14 Aug 2017 19:02:58
It's very early days yet and i don't think we should get too carried away by one result. Having said that, it was probably the most enjoyable game in terms of performance in 4-5 years. We're starting to see Jose influence on the team. More pace and power than guile. We have a nice blend with the likes of Mata to come in when we're looking to pick little holes in a back 4 or pace like Rashford and Martial to run at and in behind.
In Lukaku we now have a striker who likes to play off the shoulder and run in behind. With Zlatan up top he was very static and came deep for the ball a lot, often occupying the space the likes of Mkhitarian was supposed to be operating in. A lot of the time last year they got in each other's way. This year with Lukaku making run and dragging defenders with him, he's creating space for the 3 behind him to operate in. Miki is a talent wasted out wide. He is clearly much more influential in a central position and we've seen in the few games Lukaku has been up top how much more influence on the game Miki has had. He's almost like a new signing himself.
Matic was outstanding yesterday, covering the ground, making interceptions and his passing was very good. You felt the other players actually felt at ease knowing he was there with them, it rubbed off. Now there will be harder tests to come and to be fair West Ham were poor, but you can only beat what's in front of you. Poor Zabaleta got given the runaround by Rashford, who too was excellect. Who was it a few weeks back saying Rashford was poor and will be at a mid table club in 12 months? I think he'll be a star for the next ten years here. Was happy to see Martial come on and make a good contribution. A goal and assist in 20 mins is good going.
On the defence, we all know Jones, barring the odd rediculous rash challenge, is a good CB, but he has to stay injury free now. He can't continue to be in and out of the side. He's a far far better player than Smalling though. I think Smalling is the one who should be moved on if we're to let one leave. Tony Valencia is a very good RB, it's just a shame his end product is often poor. He gets up and down well but his crossing is poor. Not sure he can play all games this season. The big weakness in our side is clearly LB. Blind is a decent squad player as he can fill in multiple positions, but he's no LB. Shaw is full of potential but I have doubts he'll ever fulfil it sadly. I'm not sure how much longer I'd persevere with him. Last chance saloon this season I think.
Full backs in modern football are a very important position and if we could do business and get two top fullbacks in I think we can have a good go. As it is I think we're short without them. Rose or Bertrand would instantly upgrade us. Don't know much about Aurier to be honest but the signing Jose has made so far have been top draw so if he wants him that's good enough for me.
Really hoping this isn't a false dawn and we produce that kind of performance week in week out. Time will tell. One thing is I actually enjoyed watching that yesterday. Haven't said that often the last 4 years
Stand.
14 Aug 2017 19:17:38
I think Leverkusen away I last enjoyed a game like that? That's some time ago.
14 Aug 2017 19:38:33
I think we will be fine with out 2 new full backs .
People want attacking full backs but Jose's will have to defend first, which they do . I think they do what there told to be honest .
Rose at lb looks a decent player but hasn't kick a ball since January is curently injured and his injury record is up there with shaws.
103 league games over the last 5 seasons .
Any RB will be an understudy to Tony as well imo as Jose seems to rate and trust him.
14 Aug 2017 20:34:08
Martial came on in the 80th minute took 7 minutes to score and assisted in the 90th .
Fantastic 10 mins.
14 Aug 2017 21:15:49
And looked as miserable as sin. He's got to change his attitude.
14 Aug 2017 21:36:55
Good post Stand. I agree with most of your assessment here.
14 Aug 2017 21:43:41
He doesn't have to smile schmid. All he has to do is play well.
14 Aug 2017 23:23:24
Schmid why should he be happy. He was a sub. He should be pissed that he is on the bench and make a point when he gets the opportunity. He did that. Now he needs to keep doing that.