So, we start the game in the 4,3,3 formation once more with Sergio on the wing and I start to ask myself is he going at the end of the season or what? As I repeat I would drop Sterling and play Jesus in a wider role for now. I also repeat that I am a little sceptical of Yaya in 4,3,3 against any decent opposition. The only other things of note being: Willy in goal which you can feel just brings an air of calm, (which says a lot for the confidence sapping Bravo, for if confidence is built from the bottom up that guy was a stumbling block before you got out of the blocks!), Secondly, Fernandhinio at right back with Sagne switched to the left (where is Zaba is he injured? Anyway Fernandhinio I thought looked good as a full back and like Millner at Liverpool can definitely do what's required as I believe most holding midfielders can do at full back, in this I include myself!), Finally no Otamendi in favour of a Kolarov/Stones partnership (so a fair bit of tinkering in the defence!)
The game starts and within no time I know who my main men are to watch as they dominate that left side, in Silva and Sane. Sane especially has definitely found his feet in the last few weeks and for me is becoming as much of a revelation as Jesus almost. However I am still not buying into Sterling being put into this category as Niall Quinn so wanted to do (a commentator I rarely ever agree with) and once again this was cemented with his man of the match choice! How did he not chose Sane or Silva? What game was he watching?? What it did remind me however was that football is decided on such fine margins! In that moments before Sterling's easy tap in when he missed again from close range I texted Jim this 'Sterling can't score for shit!' Followed moments later by 'They are the only ones he can score! Tap ins!' To be fair to him he is improving but on the wing not in front of goal, but Man of the Match Quinn you are dreaming, and I simply wouldn't sacrifice Sergio for him, unless behind closed restaurant doors Sergio has said he is going no matter what! Who knows hey?! One thing I do know is Sterling should spend the whole summer facing one on one's with the keeper, crosses in front of goal and should go on a troubleshooting course to train his mind to make quicker more instinctive, decisive decisions! As he could have had at least 10 more this season and with that we could have had at least the same number in extra points this season as a result.
Anyway, back to the game and yes we get the breakthrough eventually that Sterling gratefully taps in. With early pressure again rewarded, as we seemingly turn a corner and finally start to get what we deserve.
Other things of note for the half being we are dealt a blow as we see the arrival of Sergio for all the wrong reasons as Jesus limps off! Something at the time you hoped was precautionary, but seemingly not! What a big blow hey!
Half time comes and goes and Howe manages to rally his troops who come out fighting and for the first 10/15 minutes asking a few questions without to many actual clear cut chances, but then Sane again work's his magic and eventually Sergio is unlucky not to be able to claim a goal (I actually think it was goal bound). From there we moved to the more familiar 5 in midfield with a few substitutions and again like the last game I thought we looked more complete and polished in this set up with some once again delightful interplay at times. Eventually seeing it out for a very competent 2-0 victory that puts the 'willies' up Chelsea! With my MOM Silva, swiftly followed by Sane.
The Couch.
0 comments:
Post a Comment