Imagine being one of our transfer targets right now... you’re talking to your agent, the club representatives and you’re mulling it over, only to watch this display. You’d think twice about it.
It’s not the first game that we’ve been absolutely dreadful though. That’s the last 3. Ever since the disastrous injuries to key players kicked in. The level of performance is about the limit of the personnel playing. We’ve seen this time and time again when they’ve played. This is where the strengthening was needed in some way. Then you wouldn’t see anyone blaming Levy.
It appears that our set-pieces go on some sort of seniority system, as Trippier isn't normally allowed to take free-kicks, despite doing well with them. That's just stupid. Llorente's a striker and he's scored a penalty in the League Cup this season. He's got to be taking that.
By the end of tonight...there will be an excuse for Poch and **** like Trippier too. No point calling the likes of GKN ****...he rarely plays. Fringe players are always legitimate scapegoats but it's unfair to criticise players who Poch only shows faith in when the **** has hit the fan.
Well at least Llorente ain't gonna get slaughtered tonight! Trippier, KWP, Sanchez and GKN have all been appalling. Skipp has been anonymous as have the rest apart from Gazzaniga who has done well. Re the penalty...said the Mrs RCL while he was waiting that he'll miss cos I do not trust short run ups and players lacking in confidence should NEVER take penalties. Ah well...only one more game in a disappointing January to come
One of the worst performances from us I can remember in recent times. Gazza is the only one of them who can hold his head even remotely high. The atrocious lack of service for Llorente means he's barely had a look in. Either get balls into the box or take him off. Skipp and Dier are being asked to give a lot more going forwards than they have in their lockers. GKN looks like he can't beat a man, cross a ball or find the goal. Get the ****ing hairdryer out Poch. Haul Trippier for a start, Jan to LB, KWP to RB and let's have Sterling on alongside Nando, or Winks to try and give the midfield a bit more forward play, if he fancies doing that today. The annoying thing is that Palace have genuinely not been that good, we've just been dicking around with the ball and not giving our striker anything to play for.
Its hard to find a better comedy show on tonight. In terms of laughs, this one takes the biscuit. Utterly Shameful. If I was Mauricio Pochettino, I'd want to leave.
Level of performances would be expected to drop without Kane and co but not to these drastic levels. These are still professional footballers and yet I can seriously play better than most of these today.
You know what that suggests to me PNP? What I always have feared about Poch...he Molly coddles a set bunch...and **** the rest...well that will be his downfall...he's too emotional to be top top class...he's got a lot to learn.
Watching that penalty decision again, what the **** was van Aanholt complaining about? He absolutely leathers Foyth!
Absolutely terrible, but if we had taken the chances created we could be level, GKN should score from a good free kick routine and we missed a penalty. Score the next goal and this can still be won.
I think it's just our lazy approach to set-pieces. It can't be a coincidence that we're **** at them across the park, can it?
Pochettino’s squad management has to be questioned as well though. He said the other day GK was in his plans (while Janssen wasn’t), if GK was/ is in his plans, why is this his first start of the season? Instead, Poch has chosen to run so many key players into the ground by rarely giving a rest and now suddenly those on the fringes are having to play. Llorente is another, he’s gone from a 5 min cameo to starting three in a row. I love Poch but he himself must improve. Yes he should have had better options to choose from this season but he should still utilise what he has at his disposal, rather than over relying on the same ones week in week out. He’s now paying the price for not efficiently utilising the squad enough.
So what’s Poch’s halftime team talk then? a) Just keep passing it sideways boys. Something will happen. Be patient. It will come. or... b) Seriously lads, what the **** was that? Take your heads out if your arses and get ****ing stuck in. Get forward and get the ****ing ball in the box! Think I know...
Yep agreed, they would. Just like the performances would for any club. But the reason it’s so drastic is because the likes of GKN and Llorente aren’t up to scratch. Add to that a dog **** Trippier, a couple of players coming back from injury, and some lesser experienced youngsters, and before you know it, you’ve got an entire team who are all over the place. Same last season, but did nothing about it.
Why is it lazy? I thought Poch had a bit more steel...so many games we watch we all agree that Poch needs to give them a kick up the backside at HT Can he not get through to them anymore?
Dier is a big disappointment today. One of the most experienced out there and he's been coasting.... Need more from him.