That’s not the 10s fault though they both played it well. my worry lies with Mayenda and wanting another winger for competition. ball went across the box loads today and Mayenda not near it
Rubbish up front looks like 5 defeats pre play offs and 5 after better get this changed quick, get triantis in defence a player who can actually head a frigging ball these players better win next week we are shocking
Well if a players so close to goal they need attacking instincts so it’s both. Agree that he doesn’t seem the same Mayenda that finished the season. Not sure why. I never thought he’d be the finished article a league up mind. He’s great and will be that player but very raw for the challenge ahead.
Serious deja vu here, did Monty post pretty much this exact same thing after one of our other pre season games or am I going loopy?
I thought Mayenda looked a lot sharper today, even if the performance wasn’t there. Likely just needs a bit more tuning up.
Love Mayenda but it’s a lot of pressure on him to run the line all game. Seeing the calmness Xhaka brought to midfield. A centre forward who can hold it up and bring others into play would transform things.
First time this season that I’ve thought the first 11 (not depth) is close to being ready for West Ham. 2 more, a cb and forward (rw or striker) of the calibre of the midfield signings and im happy with our 11. Than the depth on top. Going to be a struggle but I am optimistic we can pull it off and stay up
Got to be honest. There were instances early second half where Diarra went and got himself on the ball. Maybe out of frustration? Whatever the reason, he looked a a different player for it. There were also several times when Betis just played straight passes through our midfield and were onto a back line because one of the midfielders was out of position and passing lanes were wide open. We are going to need to sort that out, and I am confident we will with Xhaka to organise, but that can become an easy route through if your player going into the high position when you lose it isnt 100% tuned into to where the striker is going to be. All just stuff for coaches to work through. Players are good enough. I like Ballard stepping out with the ball a couple of times today to break their first press. I think he is capable of that a bit more if I am honest. Encouraging from him. Still think Reinaldo was my highlight. Very very impressive, in a really understated way. Could be worth his weight in gold.
Hell of a statement that would be. Had a look at him when I saw the villa link the other day. Very young but looks the complete centre forward and he’s 6’5”
I think the thing to really focus on today is Xhaka to be honest. We knew he was superb but my days he is absolute levels. Mad that we have that player.
Yeah, Mayenda was better. Looked strong and sharp. Not sure they are all aligned yet in terms of playing to each others strengths. When Mayenda drove into the box a couple of times the wide lad on the other side were in their heels a bit. When the wide lads went outside Mayenda hadnt anticapted the ball coming across. I do think Giui will be more of a threat if we are getting to the touchline mind.
