It is a very weird decision. If he has been ok but nothing special then fine, but to win PotM and get dropped, that sends out the wrong kind of message for me.

It is probably why players like Benteke and Luka who have been bang average for far too long don't even look like improving, because they know as soon as they are fit / not suspended anymore they will walk back into the team anyway regardless of how their replacement has played.

I recall that Jairo has been playing through injury in recent games. So it’s possible he was just dropped to heal.

Poor management imo JR has earned a place i would have played both him and PVA Tosun being injured made it an easy choice Ayew up front.

All true

He deserves a place in the Midfield the balance doesn't seem to be right in there with 3 defensive or non creative midfielders.

he would actually add balance in the midfield, as he's left footed. The problem is Luka is totally undroppable, when hes under achieving week on week. Thank god he got outpaced and committed another tactical foul, he ll be suspended again soon! A midfield three of jairo, mcarthur and ck has far more balance

Criminal decision.

We're lacking severely in midfielders who can actually use their brain to get into good positions to receive the ball and start to initiate attacks going forward. I still remember his performance against Man City in the 0-0 draw at home a while back and he was superb in front of the back four. He's had a run of games and is improving, we need to start putting more of an attentive approach to developing players - but we don't.

Ayew looks to be a shoe in behind the striker, he carries the ball so well and would work brilliantly I feel with Tosun. We've finally got our wingers back, we just need to seriously (well Hodgson) find a way to crack this lack of spark and creativity from the centre of the park.

Jairo is 23 years of age, he's at a prime age to develop by playing in his desired position in this division. In two years time he would be worth treble what we paid for him, you could half understand if we had Cabaye in the middle and we were strong in that area but we look below average there.

Not to forget a trio of PVA, Jairo and Zaha linking up could be a stuff of dreams.

Even when luka's banned roy will play mcarthy mcarthur kouyate:S:

Cracking post. Jairo was magnificent in that game and wasn't seen again

So was fosu mensah wasn't he? To be fair he was pretty shit

Luka is one more booking away from another ban so he maybe out again soon.

Needs to stay out of trouble for the next 6 matches which i see unlikely!

I agree with all of this, Jairo had earned his place and should have stayed in. What kind of message does it send to him.

Agree. PVA was a must a LB but JR should have had a go in the middle. Even as a sub.

Ward Tomkins Cahill PVA
AT McArthur Kouyate/Luka Meyer/JR Wilf
Ayew/Tosun

Tosun being out meant we could play JR PVA Meyer once AT is fully fit then JR will not get into RHs team but id like to see him or Meyer. Playing McCarthy and McArthur was to negative its two from Luka McArthur Kouyate for me McCarthy is a squad player.

LOL - I think time is stretching memory a little. He was solid, capable and had a good game which was a surprise to most who had crucified him for a poor debut. Magnificent? Errrmmm.

Don't forget Schlupp with his pace and eye for goal.

when was the last time anyone thought luka was magnificent? unless you're an asian betting syndicate from delhi and youve got a grand on who cant beat the first man from a corner?

Doubtful he'll start today, but I really hope he does. God knows what it'll do to his confidence is continues to be benched.

Must be sat on that bench today thinking to himself what he's doing wrong not to get a look in over that shower of shit in the middle today.

Criminal that he hasn't played.