09 Mar 2017 20:18:41
Tough game against a team who know how to make the most of their pitch. I'm pretty sure that if Barcelona had to play Rostov then UEFA would have stepped in and say the pitch wasn't good enough and switched it to some other stadium. But no point whinging over things like that.
We got a score draw, would have prefered a 2-2 or 3-3. But it is what it is. Now we just need a solid professional performance at home next week and we should be through to the next round.
09 Mar 2017 20:58:08
If we don't get through, now, there's something wrong, mate. They're going to be missing two of their best players as well due to suspension.
09 Mar 2017 21:12:27
Would have prefered a win however a score draw is a good result away from home.
Was the 3-5-2 a practice for Chelsea?
09 Mar 2017 22:59:46
Chorlton,
I doubt it, I think Jose was worried how the pitch would affect the game and wanted to make sure we went into next week not more than a goal behind. It worked for us and we should win next week.
09 Mar 2017 23:49:32
Seems like that Chorlton, thought we looked solid but not sure Smalling or Jones looked comfortable in the 3.
10 Mar 2017 00:40:11
Good result for me. Tough game.
10 Mar 2017 04:03:35
Satisfactory result and a decent performance in very difficult circumstances. The pitch looked truly awful to be fair and was definitely not conducive to good football. We did as well as could be expected in the circumstances.
I would just like to highlight the recent performances of Phil Jones. I think he's been brilliant in the past few months and forged a great partnership with Rojo. Whilst I don't think either of them are individually our best defenders I think they were looking like our best defensive partnership. Unfortunately for Jones he succumb to injury again and has been a fault for both the goals we have conceded since his return. Prior to his injury I was hoping that he could maintain his performance level and stay clear of injury and I believe his good form was the reason we didn't push for another CB in January.
My point is that unfortunately he still remains inconsistent and simply can't seem to stay fit. He's a solid squad player but if we are to move on to the next level I think we need to sign another CB in the summer.
It's a real shame because I think he has the potential to be a good CB but he's far to injury prone and this has a detrimental effect on his form. I'm not sure how much longer we can wait for him to fulfil his potential and stay injury free but if he is happy to be part of the squad I think we should definitely keep him. Maybe one day he'll turn into the player Sir Alex predicted?
10 Mar 2017 06:55:20
Looked like a decent plan b to me the 3 at the back especially for tricky away European ties .
Was not one to watch with pleasure pitches like that have no place in modern football but a good result and I believe we will spank them at ot.
10 Mar 2017 08:06:23
A word of caution in that they may actually be skilful which has been hidden by that disgrace of a pitch and relish the real pitch at OT. However we should expect to go through.
10 Mar 2017 09:34:36
Red Man,
They will be overwhelmed by a smooth pitch. Probably feel like skating. :)