JRod was making some really intelligent runs off the ball but nobody was quick enough to pick him out and they went begging. Finishing is certainly an area that will need honing before the season starts for real.
Like i said, depends on the team this, playing with the first team in pre-season, then it means something. Barcelonaplayed with their "B" team from Segunda Division and ManC somewhat fielded a C team in some sorts? Giants managed to get into the play-offs by sheer luck not because they were a stable team. Detroit Tigers for this year nearly the grapefruit league in pre-season and had a cracking start of the season and they are 2,5 games behind right now on the White Sox. Anyways, you can bend the facts the way you like. Today you practically played with 9 or 10 players from your starting 11, and pre-season is all about getting fit and in form. With a losing streak going on it wont affect fitness but it will affect form. Wether you like it or not it's still psychology in the end.
Either way, I don't think a 1-0 loss against a side we weren't expected to beat is going to ruin our season
I didn't say that neither, i'm talking about streaks and that 'friendlies don't mean anything' is bs.
Friendlies do mean something - they are they to help the team gel and get used to new tactics - to sharpen up their touch and quicken their passing to team mates. Results only mean something if you're losing to **** teams like Eastbourne Borough 8-0. If you lose 1-0 to a team like Ajax, Udinese, Arsenal or Anderlecht, but show throughout your pre-season a steady sharpening up of touch, passing, movement and fluidity, then you're making the most of it and having a good pre-season.
Ajax were better on the ball than anyone we played at St Mary's last season. Whether or not it was their full first team, they were a tough test and it's clear to see why they are held in such high esteem. The old 442 probably would have been overrun totally, and credit to Adkins for not just recognising that, but changing the shape and making it work. It's not easy to change when the team has played 442 for years.
I thought he had a very good game. RM or not, he can do that job well for us and worked well with both RBs. Apart from first 25 minutes we looked ok. Defensively we need to sharpen. And the commentator on the telly ... Stewart Robson.... "kelvin always has been a good kicker of the ball".... jeez! Really?
Missed the game as I was on a plane What are the opinions on Ward-Prowse and Shaw today? I'm really excited by those two. Shame we didn't get to see anything of Stephens or Seaborne.
Ward-Prowse looked so accomplished for a 17-year-old. Really technically brilliant, great energy and vision. Really promising. Shaw looked good, whipped a few good balls in, and made some good clearances, but didn't have as much time to make an impact.
Obviously Man-city is going to be a massive test, but I'm really looking forward to the start. If we defend by attacking, we'll be just fine over the course of the season. Hope Fonte has a better game next time out though.
Am honestly expecting Ward-Prowse to start against City. Adkins clearly loves him and he's majestic. I haven't heard any news or read this thread but I presume Clyne was taken off because he hasn't had as much pre-season as the other lads and we're trying to blend him in gradually? The bits and pieces of the game I saw, I was very impressed. The final third instinct will come soon enough and the movement is very encouraging between the front players. Sod the result, the signs are good. UTS.
Decent work out, clear 4-5-1 in operation. Lambert looked isolated especially for the 1st 30 minutes and I think the players really struggled to convert defensive possession into meaningful attacks against the high pressing game. When we did manage to get forward, we looked dangerous with Lallana, Rodriguez and Guly showing good movement. Clyne & Fox were useful outlets and offered our best chances of scoring. Adkins has already alluded that the 4-5-1 is the 3rd system for when we play teams who will see more of the football than us. If you take out the individual mistakes I think it's fair to say it was pretty solid, but as stated above when defending everyone was so deep and packed in midfield we had no outlet when we won the ball. If last years per season was all about possession, this one is about containing teams. Adkins just needs to think of a way to make that defensive formation have a sting to its tail.
I thought Clyne did his job but as mentioned by another user, he wasn't really tested so wouldn't say he had a great game - would need to see more. Not really seen JWP play before but thought he was brilliant and yet still a kid - defo look forward to seeing him play again. Schneiderlin was awesome. Put the tackles in, I don't remember him losing the ball and some quality passes especially the ball over the top. I almost jizzed when he played it - very similar to the one against Ipswich last season (except Lallana did better than Sharp). Lallana and Guly the other notable players for me. Still plenty of work to do before Man City as we definitely need another CB (although the defence was reasonably solid) and for Rickie to get fitter and more match sharp. Still 3 weeks to go so plenty of time. COYR. NARAWA. RLSGM. ALMMLS. GGGGGG. COYS. JFBJFO. etc
