Thought both players were class today,one things for certain Carroll looks a better player with Downing in the side.Mata very quiet.Valencia came back into game last 20 mins,and it was all to do with Banegas passin.Downing likes to do everything at pace,which I think is always a good quality to have Carroll,Agger,Aqua,Aurelio,Lucas all looked v good too
Don't forget Spearing, I think he is a consistent player now. With our new look midfield it is easy to mention the names Lucas, Adam, Aquilani, Hendo and Gerrard but I think Spearing is always going to be an able back up and will probably feature quite a bit this season.
The good thing and I thought this was great was that we used the width of the pitch to great effect. We had a tendency last season to be narrow. If we are to get the best out of Andy Carroll we are going to have to use the width of the pitch and attack from 3-4 directions. The beginning of this was last season was Kenny encouraging as many players to get into the box as possible when on the attack. However he has the players now, and Charlie Adam is vital to this as he's the spray passer/play maker/tempo setter to implement this,without him,Downing wouldn't be able to stretch it. I've said all along that width is useless unless you have a tempo setter, Riera didn't perform any way as well when Xabi Alonso left. Different players compliment different styles and Downing,Carroll and Adam do compliment each other.
I forgot to mention Meireles. KPR I couldn't agree more, I would include Aquilani in that list also as I think his link up play with Downing is also on par.
Aquilani has surprised me. I thought that he was an expensive Jamie Redknapp in that he could pass the ball through the eye of a needle but be completely useless if he lost possesion. However he's got more in his locker than just that, He's a very clever footballer, and his running with the ball is superb,his vision is fantastic and he can put a ball through the narrowest of angles. I reckon if we are set up with both he and Kuyt and Suarez in the side,we will see a lot more of those dummy passes that we saw last season, you know the ones that defenders can't defend against.
Downing got my vote for MOTM thought he was excellent there were a few contenders Carrl,Spearing,Agger Banega good player but trying to get players booked in a friendly scandalous Mata was quiet all game had a few touches but nothing else really
Banega is a cracking talent... But I don't think we can afford to have him, Kuyt and Spearing in one team. I'd have to follow the games on the radio.
Imaginr Wayne Rooney,Rio Ferdinand and Gary Neville in 3DHD. Thats enough to put you off your food. They are left outside their front doors to keep away burglars.
Henderson provided real energy in the first half it was needed as the side was lacking our naturally energetic players,ie Kuyt,Gerrard and Suarez. He will add more energy to the overall squad.
