Looks that way dont it? Why can't we just have an off day? Certain players are absolutely ****e and too slow now apparently.
Two things stood out for me. First, we have to able to take our chances.Especially against the more successful clubs in the PL,we aren't going to get many,and it's vital we take them when they arrive....I've banged on here long enough...goals are what will keep us in this league,not simply a well organised defence or fantastic energy and effort. Second, it's my belief that the players were slightly overwhelmed by playing at Man U.....our first match against a so-called big club away this season.....and it dawned on them they are playing at the very top level against one of the biggest clubs in the world. Could have weighed on Hume a bit.....Man U are huge in NI....he would have felt that. It's a mental thing,and I got the sense from RLB interview that he was slightly frustrated it had happened and I'm sure he will focus on it.
Do you have to have contact for a high foot foul to be given , over a number of seasons I have seen fouls given for intent and rightly so . On that basis I feel some clarification is needed , just because it happened in the penalty area is probably why it was not penalised ?
Almost kicking someone in the head, at head height, isn't permitted ... ... unless the officials are cowards, simple as that. We used to call it 'foot up', in Sunday League, and the refs would give a foul.
That's true, but 'foot up' would have meant an indirect free-kick (not a penalty). When you mention 'cowards' above, Smug, you could/should have added 'or cheats' Either way, the defender was 'nowhere near' the ball, but he did prevent Trai from playing it (by kneeing/fouling him)
Hard to drop Hume with Masuaku on the left. Try him there again maybe? With Gertrude coming in. I do think of the players playing most on Saturday, he was our worst. Its the in possession stuff that frustrates. Reinildo looks a really rolls Royce in comparison to Masuaku too
I have to admit I don't know the rulings on free kicks, but in my eyes it was reckless play all day long.
I personally think hes struggled and have said I think he's adjusting to the league. Hardly a boo boy ffs
Yep, that's what I thought at the time. I didn't think it was a penalty as there was no intention to kick him in the head ... ... if there was it would be a penalty anywhere in the box. If there's a similar foul this week, I'll absolutely guarantee a free kick will be given, anywhere else on the pitch, for a deliberate kick at the ball that close to an opponent. It was a foul whether or not contact was made.
Adingra has been the biggest disappointment so far for me. Looks so lightweight and lacking in anything really. Obviously early doors but not been overly impressed so far. It will be interesting to see a fit and firing mundle competing for that place
I love trai Hume, an absolutely fantastic competitor and great signing, but he has seemed a bit suspect in the last couple of games and maybe his place isn't secure. We have mukele and the Dutch guy who can play there and you wonder if he'll keep his place
Yeah Adingra is a slow burner so far, like Mayenda was hopefully. Shown his ability in flashes - creating chances and having decent attempts on goal so you can see he's good player. Might need some time to settle in the area or something like that.
For the moment I’m seeing this as a bit of a self fulfilling prophecy tbh. As with O’Nien people have been predicting his failure to step up for so long they're subconsciously expecting to be proved correct. I’m not saying you fit into that category but there seems to be quite a ‘told you so’ vibe going around. I’ve only looked at one set of players ratings but Hume was higher than Ballard. It’s irrelevant of course, everyone has their own opinions on players.
Never judge a player until their second season. Sometimes the younger players need a year to fully settle in and find their feet. I actually thought we seen glimpses of what Adingra can do against Man Utd. He was cutting inside and getting down the wing, his decision making and release of the ball was poor but that can be worked on.
Absolutely mate, not ruling anything out and I'd never write anyone off but up to now I've been a bit disappointed in him
I've not predicted anything and think he can make step up. Just don't think he's been as comfortable in last two games and he might have challengers for his position. Which is a good thing
On Hume we should not forget the threat he can be in the final third, and maybe he would benefit from playing slightly further forward with Mukiele covering his back in a three . Apologies if I have said this before, But I am set on a 3/5/2 line up, playing Isidor and Mayenda up front together. The space at Man U was crying out for it imo .
