I suspect ETH will ultimately be judged on results like this, rather than the occasional showing such as Liverpool. It is the inconsistency that grates - how can pretty much the same bunch of players play so differently from one week to another, poor results like this are what cost us every season. Teams that we should be winning against prove to be struggles and dropped points, sometimes worse. We need to find a way, a person, who can bring the best out of this squad week in, week out. We know how well they can play, why on earth can't ETH get them to play like that all season.
The international break killed any momentum from the cup game, not that this should be an excuse. Chelsea away Thursday, need to win that. Martinez, Mount, Maguire, Casemiro and Antony should all start. Lindelof, McTominay, Rashford and Varane shouldn't. Probably even Garnacho after Monday. Have seen Chelsea might have to sell Reece James. We should be all over that. Although really it's left back that's the problem.
Reece James seems a bit of a crock doesn't he? I'd have McTominay and Rashford on the bench. Also have Diallo on the bench, maybe even start on the right with Garnacho on the left. We were **** on Saturday, no reason for it imo. As Ten Hag said himself, many of the Brentford players were involved in the international break. I tend to agree with @Diego there's just one game plan which involves hitting teams on the break with pace, but if the opposition are well organised and keep players back then we have no idea what to do or how to play. Players then just give up.
This is essentially the problem. The players are without a doubt capable enough to win many of those 15 games that we’ve largely lost and drawn. But we just can’t ever tell which United would show up week in, week out. It’s ridiculous hearing about the international break. We’ve had far too many excuses this season to explain the consistencies. The fact is that we have struggled for goals and creativity since ETH came in which puts even more pressure on the defenders.
No McTominay and no Rashford = +++++++++++++++++++ X 20 On the face of all the (justified) negativity, that's not too bad a team. He says in hope more than expectation!!!!
Players to change things on the bench too if needed. Subs: Heaton, Evans, Kambwala, Amrabat, Eriksen, McTominay, Mount, Amad, Rashford.
Yeah, was just about to post this. Not sure really where all the 'blame' actually lies?!?! That's a hell of an 11 and bench. On paper!
It's just ****. All nice litte passes but everyone just ends up in the middle of the pitch and it's easy to defend. I'm honestly not surprised the players aren't buying into this stye of play. The scoreline could get more embarrassing.
I wouldn't pick any one of this back four out of preference. Maybe Dalot, but at right back. They're a shambles. Chelase are ****e but we're making them look good. Why do our wide players feel the need to do step overs all the time? Then stop dead. It achieves **** all. No one is telling them to cut this out and keep it simple. Hojlund hasn't had (been supplied) a touch and Fernandes is invisible. He's the captain ffs. Still, hour to go!!