by Pig Catcher » Sun Nov 25, 2018 11:29 pm
Good post copied from Rawk.
I'm genuinely a little surprised at people criticising the performance from yesterday. It looked to me, especially on second watch, like a consummate away performance against a good, dangerous and physical premier league team.
Yes, the first half was devoid of much action, but we absolutely controlled proceedings, had the better chances - Mane's superb bicycle kick on the run, Bobby's snapshot after the high press and Mo's header from the well worked and planned corner.
I'm not sure what people expect from a first half in a tough away? Sure, an early goal would be nice, but Watford were always going to be better rested and prepared than us and we've already seen that they're very well organised and tough to break down. That first half, and a lot of the start of the second was about keeping the ball, moving the ball, forcing them to run, close gaps, think on their feet and answer the questions we posed from open play and dead ball situations. The net result is that they're f*cking knackered after an hour and the spaces open up. Take the first, the full back gets caught about 4 yards out of position and we expose it ruthlessly - nearly getting in soon before with a very similar situation only for Mane to be flagged off.
These games, as dumb as it sounds, are all about that first goal. Get it early and maybe those spaces open earlier as they push forward more, if not, then you need to receive or force a mistake - Bobby, score a brilliant goal - Mane's attempt, or take chances from dead ball situations - Mo's. We're absolutely rock solid at the back, and for the first time in years have a keeper who saves everything he should save while being alert and excellent when there are opportunities to start quick attacks.
The XG shows us at 1.4 and them 0.6 (if my memory hasn't failed me) and I'm starting to look at the spread/difference of those numbers as a reflect of superiority. In this case our number is, almost, 3 times that of theirs. We could have scored more too with Bobby playing a poor ball directly before the 2nd Henderson yellow.
Generally, I think it's the best we've played in a while, Mane and Mo looked razor sharp and Bobby seemed much more like himself, finding space, linking well with those around him and just generally being a threat. Gininwas quietly superb, snuffing things out, creating space, running his ***** off and moving the ball quickly. Our full backs were excellent, the centre halves absolutely dominant, against a ***** of a player to handle in Deeney.
Most points ever in a season at this stage. Not Premier league era - EVER. For a club of our stature thats a huge stat. Least goals conceded too as well I think. Strength in depth, boss manager and a genuine collective mentality throughout the squad, and, as much as you'll get, through fan base. And they both feed off each other.
Even when we were f*cking electric last season it wasn't in every game. We had ups and downs, games where we ground things out and games where we were a bit Sh*t. I wonder if a few of us have been watching too many compilation YouTube videos over the summer and forgotten what 90 minutes of football actually looks like game in, game out.
Lastly, just ignore City. Probability is we won't catch them, instead let's get behind this amazing set of lads who are setting new standards for this club. If they focus on doing their absolute best minute to minute, pass to pass, tackle to tackle then we'll be there or thereabouts. I don't think it's fair to ask for more than them to give everything they've got. They're doing that, and making us proud.
Up the solid, ruthless, exceptional reds.
