Well, a bit of a second half collapse but there was still a huge improvement on there first two games. Ralph, I think, knew the game was slipping away at 3-1 hence protecting Romeu (yellow) and Armstrong (first game back). Not that the subs did anything much wrong - Tella in particular showed a bit of promise. Our defence is still a problem which is no surprise as its the same defence as last season. Some good play mixed with some horrendous decision making. But as the commentator said, the high line only works when the players up the pitch are closing down. Allow someone to step back and get a long pass in is what kills us. Adams was immense today and with a little bit of luck, one or two of those chances could have resulted in a closer game. But what can you say about the Son masterclass apart from 'wow'!
They're not suited to play a high line. I can understand trying it with Salisu as he's got a fair amount of pace. But not those two together.
Salisu needs to play the next game or at least Vestegaard because Stephens was awful. Absolutely no shape in defence. Too high line. Absolutely terrible. The writing was on the wall in the first half but Spurs runs were offside. Palace did the same and probably Brentford too. Hasenhuettl needs to take responsibility because it is his tactics and he needs to coach it properly. Djenepo and Tella did well.
Positives: Danny got 2 Moussa looked good Armstrong looked good Tella played well 36 games left. Negatives: High line
Need a partner for him as well, Bednerak can move on if he wants the move (it looks like his head has been turned to me) and Stephens hasn't ever been good enough. Romeu needs replacing, and we probably need to sort out that GK position too. 3 new additions...? Doubtful.
Bednarek played just as bad, but you dont mention dropping him? I'd say hes the more likely to be dropped as hes the one whose made way for Vestegaard lately.
Few things: - High line doesn't work with these players; it's not just the centre halves but the midfield needs to be more mobile too. Just because we caught them offside a few times in the first half it doesn't mean it was working imo, it was inevitable that goals would come. - If the new midfielder is a Danso-like panic buy towards the end of the window then I think we're in a big trouble. Same if we were to get an injury to Ings, which goes without saying really. - I think Ralph will probably abandon this high line pretty soon. - **** VAR and **** the new handball rule. Shambolic.
We didn’t concede in Vestergaards 45mins so far to defend him. Bednarek and Stephens have conceded 8 goals in their 225 and 270 mins respectively. Twat stats I admit. That’s a goal conceded every 28 mins for Bednarek so far this season after 2.5 games.