- Jun 13, 2008
- 21,889
- 32,561
Well, someone had to.....
Forget the first half stroll, even the end of the game, the only bit that mattered was that 15-20 mins spell where the game completely turned around. When the opposition had their tails up, the heat was on, we were under pressure and on the back foot, what did we learn….. That the likes of Sissoko, Son, and Alli, for all their improvement of recent weeks, just don’t have the ability to get a grip of a game and control – keep the ball instead of the flicks, take the sting out of the game and play possession ball under pressure. We got example #47897892789 that when we’re under the cosh; Dier (central midfield version) is nowhere to be found, quelle surprise. That’s not to say the defence was blameless, but in the centre of the park was where we needed something the most at that stage, and it didn’t happen.
Then we have to mention Poch, because he deserves stick for that fuck-up too. Firstly, let’s talk defending set pieces. Apart from our general susceptibility at them, I’d love to be able to ask him why he doesn’t think opposition players standing on the edge of the box need marking. Maybe if one of the journalists are reading this and want to go off-script they could ask him for me….. This ‘tactic’ has already cost us in a big game, go back and watch the 3rd goal in the FA Cup semi final last year, and tonight it allowed them that path back into the game. So soft, so avoidable, and really no excuse.
We also got confirmation in the second half that he indeed doesn’t give a shit about this competition. No changes in that chaotic spell when we need to find some control from somewhere, and then at 3-2 down takes off all our attackers – including our main aerial presence and target man when it is obvious we are going to be camped around their area for the remainder of the game. Then, in those latter minutes, the classic ‘lets hoof the ball into the box for no-one’ when you have Dier + two centre backs stood back who you could tell to go stand up front and at least have someone to aim at…. But no.
It doesn’t matter if this was the 4th rate competition or the biggest of games, you praise the team/manager when you think they do well, and criticise when you feel they don’t. And tonight, League Cup or not (and it’s not as if the trophy cabinet is well stocked…), turned into an embarrassment. If we’re aspiring for the very top we have to stamp out these aberrations. It deserves criticism.
Vorm – Couldn’t really be faulted for any of the goals.
Foyth – Mostly did well and looked calm and composed, a bit less easy for him second half. His one real error was punished for the second goal unfortunately.
Alderweireld – First half was his best of the season, then started creaking a bit in the second.
Davies – Ok first half. Meh second.
Trippier – Meh.
Dier – You’re a centre back.
Rose – A few good moments, most of the time looked rusty.
Sissoko – First half was fairly decent, and had the perfect ‘bulldozer’ opportunity to finish off a nice move for the opening goal. Second half showed that controlling a midfield is beyond him…
Alli – That central midfield maturity is still a work in progress…..
Son – Lively first half, guilty of carelessness with the ball in that crucial second half spell.
Llorente – Some classy touches and was a big part of the opening goal, but I would like to see him play with a touch more intensity and aggression… I don’t remember him being so languid at Bilbao for instance(?).
Subs:
Dembele – Dembele-d around for a few mins, should probably have been on earlier.
Eriksen – Should have been on 20 minutes earlier.
Nkoudou – Just why.
Forget the first half stroll, even the end of the game, the only bit that mattered was that 15-20 mins spell where the game completely turned around. When the opposition had their tails up, the heat was on, we were under pressure and on the back foot, what did we learn….. That the likes of Sissoko, Son, and Alli, for all their improvement of recent weeks, just don’t have the ability to get a grip of a game and control – keep the ball instead of the flicks, take the sting out of the game and play possession ball under pressure. We got example #47897892789 that when we’re under the cosh; Dier (central midfield version) is nowhere to be found, quelle surprise. That’s not to say the defence was blameless, but in the centre of the park was where we needed something the most at that stage, and it didn’t happen.
Then we have to mention Poch, because he deserves stick for that fuck-up too. Firstly, let’s talk defending set pieces. Apart from our general susceptibility at them, I’d love to be able to ask him why he doesn’t think opposition players standing on the edge of the box need marking. Maybe if one of the journalists are reading this and want to go off-script they could ask him for me….. This ‘tactic’ has already cost us in a big game, go back and watch the 3rd goal in the FA Cup semi final last year, and tonight it allowed them that path back into the game. So soft, so avoidable, and really no excuse.
We also got confirmation in the second half that he indeed doesn’t give a shit about this competition. No changes in that chaotic spell when we need to find some control from somewhere, and then at 3-2 down takes off all our attackers – including our main aerial presence and target man when it is obvious we are going to be camped around their area for the remainder of the game. Then, in those latter minutes, the classic ‘lets hoof the ball into the box for no-one’ when you have Dier + two centre backs stood back who you could tell to go stand up front and at least have someone to aim at…. But no.
It doesn’t matter if this was the 4th rate competition or the biggest of games, you praise the team/manager when you think they do well, and criticise when you feel they don’t. And tonight, League Cup or not (and it’s not as if the trophy cabinet is well stocked…), turned into an embarrassment. If we’re aspiring for the very top we have to stamp out these aberrations. It deserves criticism.
Vorm – Couldn’t really be faulted for any of the goals.
Foyth – Mostly did well and looked calm and composed, a bit less easy for him second half. His one real error was punished for the second goal unfortunately.
Alderweireld – First half was his best of the season, then started creaking a bit in the second.
Davies – Ok first half. Meh second.
Trippier – Meh.
Dier – You’re a centre back.
Rose – A few good moments, most of the time looked rusty.
Sissoko – First half was fairly decent, and had the perfect ‘bulldozer’ opportunity to finish off a nice move for the opening goal. Second half showed that controlling a midfield is beyond him…
Alli – That central midfield maturity is still a work in progress…..
Son – Lively first half, guilty of carelessness with the ball in that crucial second half spell.
Llorente – Some classy touches and was a big part of the opening goal, but I would like to see him play with a touch more intensity and aggression… I don’t remember him being so languid at Bilbao for instance(?).
Subs:
Dembele – Dembele-d around for a few mins, should probably have been on earlier.
Eriksen – Should have been on 20 minutes earlier.
Nkoudou – Just why.