I don’t think losing today is end of the world, we are so used to our team destroying others the last two season that when we finally brought back down to earth it feels strange. At worst we’re the same quality as other title challengers.
On to today’s game, I feel our front three needs a shake up. Right now they’re frustrating to watch. Too often they’re trying to do too much by themselves and not look for the better option. All three are in ice cold form right now. It also doesn’t help when other teams nullify our front three biggest assets and that’s speed down the flank. Tactically I think our opposition is boxing us out by packing the inside channel with defenders, teams play very compact and narrow against us. We have no where to go but passing it on the periphery. I hope the gaffer change our setup against lesser teams, and maybe play a 4-4-2 to change it up.
Another thing is I think missing the presence of VVD or a set pairing for our CB position is starting to take it’s toll against the boys play. When we constantly slotting in Midfield players to play the CB role, yes it works in a short run but over time it takes away our strong Midfield consistency and form. Same goes to our backline when we constantly having to fill in for injuries, the rhythm and confidence goes away.
I feel we should buy a CB in this window to provide some assurance and consistency at the back. When we have a steady backline the form and confidence will come back to the whole team.
This is one of those years where everything is going against us as a team. It will make us better for the future, plus we are still in a very good position to win the title. Nothing is decided in January, let see what happens come May.
Next Sunday against the Manure will be a statement game from us.
I think clubs have figured out how to close down the space for them in advanced areas. Our crossing and opportunities created from these areas has really deteriorated.
The other thing that really bugs me is the simple fact that we seem to lose the ball a hell of a lot. Simple passes being miss controlled or simply going astray. You cant build any momentum or pressure when you keep gifting the ball to the opposition.
Apparently TAA lost the ball 38 times before he was taken off this evening.
It is all Pickford’s fault, if Virgil hadn’t got injured, I am sure the lads would have played better overall. Tbh, once Virgil was gone, I wasn’t expecting much. I think the team has done very well to stay top at Christmas considering all the injuries were piling up on us from the commence of the season. It is a tall ask to win the league with all our injury problems, but I do believe we will bounce back. In a way, the pressure is off us, the pundits can concentrate piling the pressure on the Manc clubs, let them have it, so our team can quietly beaver away getting back to winning ways
Sure, we have had a few bad games lately, the lads are tired. They have been relentless the last 3 years. It is not easy to stay at the top especially in these Coronavirus times and with the restricted and movements everyone has to go through
As Jurgen said, when there are problems, they will always look for the solution. I think we just got to let this one go. If we win, it is in our destiny, but it is not the end of the world for us if we don’t. Jurgen did deliver the holy grail of the title to us fans last year, so let the team have a year off to come back stronger and the gaffer can build a better team with new signings,
Ox was shit in the first half, as was was stuck between defence and attack and doing neither. We played in effect with 10 men.
In the second, he was given freedom to roam the final third, and looked much better. Whereas in the first half, he would run forward just as Thiago was being pressed, therefor taking himself out the game, after the break his runs were timed better.
The time when we worked the ball to Andy and had three v three runners in tot he box. Unfortunately Andy overhit his cross.
Shaq kept the ball ticking when he came on, but the truth is, he’ll be injured again sometime int he next two weeks.
Sucky night, sucky game, sucky start to the year! The Reds really need to go back to soccer school on taking shots on goal! I’ve seen multiple good chances to score go left, go right, go over, get blocked. I blame our front three for not playing with the skill level they process!
Now having said that my hat is off to Southampton as they played a hell of a fine defensive game, and Ing scoring early on rocked our boat pretty good. At least we have a long break now and if God is looking down on us favorably the season just might be suspended due to C-19. I honestly don’t see us winning the PLLeague this season as with injuries, and our seeming lack of a cohesive offense, it isn’t happening. I’m still rooting for our Reds 100% as their my team.
But the refereeing in that game allowed for those type of situations to occur. The ref set the tempo for pricks like Richarlison to be confident in making stupid reckless challenges that further injured another player Thiago.
That’s what the commentary I was listening too said. It certainly caught my attention. Apparently that’s the highest this season I think by anyone in the PL.
I couldn’t say myself as I wasn’t counting, but it does kind of highlight my concern at how often we are losing the ball, when we really shouldn’t be.
