Just watched us on MOTD, been working today so didn't see the game. Point (1) Why hasn't Connor had a chance before looks like he's worth 8 Million. Point (2) Vaughan shouldn't have been sent off 1st yellow was never a booking. Point (3) Cuellar was never a handball no matter what the commentator said came of his chest. Point (4) the Mig is Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Point (5) Bales yellow was dubious but was never a penalty. Point (6) Why haven't we played with such commitment and passion all season? Point (7) the Mig is Awesome !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Point (8) Paulo seems to have the makings of a great manager (this one is a wait and see but has turned a team of no hopers around which I'm afraid O'Neil didn't in the long turn hope Paulo can). Point (9) Have I said how awesome the Mig is!
MOTD would have failed to show why PDC was talking about slapping Connor the other week, yes he did have a good chance but he failed to hold up the ball when we needed him too and lost possession easily, but hes learning and needs some more game time. The defensive performance was full of passion and commitment but its blatantly obvious we are lacking some real "weapons" going forward. Roll on next season where we see a few more exciting matches but ultimately we could flirt with the bottom again but its about building now and trusting in PDC'S philosophy.
Colback is the opnly thing I'd add to that list. (Oh sorrt - I'd have to add that Mignolet is awesome!) It was a foul on Bale but outside the area - the guy made sure he got into the box before his swan dive - the reason he got carded is because of the way he went down - it's physically impossible to go down like that when you're being pulled - had he simply stopped and turned around to the ref then yeah definitely but he has made a rod for his own back. He did a far far worse dive in the second half (no-one anywhere near him) which the press appear to have missed completely
I thought Mignolet had a poor game by his standards. Yes he was busy and made a number of routine saves but he flapped at a couple that could easily have cost us if not for good defending. Wickham did ok, nothing more for me. Like I've said on another tread Kenwyne Jones used to get slaughtered for putting in better than that.
Too many times we lose possession of the ball needlessly and therefore fail to take the pressure off ourselves and hand the initiative back to the opposition. A lot of the time this happens without being directly challenged by an opponent because the very presence of an opposition player causes a lapse in concentration and poor ball control. There is a hell of a lot to work on for the coaching staff but when the lads work their socks off like yesterday there is no doubting their heart. Hopefully pre-season work will see their fitness and physicality massively improved as individuals and a continued improvement in team organisation. Put these pieces in the jigsaw and we will be a difficult side to beat. Of course, in order to offer a serious threat in attacking mode we will need to add some quality to the squad. KTF
How about the spurs player that went over the ball, studs 1st ? not even a yellow given, and only got a 2 second mention during the game. should have been a straight red, cos it was the same tackle as gardner did. Was watching a fox sports feed. Larsons pull on Bale was a "rugby tackle" but AJ got pushed in the back and it was a "cute move". pisses me off.
