Make a fair bit of sense he didn’t do much pre season and then he sort of sat out the games during it.
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It looks to me he is tentative and still getting used to the physicality. Ive even seen him make ground to tackle, and then he often pulls out. He doesnt seem to open his legs when he runs, always preparing to slow up and go around. It seems to derive from this one thing, a lack of tenacity.
Yes, definitely, but that can also cause muscle and groin injuries. I’m hopeful it was just a cramp.
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No just thatit was putting up with the theatrics of the Simeone team without retaliating. We won again under a lot of pressure but the crowd played their part in pushing them over the line.
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I am lost at referees, surely they should be aware of the play acting, gamesmenship and use of dark arts that Athletic use?
It baffles me that they get away with blue murder, when everyday football fans can see what is going on.
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Deserve it for that Covid spreader.
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It was fun to watch and good enough to get the 3 points against a strong and difficult opponent.
We have some issues with certain players (hello Kerkez, though you are not alone) and the team is not yet truly drilled, so I am a bit careful of being too critical (because obviously our team just cannot be 100% drilled yet).
But we fought well and we were actually interested in the goal of the opponent and crossing the midfield as often as we could, which is light years from Slot-Ball; so I am very happy. A bit more worrisome regarding the league to get enough points for Top 4 in the first season, but I think we will get there too eventually. But in Big Games, I think we will do quite okay. More worried about the “normal” games against supposedly weaker opposition, if I am honest. But I am happy. Very happy. For now 
There is really no reason to be very critical at all. Not yet. Not now.
That’s my ultra deep post match thoughts.
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What puzzled me was, it is one thing letting them get away with shithousery at their place but away from home they get away with murder.
https://x.com/LFC/status/2097799956434215146
https://x.com/TheRedmenTV/status/2097775370602746316
Look at Araujo 
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Brilliant game to watch, especially in the pub where every neutral was entranced too. Individual analysis is pretty much like everyone elses tbh. Best bits for me was the way we again improved on the last game, showing the cohesion and understanding is coming.
Even more exciting was the way we kept up the effort and focus for 90 minutes and showed we were the fitter team. We wore them down and they couldn’t match us. That performance is not happening last season because after 60 mins we would have fallen apart. Credit to Andoni, coaches and the fitness team for getting our boys back to peak condition and the pressing monsters we love to see.
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We may all agree or disagree on various performances, but I am sure we all agree that most of our players look a lot better under Iraola.
We look fitter and better coached in every aspect, and I think most also think there is more to come.
Love the resurgence of Macca, and suddenly Virg looks back to his best with someone he trusts as a partner.
Long may this continue and a joy to watch again.
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Kerkez had an up and down game. Barcola missed a sitter. Araujo is a breath of fresh air at FB and really nice flick for the assist to Szobo. Wirtz and Isak are back to their groove. Frimpong really cannot get himself onside, can he?
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Got the win that will do.
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Random thoughts:
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Grav is playing like he knows he lost his place in the team… and may not get it back especially if Macca continues to shine in the midfield 2.
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Too early to move Barcola around… he should of started on left. While adapting and building confidence. We need him to hit the ground running.
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its interesting what happens when etitike comes back. Its a shame either him or isak will be on bench.
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No Gakpo, No goals for Isak
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Virgil must be ecstatic having JJ and Araujo with him on defense.
Also We should extend Virgil contract… maybe 1yr plus an option.
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