Sorry, no disrespect mate but that's utter piffle. We haven't got a hope in hell of reaching top 4 playing like that. I'd go as far as to say if we were 6 points ahead we'd still be struggling to make top 4 playing the way we are. But of course we're not 6 points ahead, and there's reason for that - we've been ****. Ten Hag's half-time team talk "Find a way to win" Sorry but that says it all, that basically is all we're about. No tactics, no game plan, just somehow lads find a way to win, go on off you go.
I certainly don’t disagree that we are no world beaters. But at this point, any win is essential. And on balanced view, we played much better after the substitutions were made. The passes were better, the clear chances created were much better. So there’s certainly glimpses of what the team is capable of. The win was consequently earned versus luck. There is no doubt that we are the better and controlled side. The commentator said some sht like “United have replied on moments of brilliance from players this season to survive and they have it again in Dalot’s goal”. That was actually bs because the team pressed with coherent passes before Dalot scored that goal. The point is, there is distinct air of negativity going round right now. But there are also signs that the players are capable of much more. Arsenal game was another example of a team capable of competing. If we get more critical wins, confidence will build. I don’t think that changing the manager at this point is of any use and if the players know that the manager is staying, they will have to come through, and I believe that the manager (at least I have to believe) is good enough to make the right changes to make that the case to transform the current style.
Also, I was weary of claims that we needed a No. 9. It has now been proven that the system has clearly been fkin clunky and simply talking about another missing player was futile to the case. We have tried so many strikers now in ETH’s system and not a single one of them have been able to score goals. The trend was always there to see that the system was not proficient in the midfield to solve the goals problem. Hojlund will continue to struggle to get chances created for him to score as Ronaldo did before him, Martial, and Weghorst. So again, the manager needs to change that system and I think he took the right steps yesterday by not starting Mount with Bruno in the middle of the park. Antony wasted the right side, and Rashford for all his runs, cannot find players to save his life. New ideas are needed to make Hojlund who is clearly a good player thrive.
Also, I was weary of claims that we needed a No. 9. It has now been proven that the system has clearly been fkin clunky and simply talking about another missing player was futile to the case. We have tried so many strikers now in ETH’s system and not a single one of them have been able to score goals. The trend was always there to see that the system was not proficient in the midfield to solve the goals problem. Hojlund will continue to struggle to get chances created for him to score as Ronaldo did before him, Martial, and Weghorst. So again, the manager needs to change that system and I think he took the right steps yesterday by not starting Mount with Bruno in the middle of the park. Antony wasted the right side,
I'm not asking us to be world beaters. Arsenal, Spurs, Villa are not world beaters. It's not a choice between being world beaters or being garbage. We were **** before the subs, we were **** after the subs. It was insipid. Just because we played with a bit more urgency doesn't mean the quality of our football improved I've not said we need to change the manager, but if we carry on like this, the decision will be made. So I suggest he starts getting the best out of his players. We did need a Number 9 though. And the problem doesn't lie with Hojlund. And for all the criticism Rashford gets, the problem last night didnt lie with him either. We are NOT playing the ball forward, and we're certainly not doing it quick enough. So if the likes of Hojlund and Rashford aren't getting the ball OR getting it when we've walked it out of defence giving time to the opposition to comfortably set up in 2 banks of 4 then it's hardly surprising both of them will do fck all. As for Bruno, HE HAS BEEN **** FOR A LONG LONG TIME.
Definitively, we take everything through the middle when we play. This makes it far too easy for opponents to defend against us. This is what makes it especially poor when you watch because it’s easier to see the pattern which we then repeat over and over again. We don’t stretch plays through the flanks, especially the right. But ETH will persist with Antony in that position without complimenting the lack of pressure from the right side that is lost with that decision. We have also lost our counter-attacking attribute that was actually pretty good in the last few years prior to ETH. That has now completely gone due to the new pressing system which appears to lack the players to ease the pressure from the flanks. It is clear that there’s been a change in the system which ETH is deciding to persist with. If it clicks very soon, then he’ll be vindicated. If it continues to stink, then he’s effectively putting his job on the line by remaining stubborn.
It’s clear we’ve lost something this season. What’s happened to the rapid attacks on both wings ? Last season we had some threat on the left with rashford and Garnacho and Antony and Sancho on the right. This season everything is laboured and predictable. And last season everyone said we needed a no 9. Yet no one seems willing to feed him the ball for him to score. And I must say Onana has not been the DG replacement we expected. How many times did DG save points for us? Point blank saves yet Onana seems to go the opposite direction. We are dropping points because of GK foul ups
A combination of: Players like Erikksen declining, Injuries e.g. AWB and Shaw And a problem with our training ??
Shaw and Martinez have both been a huge loss for us this season. With Shaw on the field we seemed able to play higher up the pitch, particularly on the left flank, making our midfield and Rashford more attacking minded. And behind him Martinez was assured in defence and himself happy to bring the ball out confidently. Once we have those two back I'm sure we'll see a difference, but how long that will be is anyone's guess.
One bit of good news is Reguilon is back and will likely play against Copenhagen. So at least we have a proper LB. Another one returning this week is Mainoo.
I'd probably call out that last line as the critical point. Players will always randomly get injured. But if we have a system that is settled, the impact of those injuries can be managed.
Watching our performances I'd say the training leaves a lot to be desired. Watched the first half of the Spurs game tonight and well, what can I say about the performance compared to ours!
Worth noting that Spurs are now playing without a recognizable No. 9 as well. They have a system now and the each player knows precisely their role in that system. Far cry from where we are. Also, it has took them no time to create an identity and even though Spurs is largely a dysfunctional club.
