or Kiwior from Arsenal ahead of Chilwell.

I can't see that either will get much playing time this season with the amount of top class defenders Arsenal have.

A loan move for Kiwior would be my preferred option. With Mykolenko his deputy and Aznou put out on loan.

Andrew Merrick
7 Posted 28/08/2025 at 12:35:46
The squad is much improved from this time last year, having Myko back made the shape better. Seamus lasted the game, and although the opposition was not prem, the new longer pitch adds a bit to match fitness.
Barry is yet to convince me, but he is one of many on a learning curve.
Mcneil seems to get good stats, but isn't so good on the eye due to him having no right foot at all.
Alcaraz and Armstrong are coming on really well so overall the squad depth is really coming along, BUT we so need a quality RB.

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