by bigmick » Wed Aug 19, 2009 11:10 pm
Just watched the first half (second is on in a minute) and it's a much more encouraging display from us. Gerrard in particular has been immense, while both Johnson and Benayoun put in a good shift. First impression on the kid at the back is that I quite like him, although there was one moment where Dean Whitehead closed him down and he looked short of pace, but it's not conclusive. In the main though he has done alright and has a future in the game somewhere.
Johnson fairly obviously offers a lot more in terms of going forward than Arbie did, but it remains to be seen how he'll perform under a stiffer examination defending. Very encouraging from him though. I must also mention Lucas who i think has done fine, I just think he needs to find from somewhere the confidence and desire to express himself more. There is a footballer looking to break out I'm sure of it, but it's not banging on the door with enough determination. Still a few too many safe passes, too much linking the play and not enough cut. Insua has done well too, good performance from the kid.
Quick note on the lad at the back for them who we are looking at, Ryan Shawcross. Yep, like him and I'd be more inclined to spend on him than I would Turner TBPH. I'm very surprised man Utd let him go, he and Evans would have provided a good future pairing.
One other thing, where is Delap from? Bit out there this one but in a 22 man squad England could do worse (if he's English) than stick him in the World Cup squad. 2-1 down with ten minutes to go might look a bit different if you stuck him on with them fecking throw ins. Unbelieveable distance he gets, and flows if flat as a f@rt as well. Don't think I've ever seen anything quite like that.
"se e in una bottigla ed e bianco, e latte".