Changes noted, the pitch seemed narrower than ever, the red surrounds taking up space. New floodlights which made the Chapel look a much darker place to be in?
Never even heard him mentioned amongst the crowd or even thought of him as a possible with subs.... although I’m not going to join the haters from last season, he wasn’t missed tonight.
I believe a friendly match can make some players seem a lot better and others a lot worse. e.g. Skillful players like a Tadic will have a bit more time and space to exploit, but more industrious souls like a Romeu can look kind of lost without that competitive edge. Think that’s why these games are so difficult to form judgements on. Streamlined Pierre does sound like he has the potential to kick on this season though
Saw the highlights finally. Feels good to win a game in that manner even if its a friendly, they're no pushovers after all. Three very classy goals gives me hope for the season. First goal conceded you can't do too much about. Second goal was sloppy from Long, more about his reaction after losing it - I'd expect him to do more if it was an EPL game. The player we have sold and missed most in recent years has been Morgan. Our play absolutely requires a mid who can win that ball and then turn that possession quickly into an attack. Thats what Hojberg needs to be doing and looks like he's off to a cracking start. Romeu needs to lift his game several levels from last year if he wants to start games. If not, there are plenty of mids after his place. Good game, reds, good game.
Maybe Yosh and Cedric will need more time and we'll be starting without them? Hoedt still doesnt seem to have settled in ...or is just a bit clumsy and slow....
It is clear that these “Team for Threads” we’re the problem over the last two seasons. They started to sneak in before a match day thread went up and this was noticed by the footballing hands of fate. They saw them as an opportunity to get the match Day thread under discussion early. Match Day Threads are deemed to go up on a Tuesday, Wednesday latest for a weekend game. Those hands of fate have been punishing us. Maybe
A solent reporter said that he spoke to Hughes after the game and said that Redmond has a knock from the game in France and that Lemina has tonsillitis, which is weird as he posted a picture on Instagram last night holding his new born baby? Anyway, said they should both be available Saturday?
Lemina in for Romeu on Saturday? Him and hoj to rule midfield. Not sure what redderz will have to do.
