Sadio Mane

Actually, you're right. But he did fall over a few times. And lose control where you wouldn't expect it. And keep control from a posterior location.

 

sometimes yesterday it seemed like he wasn't trying hard enough. Could be an illusion created by being used to Long's 110% commitment to chasing down every lost cause.

 

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Not many people know this, but Long is not a human being....he is a clockwork toy wound up very tight at the beginning of the game. You will occasionally see other players turn him to face the right direction before letting him go again.

 

I thought he continued to be his current poor self in the first half, but as the game went on, he did begin to show glimpses in the second half. I don't think it helped that he didn't have Cedric to link up with though (slash take an opposition defender away from).

 

Yes just what I was thinking. Really don't understand these players getting labelled as only playing better in dry conditions. Think it's just a euphemism for 'he's on a bad run', nothing more.

 

On another day, Mane might have had a hat trick.
Bear with me on this.

First half, VVD had a near post header, lacking in pace, straight at the keeper. Had he glanced it across the face of the goal, Mane was unmarked at the back post.
First half, Romeu's studded attempt, straight at the keeper. If he had got less of a touch, the ball could have squirted across goal to an unmarked Mane, at the back post.
Second half, as already mentioned on the match day thread, had Martina hit a hard, low cross along the 6 yard box, Mane was unmarked at the back post.

Sometimes you just need a little bit of luck, such as an accidental pass to set you up with a two yard tap in. He showed that he still has the instinct to be in the right place.