In terms of creativity that is the best I can ever recall us playing in a premier league away game. But, we didn't score, the quality isn't quite there, which is the owners fault. Wasn't sure about the substitutions but that's a minor quibble. Maguire was excellent, it's great to have a centre back who loves to roam forward. Huddlestone bossed it again, it's great to see him playing well consistently for the first time since his big hair days really. Robertson was also terrific, Elmo was solid but his crossing is a bit **** and I'm sure he's lost a yard or two. Mbokani was big and strong again, which is great, but he hasn't scored yet, which is not great. I think PLT hit the nail on the head with his assessments of him and Hernandez, so maybe both of them up front together will do the business. But then what do you do with Snodgrass.....I wouldn't like to be Phelan right now!
I believe it is the second time this season Clucas has skied a clear shot into the seats. Can't blow those opportunities in the Prem, lad.
I think Snodgrass could do with a bit of time on the bench, at times he's unplayable but recently he's not looked as sharp and I think he's either become lax in his approach due to his form or he's tiring a bit. Either way, if Abel is fit he should be partnering Mbokani.
He virtually missed them all in the warmup too. I commented on it to the person I was with at the game.
So proud of what the team did today, a superb effort. The bringing in of Henriksen halted our momentum a little, I guess Livermore must be carrying a knock. Gut wrenching defeat. We need ten wins to stay up. Seven more needed - seems unlikely.
I we are the 4th, then next year we can win The Premiership and then the year after qualify top of the group in the Champions league and qualify for the last 16...
Listening to Phelan, I think he's desperate to play two up top but he DAREN'T drop Snodgrass. he's a professional footballer FGS, have a word with him in the same way you had a conversation with Diomande today. Do whats right for the team and not whats right for Snodgrass. !!! Also interesting his comment about the missed chances,... those with the opportunities getting 'too excited'...
I was thinking about managers last night GLP.... I was watching Huddersfield and whats Wagner managed to mould from nothing essentially.... Wagner would be a great manager here. He's managed to utilise great contacts too, something I thought Phelan would do with United cast offs and then we saw what happened.
I think our 4-0 win at Cardiff in the 2013-14 season was probably our most complete PL away performance for creativity combined with clinical finishing. We had Long and Jelavic up front then which is the quality we needed today. Huddlestone and Livermore both scored in that game with good finishes so maybe it's also about confidence and they and the team were playing much better then. Admittedly, Cardiff was poor that day and they did have Marshall in goal (though not at fault for any of the goals)
Yes, quite like what Wagner has done. Well schooled under Klopp at Dortmund. They play the same pressing game which has been pretty effective to date.
We have to stick with this formation, simply have to. We are creating chances. As a cheap option for up front have a look at a couple in the Championship - I'd even consider Donaldson back from Birmingham - he's physical and has always impressed me over the last couple of seasons.
