Indeed, the first was a little harsh - both players slid-in for the ball - VW's boot was flat to the ground - not raised in any way. That they both made contact with each other in the coming together. The second was careless and an unnecessary challenge. That said, VW will always collect cards because of the position he plays. I was surprised he was not substituted earlier in the game when Romeu was brought on - and no, I am not criticising the decision to leave him on, just making a comment. As I have posted already - was a very good night for us. We do have issues collectively with holding the ball up when in front - its something to be worked on - its a better problem to have than others I could mention.
I'm pretty sure a European observer would have wondered how a team that couldn't keep the ball could be 7th in the premier league. I reckon an Eskimo would have wondered that. The real concern is that its happened twice, at home, that we just can't retain possession under pressure. I can't be sanguine about that I'm afraid. Fortunately, neither, I'm sure, can Ron.
I'm one of his biggest fans. When he first joined I defended him to those who would have preferred Cork in the side. Watching MOTD 2 both challenges were really poor. Very needless dismissal and suspension.
Tom, I'm not certain I understand. Can you clarify whether you think Wanyama was at fault in any way yesterday? Vin
He stopped doing it eventually though because he was knackered. If we'd had Long or Jay on the bench ID have taken Pelle off with 15 to go because he was blowing. As you said, because he'd done quite a bit of work.
Tom - clearly you've not played the game. The first was a ball to win, not really what I'd call a stupid tackle. The second he didn't need to go to ground, but the lad had run 20 yards unchallenged towards our box. He could have used his brain a bit more but no way was it as bad as you are making out. You are just an angry young man.
It would be great if we attacked all the game, but at least we withstood the onslaught this time...B'mouth scarcely had a sniff at goal. I think people are getting concerned because we have twice gone 2-0 and then had to defend a lot, but this isn't our normal style. We usually win if we get in front (as we did yesterday)....correct me if I'm wrong, but that's the impression I have got. As I said before I can understand disappointment with the game, but not why anyone would be angry with the team. They couldn't get themselves together and made life hard for themselves...a player got himself sent off (as Mane did in last match)...but that's football. We're still 7th and didn't get there by accident.
So if Villa beat Spurs by 3 goals we go to 6th on goals scored (unless the score is 6-3 or above). Absolute cinch
This is true. A few weeks ago I caused a riot by criticising Pelle when he was scoring and being everyone's darling. The number one reason for me doing this was because since about December last year I felt he was not good enough at holding the ball up with his feet when we were under pressure. In the last few weeks he has improved that drastically, to his immense credit. Yesterday was a second half when neither he nor Mane held it up and if they did, they soon gave it back (like Mane when he held it up just outside our box and ran with it against the full back all the way up to the middle of their half only to give it to them anyway). As Archers and TinTin said, that was a half when we need the ball sticking like glue to feet, no fancy stuff, roll back to a midfielder or defender and keep it for a while to break the flow up. This is not a dig at Pelle for yesterday as he was excellent first half and just got knackered chasing shadows in the second, but it highlights what I got batterered for saying several times since the start of this calendar year.
I'm aware that he will pick up more yellow cards than most players, given the position he plays and how he plays but he's also picking up silly cards and both of them yesterday were silly and there was no reason to slide in both times.
You really don't know me very well so don't make inaccurate judgements about me. In the few times we have met - have I come across as angry?
We disagree on the first. It was unfortunate in my opinion. It was exactly the sort of challenge we need our CDM to make. The ball had run away from the Cherrie's player as he was approaching the edge of our box. We need him to win those, not back out. second one he didn't need to go to ground. I define a silly yellow as something like booting the ball away in anger.
Oh and by the way, Dave Merrington, who knows a hell of a lot about the game, called Vic brainless as well.
Tom, without any shadow of doubt, you come across as an angry keyboard warrior on here sometimes. The reason I make these comments is because I have met you on a number of occasions (not a few) over the last 4 years and, having met you, I have judged that the posts are not the normal you. They appear very angry, which is not like the Tom I have met. You come across very angry and unforgiving at times, expecting perfection. I make judgements and will continue to do so. Just as Vic will in midfield
There can be a very fine line between a good tackle and getting a yellow card...so one like the first can always happen. As Koeman says, you then have to be careful. There was another defender there, so the second was probably unnecessary and in a dangerous position, but I suspect came down to the constant defending required in the second half. May not have happened if the second half was like the first...with a lot of Saints possession.
