also I seem to be getting lumbered with the "very poor" quote, which of course isn't what I said, but I was relieved to see someone else who didn't think he had had a good game overall. very poor is stronger than I would characterise it, i noted his improved set pieces after all.
Look, it's a half-full or a half-empty thing with Gaston. Today's performance, for me (particularly in the context of many of his much praised fellow comrades) was well worth a half-full appraisal. I'm just saying, don't get stuck in half-empty mode. Good to discuss though. My bed and book call so I'll bid you good evening for the time being.
Going back to the Gaston debate, I did mention he is still relatively young! Maybe this puts things into perspective? Lallana aged 25 Ramirez aged 23 NOTE: Gaston just turned 23 and Adam is 26 in few months. Adam, although always a star before, has really come on brilliant in only the last few months.
For me Boruc is such an improvement and I think it is the organisation and the confidence the players have in him. Much of the game he played sweeper. He was available for a pass back and the guys had full confidence to do that. Obviously the save near the end was huge. His positioning was quite good. If the shot had been elevated it would have gone in but he covered the only part he could and got the ball. The players just look so much more settled. Hope he can stay healthy the rest of the season.
Exactly. If the Ramirez knockers couldn't see how much he wanted the ball today, then they never will. Read carefully those of you who are knockers I don't think he was great today, but he was the player who changed the game and for the second or third time in a row that I've seen him, there were several players not doing it bow him, in a list of performances. People need to forget the price tag, clear their minds of the view that is set like concrete in their minds and put his performance into context.
He "just looks like losing it" is a lot different to losing it as is my view of "he just looks like he wants to create something".... Just looking isn't the same as actual doing, whether its good or bad. I find football fans look for perfection. We look at highlights of another team where they show a player doing two or three good things and we think "why can't our player do that?" There are not many players who have faultless games. Anyone remember the Norwich games from Le Tiss' era? Can't remember which one but there was a 5-4 or 4-3 when MLT scored a hat-trick. In my mind I remember him being brilliant in that game. I saw the game about 2 years ago on a sky program and I couldn't believe how many times Le Tiss just lost the ball or gave a really bad pass. I'm not comparing anyone to Le Tiss but giving an example of how, even in a game where some was perceived to be great, they still can make a lot of mistakes. The eyes only see what the brain wants them to see.
Gaston's introduction both made a difference and that pass for Lallas goal was excellent but his introduction did destabilise the team because he roams and doesn't hold a position however that wasn't his fault. MP knows how he operates so to take off Cork (who had another excellent game) was going to cause problems and opened up space all over the midfield. Instead MP should have taken Davis off (who wasn't having his best game) which wouldn't cause such an issue and hand over control of the midfield to a team who had up to that point had not had a sniff. This was made worse when Adam came off and at that point our structure completely feel apart and we were backs against the wall Sorry MP you nearly messed up.
I'm with FLT on this. First of all, Gaston definitely made a huge difference to the pace of our attacking play when he came on yesterday. For whatever reason, both Jay and Rickie were off their game, so there was no-one for Adam to spark off. Gaston also played his part in defence, clearing from corners and getting back to help Clyne out in open play at least a couple of times. Secondly, as well as his age, you also have to remember he is only just over a season into his Premier League career. Many other foreign imports, and ones which cost a lot more than Ramirez, have taken at least that long to get used to the pace of the game here. With his goal against Everton, and the contribution he made yesterday, he may well be beginning to "get there". Thirdly, FLT's analogy of Le Tissier is spot on. Even geniuses have to practice their art, and it doesn't work every time. But the more they practice the better they get. So give Gaston more time guys, and imagine what him and Lallana could be doing to defences by this time next season.
Me too because Davis took over Cork's role. What was the point of that it Cork was playing so well in the first place?
Agree. How can he not be interfering with play just because the ball is elsewhere? His positioning would determine where our defenders positioned themselves.
Apart from one lazy, under hit pass early on which I think kept him on his toes. Up to that point it had all been so easy for them that I'm sure they were thinking it was just like a training game.
