notso, the comment about Paulinho was an off shoot of a journo's comment who probably knows more and has better observation than you about football.
Oh! it wasn't a jounalist comment was it! ...ah, i see, if a journo has come out with it, I see where you're coming from, it must be true...it wasn't Russell Grant was it?
The second half went flat because all the energy went out of the game from both sides, Tromso barely threatened until our defence and midfield were unsettled and shuffled around and we were clearly content to pass the ball around patiently and wait for the next opening which eventually came late on. As far as I'm concerned the only negatives were the injuries. Sure we could have gone at them full on, but it takes more intelligent management of the squad, even one as full as ours, to deal with a fixture list like ours in the next week or so where we want to win every game and Tromso was definitely the easiest of these fixtures on paper, so it was no surprise to me to so us coast for long periods of the game. Realistically this group should have no real concern for us in terms of progressing so I expect that we will see similar performances until we progress in order to prevent our league and domestic cup games being impacted too much. It was a confident, professional performance. Exactly what was called for.
don't trust the journos tmt. I can tell you now they don't know more about football than the fans, they can just write generic match reports without profanities in. ITV last night before the match started were banging on about how we were gonna see Lamela in the no10 role with Holtby wide. It was really pissing me off as it was clear to anyone that knew anything that it would be Lamela wide with Holtby at no10 playing the same role as the one he played IN THE LAST SPURS MATCH YOU AIRED YOU DUMBASSES!
Paulinho on because of Dembele was obvious. And AVB definitely put Eriksen on to inject some urgency into the attack. A goal or two more would have been nice, but 2-0 (another shut-out) is ok. But AVB messed up by playing Rose. Lamela showed some nice touches. Still feeling his way into the Spurs game, and Villa will be a sterner test for him (pace, physicality etc) .
I thought the game was no more than you'd expect against a weak side, with some moments of individual brilliance to admire, some nice moves, and good minutes for those who needed it, and I'd also like to point out its the first time those 11 players had played together. 3-0, 3pts, and 2pts clear at the top cos the other match was a 0-0 draw, confirming how far Anzhi have fell, the one side I thought who might have tested us a bit, but as most of us know its all gone tits up there so I expect 5 more of these matches. From Tromso's point of view, they were a Fair Play entrant, and already knocked out, i only learned that bit the other day, they were only reinstated because they were the team beaten by banned Besiktas. They're a poor side quality wise but loads of spirit, so I'm glad they weren't humiliated, there's no need to do that to them. Those lads have had a great experience against players they're unlikely to again once this stage is over, and the club has earnt a bit of money. Had it not been for the injuries everyone was a winner.
As far as the Europa stuff goes, how AVB manages his squad for the away games will be key. Anzhi on paper are most likely to beat us in their own yard. I'm already certain Adebayor will be doing whatever it takes to avoid being in the starting XI for the Anzhi/Tromso away legs.
Wow, quite a clearout Anzhi have had (using the transfer fees as a rough guide of player quality for the players I know nowt about) .
I think this is by far the weakest group ever. We usually get one half decent side, Anzhi were supposed to be that, but no-one foresaw their owner closing his cheque book. Looking at Willian and Eto'o the other night, were they any good anyway??
For the away game with Tromso, we'll be playing on a plastic pitch. Should've kept hold of Gallas. He has a lot of experience of plastics...
I am so looking foward to seeing Ade playing those away games. And on some wet wednesday evenings (assuming we have additional League Cup fixtures) .
Having watched the game last night and reading the comments on here, couple of things to say. Firstly I thought the game was a disgrace to the sport of football. This was not a competative match with two sides trying to win. Why travel all the way from Norway to stand around like statues! I would expect ANY team to do better than that even a scratch pub side. No fight, no hurry, no passion, and that applies to Spurs too. Why are people supporting and justifying such a display? I could understand if Spurs said oh it's a couple of quid to get in because we don't expect a proper game, or even in hindsight, sorry about that performance (from both sides) we will do you a special deal when you next visit WHL. Football is a sport an entertainment and a business and as such it has responsibilities. If you go to see a band and pay top money you don't expect to see half a performance because 'they are busy' or have a 'tight schedule' If you pay for a performance then you have a right to expect one. If football fans are prepared to pay top money to see such dross and then JUSTIFY it then they are bigger mugs than I thought they were.
If you went to watch a tennis match or a snooker match and one of the players played absolute garbage would you expect your money back? No team and no sportsperson plays their best at every moment. Anyone who has played sport knows that.
