When Tadic went off, Davis moved forward, then when Davis went off Prowsey went forward. Very impressed with how all the changes had absolutely no negative effect on our performance. Very controlled and calming performance, for me. Targett and Yoshida were really on their game, very impressive. Redmond is getting better. Would like a striker, with pace, to come off the bench, as we became quite static when Redmond and Long departed, although it is unlikely they would both go off together in a "proper" game. Romeu was the business, in front of the CBs, but I was less confident when Hojberg played there, because, IMO, he didn't sit deep enough, leaving space between himself and the CBs, for players to get into, plus he does like to drift forward. Quietly confident ahead of next week's opener.
About 2 minutes before I took my seat before the game, and about the same before I left the ground, it was the only time that I could understand a word of what the announcer was saying, isn't that Frannies daughter?
It is indeed. I never have a clue what she's saying, but she looks hot. On the game, for the most part we passed it around nicely, however a lot of it was just passing along the defence. I was surprised how poor Athletic were, they just kept it very tight in the middle, not sure where they are in their pre-season though. They created next to nothing, but we didn't really look dangerous for most of the game either. When VVD won the ball and burst forward beating a player or two that was one of our most dangerous looking attacks. I know Long scored today, but he didn't have a good game for me. Pied was ok. Redmond lively and positive again. Pete the only outfield player to complete the 90 mins and looks very comfortable on the ball. Nice to see Cedric and Fonte get a half each. Austin was more lively than on Wednesday but still, doesn't suit the system. JRod didn't really have a sniff, still looks rusty and lacking confidence (as you'd expect). We'll be in a lot of low scoring games judging by the pre-season games I've seen AND if we don't get in an attacking player or two.
Just got in from the Bilbao game...was generally impressed and more confident about the coming season. Scarcely gave them a moments rest. Still need to finish better, but we will win games if we play like we did today. Targett made himself available and will certainly get more playing time this season. Forster needs to work on his kicking accuracy, but early days really after getting back from Euro 2016. And Fonte waved and got a hug from Virgil.
Will be really sad if he never returns to top form. He does worry me. How did the diamond perform assume Redmond at the top what were other positions?
He won't be the same as before the injury, but I still think he can be good. Just wouldn't want to pin all our hopes on him & Charles. Too risky.
Diamond actually looked good, albeit because Bilbao didn't really attack us. The only gripe I have is that it forces Redmond/Long to defend wide, and then with the ball the fullbacks don't really get any support out wide.
Redmond played in one of the two wide striker roles. Tadic/Davis and finally JWP played at the diamond tip. Stylistically we're going back to Pochettino time. Think we're largely going to dominate possession in matches. Players are starting to get the passing angles and triangles down. not seen it mentioned on today's game, but JWP was again impressive. He seems to have a good understanding with Redmond and he is becoming a lot stronger on the ball. I really think this formation works for him
It's worth remembering that pre-injury JRod was part of an attacking line up that he was well used to and it took him some time fit in to that line up. On joining Saints it took him the best part of half a season regular starts to shake off the "One Goal" tag. Give the lad a chance to get some decent playing time under his belt and rebuild his confidence before we write him off.
