Suprised Havertz is getting so much stick, isolated when it was 11v11, and then did really well 2nd half, winning fouls, relieving pressure, and defending corners. 

4 games from him, poor against leeds and Everton, although played wide left bizarrely at goodison, but good against spurs and today.

4 minutes ago, Sindre said:

Haven't you asked for a dynamic two or three where all of Kante, Kova and Gallagher takes turns being deep?

I suppose you got a taste of how that would look from Gallagher today.

Jorginho vs Leicester

- 77 minutes played

- 52 passes (88.1%)

- 2 Key passes

- 2 Big chances created

- 5 long balls (3)

- 9 Ground duels (4)

- 2 Interceptions

- 1 tackle

Nicely done match by J5 if you're not jelly.

1 minute ago, big blue said:

Suprised Havertz is getting so much stick, isolated when it was 11v11, and then did really well 2nd half, winning fouls, relieving pressure, and defending corners. 

4 games from him, poor against leeds and Everton, although played wide left bizarrely at goodison, but good against spurs and today.

I must of seen a different game. He was horrid. Touch of an elephant. 

Generational talent and we can only utilise him to win the ball and hold players off. Needs dropping along with Mount. 

12 minutes ago, ZouMan said:

Isn't it amazing how predictable it all is? Of course it would be offside for us and not United, because they pick and choose when to enforce the rules. You can't trust these refs, football fans have zero confidence in them and this is why. It will neve change because those in charge see it as part of what makes the league what it is. I just think it makes a mockery of the game and their job, the standards in Europe are so much higher, even if they have a few howlers themselves.

17 minutes ago, Sindre said:

Haven't you asked for a dynamic two or three where all of Kante, Kova and Gallagher takes turns being deep?

I suppose you got a taste of how that would look from Gallagher today.

Yes. Spot on. That's what I want to see. A midfield that is not so rigid and more dynamic. With players that have the physical abilities and intelligence to be inter-changeable. Players that can defend AND attack and know when to do which. They won't get it right all the time of course, (plus side, adds to the excitement), but the difference it will make to our pace and tempo and the problems it will cause our opponents is something we should be aspiring to IMO. 

Edited August 27, 20223 yr by just

LOL so many strange analysis. I won't bothered analyzing this game, Leicester was just bad. If that was  11v 11, I would be very angry but we won with 10 man so the team definitely deserves some credit.

IMO if Leicester is not careful they can get relegated this season. 

5 minutes ago, just said:

Yes. Spot on. That's what I want to see. A midfield that is not so rigid and more dynamic. With players that have the physical abilities and intelligence to be inter-changeable. Players that can defend AND attack and know when to do which. They won't get it right all the time of course, (plus side, adds to the excitement), but the difference it will make to our pace and tempo and the problems it will cause our opponents is something we should be aspiring to IMO. 

Honestly, it is hard to analyze how sustainable this game plan is. Leicester was just bad. We played 4-2-2-2 against leeds in the 2nd half and it was just disaster waiting to happen. 

Edited August 27, 20223 yr by Bob stark

43 minutes ago, big blue said:

what a second half. must be 2005/06 against west ham when Maniche got sent off we last played over a half with 10 men and won? 

Rode our luck, but couldve and shouldve probably scored a couple more ourselves. 

stressful as always.

I remember this game. I had to rely on Teletext at the time. It was horrible checking the updates to see West Ham go 1-0 up and Maniche sent off soon after. I had to find a radio soon after though because somebody made a mistake on Teletext and had Lampard on a red card too 😆

20 minutes ago, Gol15 said:

Jorginho vs Leicester

- 77 minutes played

- 52 passes (88.1%)

- 2 Key passes

- 2 Big chances created

- 5 long balls (3)

- 9 Ground duels (4)

- 2 Interceptions

- 1 tackle

Nicely done match by J5 if you're not jelly.

