- Jan 28, 2011
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One swallow maketh not a summer.
Considering how open (and poor their FB was) they were for the first 45 that was a woefully poor return.
Woefully?
thats a bit harsh
One swallow maketh not a summer.
Considering how open (and poor their FB was) they were for the first 45 that was a woefully poor return.
Agree with all but The Mighty Llama. He just wasn't supported by the players around him.Lloris - 6 - Not one of his convincing displays.
Walker - 7.5 - Solid all night.
Fazio - 7.5 - Handled Gomez no problem.
Vertonghen - 7.5
Davies - 7 - Solid.
Bentaleb - 8 - Very very good.
Paulinho - 4 - Useless. Just doesn't play with any heart. Looks scared.
Chadli - 4.5 - Has to score one of his two clear cut chances and should have been more aggressive with the ball in good areas.
Eriksen - 4 - Bit invisible.
Townsend - 7.5 - Biggest attacking threat.
Soldado 1st Half - 7
Soldado 2nd Half - 3
Kane - 5.5 - Couldn't really get involved, needs to play the 9.
Lamela - 3.5 - Useless. Might as well get a track runner if we just want someone to run around and pressure and do nothing when they have the ball.
Mason - NET
Poch - Poor substitutions.
Might be a rough week or two for us. Very possibly going to go out of Europe, underdogs in the cup final, and some tough league matches coming up having just lost to Liverpool. Need to right the ship vs West Ham and then rest up for 2 huge matches. Don't want to go out of Europe again.
At HT we were unlucky not to lead, but on the 90 a draw is probably just about fair. We saw the real Fiorentina second half, they played more like QPR did in the first 45.
Talksport just said we "have a mountain to climb" in the second leg. Bollocks do we. Same team, but with Mason and Kane, we'll rip them to shreds.
And remember - away goals rule applies only AFTER extra time in the wafer. We'll take them way before that, especially given the fitness levels Poch has produced wit his demanding training regime.
I think Classie would be perfect if i'm honest with you.Townsend had a great game, shame he went off. Need to buy a top CM in the summer to rotate with Mason and Bentaleb. Kane needs to play at 9, doesn't suit him being deeper or sharing space with another striker. Worst game from Eriksen in a while
He did also give away a stupid and petulant foul on the edge of our box which led to their goal....
That's the whole problem. Sure, we can put in a big effort Thursday and press hard and fight and maybe get through. They are a good team though and it's no guarantee that we do get through. More importantly, it will mean our players are not fresh for Chelsea in the cup final at the weekend, especially considering they have extra days of rest. It is now almost impossible to advance in Europe and win the cup.Talksport just said we "have a mountain to climb" in the second leg. Bollocks do we. Same team, but with Mason and Kane, we'll rip them to shreds.
And remember - away goals rule applies only AFTER extra time in the wafer. We'll take them way before that, especially given the fitness levels Poch has produced wit his demanding training regime.
They played well yesterday but the lack of final ball, there game of pass it back and forth and not having a clue of how to create a chance in the box yesterday after stretching Fiorentina and getting into position in the final 3rd was INFURIATING.Call it as I see it. When yer shit, yer shit; when yer good, yer good.
If you play well for my club and play with heart and fire and genuine passion and devotion to the cause, I won't deny it.
Woefully?
thats a bit harsh
I must admit, I do miss genuine wing play, beating the full back, delivering a perfect cross striker on the end of it or a late run from midfield coming onto it.
Only if our full backs could provide better final balls our system of play is total.
How often did wingers, let alone the ones we've had over the years, ever actually do this well and consistently ? Wingers are a capricious breed at the very best of times.
I know I am continually repeating myself but this is what full backs should be providing. In Rose and Walker we have two who continually offer the attacking outlet and get into positions and if they were just more composed and mentally together should be providing plenty of this type of service.
Oh and get rid of Vertonghen.
This is so, so true. Last night, Walker & Townsend had the beating of Fiorentina's right side all game and yet they mustered one decent cross between them. Walker kept doing a Cruyff turn and passing back to Andros, who'd inevitably dink a ridiculously floated ball into the 'keeper's arms. Just get it out of your feet and whip it in early; the one time that happened, Soldado flicked on a header and Chadli nearly scored the rebound.I must admit, I do miss genuine wing play, beating the full back, delivering a perfect cross striker on the end of it or a late run from midfield coming onto it.
Only if our full backs could provide better final balls our system of play is total.
What ?
I thought it was the same in the wafer?You're thinking of the Capital One Cup.
Wow. I think Vertonghen's been outstanding in the last few months and for me, he's now very close to his 12-13 form. I can understand someone not agreeing that he's been 'outstanding' but to not rate him at all is just bizarre.Better still, play him at left back, he has the perfect delivery.
I watch Vertonghen (I'm sure you'll disagree) and can't understand what defensive qualities he brings to a CB partnership apart from being left footed...his not a great tackler, he's not that good in the air nor does he posses any great pace or reading of danger. Jan's often out of position and for me worst of all doesn't take responsibility.
I suppose we don't have anything better in our squad at the moment but really hope Pochettinho can improve this having played as a CB.