Nah we really struggled to retain the ball up front. Wes was badly missed in my opinion and we could have caused their defenders more problems had he played.
He is awful going forward but he did really well defensively yesterday and against Burnley. I think he is actually probably more suited than Target when we are expected to do a lot of defending. Hopefully this we be his last season with us though.
If he played yesterday that setup wouldn’t have worked. Needed every player prepared to chase all game and get back in to position when needed.
Thanks to him for the memories in his first season and good luck to him wherever he goes.
He does but he seemed a little extra blatant yesterday. Or maybe it was the replays showing it more. He’s the media darling at the moment though so will get his free kicks but it’s a bit risky.
Held the ball up well for us yesterday and bought a lot of fails. Noticed a couple of times he moved his foot to the defenders tackle to earn free kicks yesterday. The ref obliged but he needs to be careful he doesn’t do that too often and we get caught on the break like against Watford.
I actually think he was very poor on the ball but did a very good job protecting the defence all game. Kept the shape with the rest of the team well and was a constant nuisance to players on the ball all game.
Exactly. He will keep learning. I totally get the criticism he is getting but I’m shocked some are writing him off. The lad is very talented. Really hope he doesn’t ever get hounded out by fans like players in the past, E.g. Bannan, Westwood, Bacuna (understandably) even Petrov in his first season.
I don’t know how these teams do it. It always feels like they have an extra man.
Luiz was poor yesterday but he was involved throughout. He never hides. That’s why I think he will always start over Lansbury and Hourihane who tend to go missing and hide in these kind of games.
If one of them had started they wouldn’t be getting the criticism that Luiz is getting because they would hardly be involved. Just passengers.
He was awful on the ball today. Both him and Luiz were. But off it they were both brilliant. Positionally spot on and very disciplined throughout. Ideally though we only need one of them alongside someone who is more composed. Drinkwater perhaps.
He was awful on the ball today. Both him and Nakamba were. But off it they were both brilliant. Positionally spot on and very disciplined throughout. Ideally though we only need one of them alongside someone who is more composed. Drinkwater perhaps.
No we didn’t. We had a game plan against a much better team. Stuck to it and probably should have won.
Clearly the fact you are looking at stats to judge the game proves you don’t actually watch the games.
I shouldn’t keep falling for it but serously give it a rest!
This is harsh. He is erratic but he always wants the ball and covers every blade of grass. He might get rested now we have signed Drinkwater but no way do Hourihane or Lansbury offer as much as him.
It wasn’t pretty but very effective. Perfect game plan executed nearly perfectly but for a moment of madness when we thought we could play it around again. Mings is just unbelievable and credit to Nyland. Very assured performance.
This is how we have to play against the top teams. Especially away from home. Gutted we didn’t win but tie poised nicely for the second leg.
It’s taken half a season but smith has finally accepted we can’t compete with these teams. Player for player they are just much better than us. Have to stifle them and take your chances. It ain’t pretty but it can be effective.
Good first half, hopefully can do the same second.
If you don’t want this guy because hoping that we sign someone else then I get it. If you don’t want this guy as would rather stick with Nyland then I think you’ve lost the plot.