He was very good today .. key key player for our win

24 minutes ago, Bob stark said:

Honestly, it is hard to analyze how sustainable this game plan. Leicester was just bad. We played 4-2-2-2 against leeds in the 2nd half and it was just disaster waiting to happen. 

It would need three in midfield Bob. But those players have to able to defend and get forwards when the circumstances allow. Kante and Kova already do this naturally but Kante is more stronger defensively and far faster in recovery situations. 

I actually thought Gallagher was out-shining Jorginho today until the sending-off. It was an awful decision by the kid but it goes back to the point in my previous post, in an inter-changeable midfield the players have to have the physical abilities to attack and defend but just importantly the intelligence to know when to stay and when to go.

Edited August 27, 20223 yr by just

12 minutes ago, just said:

Yes. Spot on. That's what I want to see. A midfield that is not so rigid and more dynamic. With players that have the physical abilities and intelligence to be inter-changeable. Players that can defend AND attack and know when to do which. They won't get it right all the time of course, (plus side, adds to the excitement), but the difference it will make to our pace and tempo and the problems it will cause our opponents is something we should be aspiring to IMO. 

Okay I was just wondering because you seemed to have an issue with Gallagher having to do a "DMs" job before the red card. That isn't really the case I think as a wide variety of players are used to cover in those instances but that's beside the point.

The point was that surely if you had an issue with Gallagher doing that job today then you shouldn't suggest that he's involved in it in the future? Gallagher would be all means be a terrible defensive midfielder in my opinion.

23 minutes ago, Scott Harris said:

Isn't it amazing how predictable it all is? Of course it would be offside for us and not United, because they pick and choose when to enforce the rules. You can't trust these refs, football fans have zero confidence in them and this is why.

It’s been said before many times, but notice the angle they always show these VAR shots from, it’s not even down the line how a good linesman will see it. Always way ahead from high up.

They can do it for photo finish horse racing and goal line tech, but strangely not for VAR, funny that!

Just now, Sindre said:

Okay I was just wondering because you seemed to have an issue with Gallagher having to do a "DMs" job before the red card. That isn't really the case I think as a wide variety of players are used to cover in those instances but that's beside the point.

The point was that surely if you had an issue with Gallagher doing that job today then you shouldn't suggest that he's involved in it in the future? Gallagher would be all means be a terrible defensive midfielder in my opinion.

You're still not getting it. Stop thinking in terms of defensive and attacking midfielders as totally different skill sets that must be provided by totally different players Sindre. Not his job, he's defensive. Not his job he's attacking. OK one might be more naturally defensive BUT he can offer an option going forwards (Rodri, Rice, Bissouma etc). Two might be more naturally attacking BUT both have a bit of pace and strength and can do a decent job defending when needed (De Bryune, Tiago etc).

Don't be so restricted in your thinking Sindre. Imagine a team where you have 3 midfield players who can do both and the intelligence to make it work most of the time. I'm sure there are three players who can do that. Wouldn't we be a more exciting side to watch? I think so.

3 minutes ago, just said:

You're still not getting it. Stop thinking in terms of defensive and attacking midfielders as totally different skill sets that must be provided by totally different players Sindre. Not his job, he's defensive. Not his job he's attacking. OK one might be more naturally defensive BUT he can offer an option going forwards (Rodri, Rice, Bissouma etc). Two might be more naturally attacking BUT both have a bit of pace and strength and can do a decent job defending when needed (De Bryune, Tiago etc).

Don't be so restricted in your thinking Sindre. Imagine a team where you have 3 midfield players who can do both and the intelligence to make it work most of the time. I'm sure there are three players who can do that. Wouldn't we be a more exciting side to watch? I think so.

Fair enough.

Personally I think we would experience that for example Rice would have far less of an impact offensively than for example Jorginho if we signed him next summer. Sure, he may run with the ball sometimes but even West Ham supporters are growing frustrated about his limitations on the ball. And he's certainly a very limited passer compared to our current DM and I think we would see that too but I may of course be completely wrong.

