To be without Hendo from the start and have Jota instead of Mane centrally was a bit risky. Not the only reason for our poor first half of course. But I prefer Mane there, especially in big games when we have to play in both directions.
If he and Salah were in even decent form, we’d likely walk the remaining fixtures. Unfortunately, they are not, though Jota has that uncanny ability to pop up with a goal out of nowhere, even if he’s far, far from his best. I prefer when he’s playing centrally, to be honest, though he also has the ability to pick up the ball from a deeper position and go on mazy runs - sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. I still think he should be playing much closer to goal than in the last few games.
We’ve probably seen the best of his finishing ability, now I hope he adds consistency to it. When it comes to his overall game, for me it’s mainly about forging an understanding with Robertson/Tsimikas and Alcantara, though when he and Diaz are on the pitch together, there is potential for fireworks as both as hard working and capable of magic.
1 Like
Firstly, we wouldn’t. That kind of thinking is exactly the complacency that many accuse our players of.
Secondly, Salah’s in good form, he’s doing most things right, just can’t get the shot right. His numbers otherwise are barely different from when he was scoring bags of goals.
2 Likes
True. He’s still picking up assists. He’s still creating havoc for the defenders, who try to double up in that area. He’s tracking back a lot as usual as well. Of course, he’s not on his 5 goals in 3 games streak, but even without the goals, he’s one of the first names on the team sheet.
As for Jota, his numbers are great, but he just needs to keep improving his link up play. Anyway, with games every three days or so, need all of them.
1 Like
Salah for me is not in good form, he is messing up a lot of good chances and on other times his passing is off which us the same as Jota. Yes he does occupy 2 players, but atm he is selecting the wrong option when in good positions. One thing you cannot fault him for, as with Jota us theur effort. Fir me since the World cup loss he has list a little if his sparkle in around the box. Which the stats are showing.
Need Diogo and Mo to get back to form for these next games. Need them.
Hotter than Roy Evans I guess…
1 Like
Still accurate, just without the finishing sadly. Needs to have a rethink as each time he’s come on or start he looks out of place.
Not changed, needs a reset over summer.
Looked way better last night than he has been in last few months.
5 Likes
FFS! Hate this Nations League more!
