Benfica is a good team. The high line wasn't a good idea against a team that counters this well, but the alternative was to risk looking passive. I understand why we went for the stupid option.
Benfica is a good team. The high line wasn't a good idea against a team that counters this well, but the alternative was to risk looking passive. I understand why we went for the stupid option.
44mins at home and we've put together, what, one half decent move?
I'm a bit disappointed withNaughton at LB and Soldado not starting. I think Naughton has a good PL future as a RB, but at LB I'd take my chances with Fryers at this point. He's gone from wretched to not too bad, whereas Naughton at LB will always be adequate at best, I think.
"I wish we'd try something other than the long hump to ade. It's not working and it's not pretty."
Like what ??
You have an MF that cannot play a pass fast. Or accurately when under pressure.
Benfica haven't had to do much homework.
Congest the MF. Expect slow/sloppy passing from the opponent.
Be patient and await inevitable mistakes.
Talking of depth of crap - remember all that talk about our amazing squad depth?
Well I've seen nothing on the pitch vaguely resembling not caring or not fronting up.
Because that is not what the problem is tonight. Just more of the games gone by this season.
So no need for bollockings at HT, Timmy.
I'm sure Naughton on the left has been adequate at some point, though I'm hard pressed to remember when. Having a #10 on the left as well against a team like Benfica doesn't look too bright at this point either, right along with playing the high line.