Popped over today for the first time this season. 30 mins late, so didn't get a team sheet, so completely lost as I've no idea who's who. A few observations: * The coach, Carlos Corberán (no, me neither!), issues all touchline instructions in Spanish! * There were groups of players and even bunches of people in the crowd all wittering away in Spanish. Even the guys filming the match! * The goalkeeper played almost every ball long. Some were too long, in fact! So much for playing out from the back with a keeper/sweeper! Btw, keeper was very good. Big lump & had a couple of superb saves. * They looked more like a team this season, playing for each other, & closing down fast in packs. * Surprisingly, Stokes didn't get a game. I have no idea why he was sat on the bench. * The lad that caught my eye was 19yo Adrian Balbao (yup, Spanish, and prolly called Rocky ). Supposedly a striker, but looked more like an AM to me. Very strong. Very. * Have to give Gomes a mention too. Very involved, positive & creative. Didny realise he was Spanish too, until I heard him. * Romario Vieira was on the bench. Seemed to have a monk on. Eventually got on late & slotted in fine as a DM. Towards the end, the coach was screaming for him to get back to defend our 2-1 lead when we got a last minute corner. He defiantly ignored him (even stared at the coach & shouted) and went over to the corner flag with the intention of playing for time in the corner. Good tactic, but ignoring the coach? Not clever & might, & I repeat might, be the reason he's not getting the breaks his brother did. People who take on the coach usually lose - in many ways. * Coach seemed very, erm ... affectionate, shall I say? Everyone who got subbed got a hug and gentle stroking about the head & upper back. Hmmm. Enough said.
