Right, I managed to salvage 15mins of the second half and have seen some other extended highlights. Looks to me like we were pretty much battered? The only shot I've seen was the bale cross/shot. Not good enough.
Please correct me if Im wrong, as i did pretty much miss the last 30 mins (with the exception of highlights) but once again there were poor performances by the SAME players. Dempsey, Walker, Sig and Naughton.
I'm trying not to be too quick to judge anything, but I'm really struggling now.
In fairness, we actually beat lazio twice. 4 goals disallowed over 2 games is worth an investigation. 2-3 of which were completely legitimate. So therefore I guess the 4231 formation did the job. We can't help that sort of officiating.
The football in the first game was reasonable, but that last night was dog ****.
Both sigurdsson and Dempsey look like they've never met their other teammates. They look completely out of their depth at the moment and don't seem to be able to offer anything to their other team mates. I've completely lost all hope with Dempsey and sig has about 2 more games before he's a write off for me. Not saying they are bad players, but they aren't working for us. I know it's early, but there's not even been the SIGNS of a good performance from either of them.
Walker needs to be dropped when benny is back and we can shuffle the back 4. He's just off form, but it's frustrating.
Naughts is doing his best at LB, but regardless of whether he's out of position or not, his decision making and cockiness is beginning to piss me off. I find myself constantly saying "what are you doing" or "where are you going". He's not up to par for me yet, and still has a lot to learn. Another player like Livermore who I'd like to see go out on loan.
AVB is either going to have to:
A) drop Dempsey and sig permanently if we play a 4231
B) switch to a 442 for example and try to get the best out of them, until that window opens.
I can't watch football like that. The formation works, we all know it does. Spain and Barcelona have proven that. But until we get the type of players for it we should be staying well clear on most occasions.
It wouldnt surprise me if the poor performances could be enough to see AVB in the firing line, even if the results aren't too bad. It'll also covers up levy's lack of backing once again as the blame will be seen to be the managers fault. The fans want good football, at the moment it's woeful.
This is such a significant transfer window. If we don't get who we need its going to be a very depressing season watching this football.
