by Zidane » Sun Jan 16, 2011 9:31 pm
I see things haven't changed. Overall it's a very positive result based on what we have seen all season long, the problem is whether the players really believe that. We have to keep building on things and this is another stepping stone to getting things fixed, we aren't that good a squad but we're playing the way we should play every single game now. The players are more energetic and look lively for the most part but we need to start winning or it will all go to sh!t once again, even if Kenny is manager. There was no problem with the lineup as seen in the first half but losing Agger shook up our back four and we quickly got on the back foot due to some bad luck, fortunately we recovered and almost ended up winning the match.. that's an achievement in itself imo.
Anyway on to the players, Skrtel is so uncomfortable when defending it is nerve racking he has to be replaced asap.. and no, not with Carra. People forget we've had these problems as long as I can remember and Carra has been part of the problem for the most part. I've been saying over and over that our CBs are our problem and not our flanks, although our LB situation needs to be dealt with it isn't our major problem. Meireles had a great goal but overall I thought he was as bad as he has been for a while now, he needlessly gives away possession far too much. We can't give away possession so cheaply throughout the game like that and expect to win. Spearing was a passenger in midfield as well, thought he would come out and do better tbh. Lucas had a solid game in midfield yet again but he needs someone better alongside him. I still would have preferred Raul in midfield with Lucas and someone else up front with Torres. Glen had a great game and why people are criticizing him at all, not sure if anyone has yet but I'm sure they have, is proof that his criticisms are OTT and off the mark. Kelly did well again and I agree with Kenny's post match comments that he is really hard to drop right now. I'm worried about how he goes into headers though he fell really awkwardly more then once today and it looks like he could hurt himself eventually. Maxi was great on the left again, shouldn't be dropped anymore until his form drops imo. Kuyt worked hard and put in his usual shift, nothing wrong with him today really.
Like I said overall it was a positive performance but we absolutely needed those 3 points and confidence still hinges on goals on the pitch, after the first half I knew that we needed a second before they got one or we wouldn't get the 3 points. I just KNEW that we would concede and if it was before we had our second that we would be in trouble. These are huge problems cause I know the opposition has that same feeling, if they go down 1 against us its not a big deal, we need a season or two to really rebuild the confidence in us and the fear in the opposition.