A bit harsh on Hull. There can't be many teams in the top 2 divisions who don't play possession football when allowed to do it. And when they did come forward they pinged it around really crisply (with Varane looking very static) and with a real threat. It was only when we remembered that we have some of the best wing talent in the division that we were able to disrupt their discipline. We should remember that more often.
I had a quick look on my phone, ten seconds later Hull scored their second. 3-1 result if I had left my phone in my coat pocket.
Yeah, I'm not down on Hull in particular, just that style of football. They were happy to pass it around at the back and we were happy to watch them do it. So dull.
After being at the game yesterday and just now watching the highlights, some thoughts: 1. Their first goal just shouldn't have happened, from a goalkeeping perspective. 2. Their second goal involved a blatant foul on JCS, right in front of the ref. But regardless, they had so much freedom because we were not aggressive with our pressure. The goal should never have happened. 3. Our 3rd goal is 100% onside. 4. The late chance that Kolli had is a tricky one: the pass was a little bit behind him and he desperately wanted it to be on his right foot only. He did have Burrell to his left but I think Burrell might not have had time to get a shot away with the incoming defender. I actually think Kolli does quite well with good positioning by the defender in front of him and an excellent close range save by the keeper. Here are the extended highlights:
Hmm... this is a tricky one. For the record, I think Chair is a talented player but, imo, he is flawed in his decision making and needs close coaching. I don't think this one game means he is now the answer. Of course, he had a very good game. But we all know he has good games in him. If we play him on that left side, and especially if we also play Dembele on the other side, it means we play very narrow, with LM and RM both cutting in. Our biggest downfall this season has been playing too slow and too narrow, always giving time for teams to get back in shape. How many blocked shots do you remember this season (and last), where players lose patience and just fire with loads of opposition players in front of them? I personally think Saito is more effective on that left position because he can cut in but also often stretches the game and gets into the box from the far corner. Dembele also had a good game yesterday. Dembele very similar to Chair: clearly talented but too lightweight and awful decision making at times. At times, I still think Smyth is more effective down the right as, again, he both can cut in and go to the goal line (as well as cross). Poku is probably best choice for the right side but is never fit, sadly. So, where would I play Chair? I'd have him swapping with Kone, either through subs or when the other isn't fit to start. Kone and Chair sharing partnership with Burrell, who should always start.
Would’ve been a very, very soft foul on JCS if it was given. Any centre-half should be stronger than that. Bit of a conundrum with the goalkeeper now as there was the goal and nearly another calamity where he was second to a high ball that went just over the bar. Spilled another into a dangerous area. I’d stick with him just because he isn’t Nardi but he didn’t have loads to do and he did most of it badly. The first followed an attack of ours that broke down when Kone managed to mess up a five yard pass. The guy was playing pub football barely 18 months ago and could probably do with not starting for a bit.
I don't think it's about strength... doesn't matter how strong you are, if a player pulls you around by the shoulder mid-movement, you can't keep your balance. Watch from this point of the video: It gives you multiple angles. The worst is the second angle. If the player doesn't pull him, he definitely has a chance to get to the ball. Is the player allowed to pull him like that? No, it's against the rules. Foul. I think they're both good keepers. I just think any keeper can look bad when the defence in front of them is shocking and chaotic. Obviously, both have a mistake in them here and there but if they were both in teams with very solid, well drilled defences, they'd both be made to look like quality keepers.
Strangely enough, nardi probably would have saved that one given he's a great shot stopper, overall he was a bit more reliable though
