What a terrific match. Thoroughly enjoyed it....the win was a nice bonus, but enjoyed our play anyway. Targett was excellent....as was the whole team....with special mention for Gabbi. I have a feeling that our defence will be somewhat robust this season.
Saints redeemed themselves in that second half Like many friendlies, a real mixed bag (some very good performances (Gabbiadini, Targett, Stephens, Armstrong etc.) and some poor ones (Long, Davis, Romeu, Hoedt). I like the fact we are scoring, however I don't like the fact that our midfield is so easily bypassed and we are playing such a high line and our defence looks just as fragile as last year.
A hughesy half time team talk and second half substitutions to turn a 0-2 deficit to a 3-2 win. It's the hope that kills you.
MUCH MUCH better in that half. Things I noted: Like the look of Gunn We must keep Targett - I know we have a lot of Centre back options now but I still seriously like the thought of Bertrand in a back 3 with Targett left wing back Pierre was awesome and should be first name on team sheet Ely looks maybe a bit lightweight but suspect he has a terrific attitude and work ethic Armstrong a definite upgrade on Davis Austin still knows where the net is JWP looked good in his cameo Vestergard looks to have a calm giant presence Good stuff
We have some interesting midfielders though. Which is why I hate this formation. Well, see you all for the next one.
Thoughts: - Hojbjerg was superb. - Elyounoussi lost the ball quite a bit, looked quite poor but did score the winner. - Vestergaard really good in the centre of the back 3. - Armstrong looking like a good signing. - Nice attacking football but still looking shaky at the back and there were quite a few loose passes that would have been punished in a proper match. - Great performance from Targett. The pass for the Armstrong goal was delicious. My team for Burnley at the moment would be McCarthy Targett Bednarek Vestergaard Hoedt Betrand Hojbjerg Romeu Armstrong Austin Gabbiadini
Haven’t seen any of the game. Rarely bother with friendlies. I have however caught up on the thread. Some of us need to learn to just relax in pre-season. We went from being dog poo to being world beaters. Hilarious