A much better 2nd half and some positive signs as the jigsaw resolves. The 4 -0 scoreline was a tad flattering after another tentative first half with Jorginho missing a penalty. Loads of possession with little impact, until CHO banged one in that should have been saved. After that, we had a few dodgy moments and were under the pump for 10 mins or so, finally Frank had enough and hooked 3 players, including Jorginho. From then on we ran amok and looked a different team Ziyech, Havertz were making runs creating chances and Pulisic and Ziyech scored along with a Werner penalty. ( very harsh on Krasnador) Coincidence? Not in my book. Jorginho removed, and the team was far ,far better. Mendy again excellent as were Zouma and Rudiger. The rest were all pretty solid, Jorginho also worked hard, but to little effect. All the new players showed big improvements, so great day all round.
Obviously the quality of the opposition has to be taken into account, but that was a confidence booster. You can definitely see improvement coming. What is undeniable now is that we have a very strong squad put together. To be able to replace top players during a match with players of equal, or even better skill, is vital. Also a strong squad comes into it's own at the halfway point onwards of the season when injuries and suspensions start kicking in. I know this is going out on a limb a bit early but the way the Prem is shaping up already (Liverpool Van Dyikless, City not pulling up trees, and all the top teams dropping points) I can see us going close. Mind you, my value bet this season (putting on my crash helmet now) would be Spurs.
I agree about Spurs, great strike force and stiffer all through with Jose in charge. Very encouraging for us as our new players show their abilities once the shackles were removed and some decent forward movement started. True the opposition was a bit naive, but they went for it to their credit ,and it worked 1st half with our handbrake, Jorginho in charge. Once he was gone ,different altogether.
Zyech is a tasty player isn’t he?! As soon as Jorginho missed the pen he should have been hooked. I think Frank may have been testing him to see if he could do that lynchpin role and taking him off at half time suggests he’s seen enough. I’d happily sell him to whoever wants him. We’re looking better. A defence that knows their keeper is solid gives them much more confidence. A stark contrast to the the fact that Mendy saved a shot that only a few weeks ago, Kepa let in. A long way to go so let’s keep on improving and see what the future brings.
