02 Nov 2021 22:30:40
I have to admit I doubted Raul would ever get back to his best and stated as much on here. Very happy to be proven wrong. He was awesome last night.
Great 1st half last night but 2nd half a bit worrying. Everton pressed higher up the pitch and it seemed we hadn't expected it. Well we should have expected it and planned accordingly at half time. We were crying out for adama with 20 mins left. Baffling.
Couldn't have hoped for more though in terms of points. 5 unbeaten in the prem is not easy.
03 Nov 2021 06:47:50
Agree it was worrying 2nd half but for me the worry was the missed chances trincao jiminez header hitting post mouthino wasted free kick.
I admire Lage for his conviction to stick to his gameplan.
We should of been out of site 1st half and trincao sitter he missed the passing move was of highest quality.
I believe in time the goals will flow in and we will play the attacking football fans want to see more often.
There will be setbacks like leeds 2nd half but what's clear is we have the players and manager who can match any team its getting the team to be consistent that's the key I think.
03 Nov 2021 09:31:38
Sharesum - good post. As I have written all season and indeed most of last Jimenez is absolutely key to our season. The system we are playing (which isn't that different to Nuno's here in previous (non Jimenez missing) years or at Spurs this) relies on your main forward being able to hold up play, link with the "wide" men and score a high proportion of your goals.
We missed someone of his ability dreadfully last year and Spurs with Kane not at the races (mentally or physically? ) have struggled this.
"If Jimenez is back we will be fine" was how is previewed this season back in August. He appears to be back! With Hwang (as one of the "wide men" ) scoring as well and working so hard, Kilman and RAN developing plus the upgrading ( yes upgrading! ) at GK we may well be more than fine! |!
Exciting times perhaps?
Dont want to end on a negative note but please Jeff let's get the players we have needed for several windwons now this time. A new CB (maybe even two! ) and a new CM to allow Moutinho's minutes to be managed and take the pressure off of Neves - who has been superb of late!
03 Nov 2021 10:19:41
future. Hear hear! It's not like we haven't known about the need. What do we have to do, beg? Let's hope January delivers!
03 Nov 2021 10:54:21
My guess about Traore not being played against Everton is to emphasise that no player is bigger than the club. With Traore being called 'unplayable' by Klopp and refusing to sign a new contract, maybe he does think he is bigger than the club? If so, he's picked the wrong guy in Bruno.
03 Nov 2021 11:14:56
Ken - indeed. Its not that what they did was bad last summer - Sa looks a fantastic deal and Hwang has been great but we didn't do enough or in the key areas.
Still we are looking good so far this year and back on an upward spirral - well done Lage! - so fingers crossed Jeff continuies to deliver this Jan.