Match Day Thread Vs Brighton (A)

Keita played like he did just before his last injury, it seems to take him 2 or 3 games when he comes back into the team to get to his best. Should be a starter next game. Don't want to see Ox play wide again, or even play if he does not improve. Next game Burnley at home so could give Jones a run out and Maybe Williams at RB with TAA on the bench.

I have had Salah as my FF captain for most of the season, took him out of the team as he had been a bit off his usual game recently just my luck!

 

Really enjoyed this game, mind you I do like Brighton.

I was more than happy with Williams, I thought he played well, pulled out of position but its what happens when your young, you follow the danger rather than seeing the bigger picture.

Naby was very good, I liked the way in the first 20 minutes or so he rotated with Bobby. Bobby would drop deep keita would go past him so we always had a front 3.

Ox I'm unsure of, I like him I really do. But he's much better in a midfield 3. But he's looking to replace wini or naby. On current form he's last of the 3.

 

Yeah - took me ages to read that.

 

Hmm. We've got Chelsea and Arsenal coming up - we'll score against both, but they'll score against us too.

 

I really like what I've seen of Williams so far and I thought he did well enough, but the lack of experience showed. Of course he'll only get that from playing.
Like a lot of young lads he was so keen to get forward that he was caught out a bit with his defensive duties, and his desperate attempt to bring the player down when he was outpaced could get him into trouble.
He's still a great prospect though, and the impetuousness of youth can be refined and focussed with good coaching.

 

lopp said we need to protect him - and we did for fifteen minutes. After that, he was on his own. He's a tall lad - could he fill in at CB? I think he could. Once again proves the point that we ned at least two more left-footers in the squad to provide cover.

 

Pretty satisfied with that. Plusses were Keita, Williams (despite a couple of schoolboy errors), Fabinho (when he came on). Chamberlain was pretty poor again. Allison not at his imperious best, but couldn't do anything about the goal, which was a beautiful strike. Hendo was great. Hope that knee's not serious. 3 points

 

That was an entertaining game! Was geared up for another boring performance but this was anything but.

Keita stepped up - won the ball and created. All round performance. Salah continues to be world class - another 2 goals and assist.

I like Neco - this was a tough game but it was very encouraging. Likes to take risks and plays without fear.

 

The other players can see he's a quality player and believe in him already. I think they're trying to boost his confidence atm, the last couple of games they've worked the ball around to get it to him.

I just find it frustrating that we do lots of fast passing or one/two touch football but then Keita gets it and he either stops the ball or thinks he's Glen Johnson; got to have seventeen touches before releasing it!

 

he released it quick enough twice

i'ce been pretty critical of Keita but since lockdown think he has been playing well though noticeably running less with the ball . While glad to see him stop just running till he lost possession , which used to happen far too often , i hope he finds a happy medium as we need someone to be able to dribble in the MF , awaits incoming Harry Kane jokes , to add a different dimension .

 

Tracks back better than Glen.

 

Felt a bit cruel to almost liken him to Glen Johnson

 

I didn't say he played poorly, he didn't. In fact I've said yesterday was probably his best game fitter us so far. He's definitely improving.

TBF, I get frustrating with any player that intentionally slows down the pace when we're on top. Jimmy said similar for Hendo, Milner, etc for a long time (passing negatively) but with them it was more a 'rabbit in the headlights' when being pressed or they had a lack of time. Keita does when he's in 15yrds of space with all the time in the world.

Yes, he's a player we need to unlock park the bus sides but you also need urgency against those teams. The faster you move the ball the more likely you are to open them up. Failing that, it will tire then out quicker