The other aspect of a back 5 is that it blunts our attacking threat which makes it easier for other teams to attack and put us on the back foot more. More pressure and more chances to make mistakes
You’re probably right on that. Maybe with better players around him and a more coherent plan he could be a Bengali type player. edit: predictive text turned benali into Bengali. I’m not correcting it as it amuses me that, under the right conditions, Jack Stephens could morph nationality.
He had a decent game today but he’ll always be targeted as LWB & unfortunately will be a liability. Spurs did, Leeds did.
True, but if we switch to a back 4, he will be used more as a winger, especially when Perraud is back. He looked good going forwards today.
Great call from you earlier in the thread about bringing Aribo on when Leeds were getting tired, spot on.
I know we didn't win but I'm in a bloody good mood tonight. The new signings have all hit the ground running with maybe the exception of Mara but that's understandable. Even then he produces a pass of the highest quality which I bloody hope doesn't get ignored on MOTD. I'm eagerly anticipating our next signing.
I think so too. Hopefully non Perhaps that comment referred to his lacklustre 45 minutes in his first pre season game ?
I meant in comparison to the others. Lavia and Baz looked sharp in pre-season. Obviously Mara hasn't had any pre-season really, just 45 mins against Villareal so he's a bit behind in terms of match sharpness. Hence why he wasn't in the squad against Spurs.
Yep 100% Sweltering day, had a few beers to digest the performance with my son & giggle at MU in the background! Sorry Ralph but whatever you’re trying to develop or prove(?) we just don’t have the personnel to play 5. Can you make it work? Maybe (I doubt) but in the meantime we’ll be stuffed & you’ll be gone. It doesn’t work defensively & hinders our offensive play so much. So, so obvious. I didn’t join “you’re getting sacked in the morning” but you should appreciate the sentiment. It’s frustration, that’s all. We all want the ****ing same & “Ralph in / out”should all understand. I’m happy with a point after the game but it’s points lost regardless. The new recruits really look the business. Bodes well for the future, if we can progress & stay here.
Thing with Mara is he has had no game time with us, and to be brought on at 2-0 down at home with 20 mins to go to a 'baying' mob it is sink or swim time. Luckily he has his swimming badges.
Regretfully I didn't see our 2nd goal as a numbnut in the seat in front stood up and completely blocked the view for myself and the half dozen near me, he is about 6ft 7" tall and 6ft 8" wide, I didn't have the guts to remonstrate, and neither did any of my colleagues.
It wasn't me (i am no where near 6ft tall, and have lost 17 lbs recently actually), but I did feel sorry for those in my row. I had about 2.5 litres of water from entering the ground, so had to twice during the game get up for real emergency pees. Got a weaker bladder it seems since I gave up alcohol
Just going to give a few thoughts on the game: I don't know how you can get caught cold at the start of the 2nd half when it is 32oC When all the new signings were on the pitch we were superb. Bazunu looks like the gk we've been missing Bella Kotchap looked like our best centre half. Saints looked better with 433 Djenepo still doesn't look like a good wing back but 100% credit because he worked his socks off today. Very good performance. Lavia made centre midfield look easy. Joe Aribo is top class Mara looks like he will score goals Adam Armstrong playing wide in a 433 looks like his position All the new signings need to start against Chelsea because they are all better than the alternatives We need to ditch 3 at the back
Mara was excellent when he came on. I liked how he didn't always challenge defenders for the ball if he couldn't win it but just stood very closer to them and became a nuisance and gave them something to think about
I assume the first part was a figure of speech because I know I’ve been rather sluggish in this heat and I haven’t played 45 minutes of premier league football in any of it ABK seemed to be everywhere during the paets I was able to watch
Well that was an epic comeback, must have been massive in the stadium. Um, negatives and positives to be had from that. Their second goal was just.. ugh, no words. BUT what a second half! Sekou Mara is a an absolute baller, best assist Ive seen for years, possibly ever, how he saw that pass I have no idea because I sure as heck didnt. I thought that was a massive shift from the team in the second half. Hope nobody gave Djenepo a hard time this week, hes been decent in all the games and today I thought he did really well. lots to work on and lots to be optimistic about.
