2 minutes ago, axman2526 said:

Would be better with Kante I am sure but RLC is head and shoulders above any other midfielder we have right now in Sarri's system, Kante included.

Yes Kante has to be in there 100%, but I do think you think that this is a very good alternative.

9 minutes ago, Phillip said:

You are joking, right?

Chewing used cigarette ends? No way! Would they not be all soggy? (Not a smoker so not sure if that would be the case)

Half time.

 

think we need another goal here just to ease the nerves 

Just now, Jezq8 said:

Half time.

 

think we need another goal here just to ease the nerves 

Yup Frankfurt needed a goal before the game started and they still just need 1 goal.

No way Frankfurt will be able to maintain this high pressing - they'll get knackered as they did in the first leg and we'll hopefully get the second.

Dominant without being spectacular so far. I fully expect Frankfurt to come out in the 2nd half a totally different team. They will throw everything into the next 45 minutes.

6 minutes ago, EdinburghBlue said:

Really? I think Kovacic is so poor at this level. He has a few wee bursts of skills where he goes past a couple of players and then he runs out of ideas.

what "level"? he played some good balls today. having a decent game. 

I think Kovacic is so good technically. Great on the ball and doesn’t give possession away under pressure. I’d keep him as a backup for Kante and Jorginho. He’s not the right player to challenge Ruben for our attacking midfield role.

21 minutes ago, robdog said:

used cigarette butts

you dropped a smoking bomb, some are actually buying it lol

Decent first half. We’ve not been breathtaking but we’ve been pretty comfortable in my opinion.

2 minutes ago, axman2526 said:

Yup Frankfurt needed a goal before the game started and they still just need 1 goal.

Yep always makes this scenario weird over 2 legs. 

Huge credit to Sarri - He has made RLC who he is now. Mourinho and Conte couldn’t figure it out.

Dare I say Sarri will make RLC world class. What a monster.

Just now, dansubrosa said:

Huge credit to Sarri - He has made RLC who he is now. Mourinho and Conte couldn’t figure it out.

Dare I say Sarri will make RLC world class. What a monster.

Hopefully he can do the same with James, Tomori, Mount and Tammy.

1 minute ago, DannyVblue said:

I think Kovacic is so good technically. Great on the ball and doesn’t give possession away under pressure. I’d keep him as a backup for Kante and Jorginho. He’s not the right player to challenge Ruben for our attacking midfield role.

He's tidy but not much else. He's given the ball away a few times tonight. 

2 minutes ago, Scott Harris said:

Dominant without being spectacular so far. I fully expect Frankfurt to come out in the 2nd half a totally different team. They will throw everything into the next 45 minutes.

Nah, they can’t keep this intense press up.

Decent half and we deserved the lead, but nothing changes from the Germans, they still need a goal regardless.  Kovacic gave the ball away far too often, think he will be subbed sooner rather than later.  Well taken goal by RLC, just picked his spot and passed it in.  Hazard has been ok without really taking the game by the scruff of the neck.  Thought Emerson had a good half as well.

We definitely need another goal, if not two.  They will try and hit us hard after the break, but that should open up some chances for us if we can defend well.  Just need to hold out for 45 minutes, come on!

1 minute ago, Dr Gonzo said:

Yep always makes this scenario weird over 2 legs. 

Sure does, I mean at the mo things seem to be going pretty good. Like it was for Ajax yesterday. Then Spurs hit 2 quick fire goals and everything change. If we switch off like Ajax did then we are in trouble. We have to pay attention from first whistle to the last.

Is it me being a miserable old git or does anyone else feel that for a semi final of a European trophy the atmosphere from our support in shocking.

2 minutes ago, DannyVblue said:

I think Kovacic is so good technically. Great on the ball and doesn’t give possession away under pressure. I’d keep him as a backup for Kante and Jorginho. He’s not the right player to challenge Ruben for our attacking midfield role.

yes, i don't get why he's being criticised again tonight on here. 

Just now, Dean said:

what "level"? he played some good balls today. having a decent game. 

The top end of the PL & a team looking to be in the CL every year. There’s a reason he can’t get near the Madrid team and was on the bench for Croatia in the final. He’s exceptionally gifted at ball retention and keeping the ball in tight spaces but IMO if we’re going to spunk 40m on a player - he is definitely not the player to be doing it on.

Just now, dansubrosa said:

Nah, they can’t keep this intense press up.

I don't think it has been intense though, not compared to how they were last week against us. It feels like they have been holding back so they don't get worn out again.

Just now, Scott Harris said:

Dominant without being spectacular so far. I fully expect Frankfurt to come out in the 2nd half a totally different team. They will throw everything into the next 45 minutes.

Oh no, I've seen enough matches overturning the result from the first match in Europe this season!

Colleagues shuffling around like zombies today, and I couldn't even comfort them as I totally blame those f**kwit Ajacides for letting Spurs win 

Ruben is our best player. Which is nice. 

Just now, Lambeth Walker said:

Is it me being a miserable old git or does anyone else feel that for a semi final of a European trophy the atmosphere from our support in shocking.

The Germans are embarrassing us. In our defence though it’s probably full of day trippers and out of towners.

Just now, Lambeth Walker said:

Is it me being a miserable old git or does anyone else feel that for a semi final of a European trophy the atmosphere from our support in shocking.

It's usually much louder at the Bridge for a big European game like this one.