My first thought was we'd scored too early and it was only a matter of time before they would score. What followed was the longest 85 odd minutes (plus extra time) of a game I've experienced for a long time. I felt knackered afterwards, buzzing but knackered. I've no grand illusions about staying above the big boys for much longer but that won't stop me from grinning ear to ear for a few days this week.
Thought we gave it the full 90 today. Not the most expansive football we'll ever play but effective and what the game needed.
I am of course ecstatic with today's win and the fact we have won 3 out of 3 without conceding. It is early days , but I do have two concerns 1. Sturridge has scored all our goals this season. We need other players to chip in with a few. We also need to take the chances we create. 2. Linked to the above why is it in all 3 prem games we have taken the lead, played well in the first half and then sat deeper and deeper in the second half. I am hoping this is a confidence thing with the players and not a BR masterplan.
1. Suarez will be back and can share the goals amongst them. Expect the rest to start chipping in soon, Gerrard, Coutinho, Henderson are too good not to get a few goals and Aspas scored a few in pre-season so should also start to contribute. Toure's looked dangerous in the air as well so will notch a couple given a few more chances. 2. It's BR's tactical masterplan
As a tactic for the start of the season, where teams are still settling, going all out in the first half an hour getting a lead and then defending that lead seems to be working! Its actually very similar to how we played during the 2005 CL campaign. Have to give it to BR as he's obviously identified the start of the season as an area we lose points and come up with a game plan to try and maximize our points haul from the first few games. I expect when the team is settled with Suarez back in the team and we have a bit more creativity, then we will go back to a more aggressive style that we saw at the end of last season. Top marks to BR for a great start to the season, first season in a long time that my optimism has lasted longer than the 3rd game.
In my mind, Gerrard kept carrying on after the fact to try and get a second yellow for RVP. After everything started cooling down, Gerrard walked by him, making sure to knock shoulders a bit. May be wrong, but I was laughing thinking that's what he was doing.
Been thinking about this cos all three league games have followed that very similar pattern. I think bearing in mind the teams we have faced it is only to be expected.We knew Utd. would press more in the 2nd half and away at Villa was no easy task (top 6 sides will leave there having dropped points this season,Villa are improving from last season) That said,we are bringing it on ourselves to a degree by not retaining possession well enough in the second period.On the upside,our defending has been mainly very good but its only a matter of time before we get caught out if the problem isn't sorted. Thought Mignolet was excellent today,looks confident.
Minger didn't have much to do this afternoon but when he was needed he was more than capable, that double fisted save for example. Good concentration.
2 best supported teams on afterwards, so they don't get people turning off after game 1 if it was 1st.
The first half was awesome. The second half, it seemed like we challenged them to break us down. They couldn't and it made for a boring half.
Hear what you're all saying but we're top of the league, should be on first. Fed up of all the casual snideyness about us from other fans. Would love it if we could win the ****ing league this season to shut them up.
So far on MOTD, we've had one attack and scored, the rest has been all United. Is this a fair reflected?
Wash just about to mention this. Shocking editing. We had an even amount of shots and all there showing are Uniteds chances
