by azriahmad » Sat Aug 21, 2004 6:22 pm
Guys, I think the first half play was very much due to jitters as they wanted to score so badly that they hurried the final ball to the strikers when the build-up passing play has been generally good. The passing quality has been much better than last season but I think the desire to get a goal made them lose their head a bit.
Worse was when Carra made that poor clearence but really, with Dudek so close by, he was the one who made a meal of it and fumbled the ball to give the chance to a persistent Anelka. I don't think Carra played too badly, in fact he played well.
Yes, Rock, Josemi has been very good and is proving to be a snip at 2 million pounds, compared to Finnan who can't defend, can't really tackle well and certainly can't cross the ball properly.
Lucky for us, the goal came at the strke of half time that Benithez may have been able to give them a pep talk during half time. If man City had scored earlier, we may have a more torrid time as despeation may have gotten into the players' head.
I'd take any win, as this will have given the players more confidence and the way we played in the second half, added to the new signings, points to a better immediate future.
Dudek's tendency to let in those kind of goals is a worry for me.