I watched the game and the comments about match fitness are fair, as is the fact that the game was played at altitude in Denver.
We also played with Dembele and Dier in "not regular" positions.
Having said that, we still do not have many ideas on how to create chances. We seem happy to hoof it up to Kane and rely on him. A PL defense will snuff this out. No plan B still. No width still unless it was the rare occasion Walker and Davies made a run. Defense is still a bit of a shambles and I don't know what Chadli was thinking on that handball.....he kind of flung himself wildly into the air without having a clue where the ball was.
If anything this game highlighted the need for a DM and a WF with pace. It's a shame they won't get much, if any preseason with the rest of the team before the PL starts again.
If you're thinking this, just imagine what Poch is thinking, he said back in APRIL that he wanted signings in early.
Dier was out of his depth, Trippier was a revelation - defensively solid and put ball after ball into dangerous areas. I think most agreed on the match thread that he was our MOMwatched the game and also spent some time going back through key segments. Couple of thoughts on us: Dembele role is encouraging, he showed he could play a productive part in the team being pushed further up - some nice attempted passes early, a little cautious as the game wore on. Kane - goal showed Kane the boss. Fantastic. Dier - some good moments in centre mid (decent touch, passes, tackles) but positional challenges. Remember he had Kaka drifting around him which is not easy. Danny Rose still the better left back going fwd and defensively. Trippier disappointing delivery, Walker showed better energy and purpose than anticipated.
Onomah, Winks, Carroll, Alli - all bright moments. Fazio schooled by their quick inside left. Nabil off the pace. Same with Chadli. Wished Andros could have got a run out on the left. Needed to stretch the field a bit.
What does this tell us - Dier needs time to become a centre mid, we are in trouble if Kane gets injured - Shaq not an ideal number 2! Need some pace out wide.
Don't underestimate a team with Kaka and Villa!
Only a friendly but once again showed a lack of cutting edge. Will only get that when we get more pace and somebody to play the type of killer pass that unlocks defences.
I had never seen Tripper before and was impressed. That guy has presence on the pitch. Future captain material!On last night's showing, we still need lots of work in defence. Tripper, again on that showing, deserves to start ahead of Walker.