I like Rice though and don't mind if we sign him. But I sure as hell hope we don't judge him on his offensive contributions if we do because then he'll be labeled a flop.

So pleased we got the win and it was important. However we don’t look convincing. Again, we should have scored prior to the sending off. It’s getting boring saying the same things now. 
 

However come next week, the transfer window will be closed and the squad will feel more settled which will help. Hopefully Fofana and Auba get wrapped up quickly and we can start the season. Lots of changes is never easy. 

45 minutes ago, Scott Harris said:

I remember this game. I had to rely on Teletext at the time. It was horrible checking the updates to see West Ham go 1-0 up and Maniche sent off soon after. I had to find a radio soon after though because somebody made a mistake on Teletext and had Lampard on a red card too 😆

teletext was brutal. Worse experience was when we were 2 nil up against arsenal, then every time it went back around to us, Kanu had scored another goal. Lost 3-2. 

Hard fought game. A difficult one to judge because we played a man down for most of the game but we definitely rode our luck towards the end.

Vardy had Chalobah's number all game - constantly went to his side and then peeled in behind. It's hard to trust Trevor to not switch off and Vardy played on that. Fortunately his finishing wasn't great and Mendy held up in those one on one situations.

Mendy's kicking was poor all game and led to the goal.

Thiago Silva - classy as always, and I also thought Jorginho put a good shift in too. Havertz seems to be getting some flack but his movement was great in the 1st half, and then was left isolated in the 2nd half.

Also - how great is it to see five academy graduates in the starting XI?

3 points with 10 men is always a great feeling!

 

Okay, that were well massive right there... 

great success 🥸

2 hours ago, Jangz said:

Mendy has been really shaky of late.. not coming to catch those crosses for which he was bought.. Kepa was pretty good 1v1.. and absolutely a better keeper with the ball at his feet

Agree on this. I think the disallowed goal was rather soft also, and from listening on the radio arsenal had a similar goal awarded. Doesn’t fill me with confidence at all. 

49 minutes ago, big blue said:

teletext was brutal. Worse experience was when we were 2 nil up against arsenal, then every time it went back around to us, Kanu had scored another goal. Lost 3-2. 

I still find it strange how we all remember that game!

2 hours ago, Munkworth said:

Right I need to make sure I’m doing a fence during every match now, anyone got any work for me?

Don’t they need a big fence building between the U S and Mexico? That’ll keep you busy Munkworth!

Huge win sterling is an absolute game changer and Thiago Silva.. what a player.

2 hours ago, forbzy said:

Good point regarding Conor as the last man. Once Cucurella made that poor pass, Conor was left with a decision of fouling the player or giving him a free run on goal. Obviously he should have let the player past without fouling as there was still a fair part of the pitch to cover. But many players would have done the same and he should not have been the last man when already on a yellow.

Regarding the last man from our corners. Jorginho and Kante have both made mistakes in that position, didn’t get booked but both miss controlled the ball that led to goals. Maybe a bit more cover in future.

That game so nearly gave me a heart attack. Football really isn't good for health. Couldn't bare to watch at times. After Barnes scored that, just pure tension but excellent results and may end up being our biggest win of the season in the circumstances. Good to see Sterling off the mark and hopefully the start of many more.

Gallagher let us down with that. He really did not need to do that and it is a real shame as he got a second chance and I wasn't expecting him to be in the starting 11. Even if he let him go past and he scored, that is better than playing a near whole match with a man down. Luckily the boys put in a spirited effort. We rode our luck but think we are due some. 

I was surprised Broja did not come on towards the end as he is fresh legs and would of been good for counter. A lot of people praising Chalobah but for me I thought RLC had a very good game. He needs to work on his end product but he worked tirelessly today and used his body well and gave us a real presence. 

Big big vital win as if we did not win that, then would have been poor start to season and us chasing teams already.