Good morning.
It was a game all about our midfield and our defence. Van der Vaart played a role I’d struggle to equate to that of a centre forward. The old soldier Sir Ledley ‘Large One’ King returned and his effect upon the back four was tangible to put it mildly. What worries me is that whilst it’s great to get this classy display all out transfer grumbles appear to be around replacing the strikers.
The strikers to one side, just stop and consider how amazing we’d be if we had a player as good as Ledders there ALL THE BLEEDIN’ TIME. The strikers by and large do need binning. They were irrelevant to the win.
The most notable difference is his confidence with crosses. Leaping and taking the ball creates confidence because it kills the threat.
At his best yesterday, composed and controlling. Obviously told told to ease up on the forays forward and it was a good plan.
The ‘Ledders Factor’ was very much in evidence. Like spending a day in the office with your boss sharing your desk. He looked pretty fierce.
Half man, half cyborg strapped up with half lollypop sticks bound with parcel string. That said he denied all-comers and looked like he hadn’t been away. Just fit, just excellent.
They talk about people needing to step up and this boy did just that. So many want the kids to come through and this looks like he will. Brilliant to see.
Ran about a bit but ultimately didn’t set the game alight. A good few short balls but really didn’t spark. Not a disaster, just a tad drab.
With players closing in on him from all directions he created opportunity with intelligence and skill that was a delight to watch. Anyone who doesn’t understand his importance doesn’t understand football.
Outstanding. Physically and mentally up to the Premiership demands and an excellent buy.
I just don’t get why we bought him. If anyone wants to briefly outline why, I’d be pleased to read it. He’s not awful, I just don’t get what he’s supposed to do.
Intelligent and gifted. His critics need to give him the benefit of a preseason before wheeling out what’s obvious in his first season. Needs to lose a few pounds and improve fitness.
I’ve run out of patience with him and tactics including him making the first team. I can see how on the International stage and in Europe of course but in the Premiership it seems to me that the jig is up.
He may well be a Yiddo, but championing him is a rapidly becoming a clutching at straws exercise. Offers little aside from goals and hasn’t offered any of them in a dog’s age.
Unpredictable, infuriating bastards. Good win.
Well said. They actually looked like a team. Bizarre.
HARRY IN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We love Harry! Harry kinda, well anyway… We love Harry!
no chance; this lot have linched him already
Arry will go back to Spam and get them back in the PL;
We’ll be left with some unproven foreign manager who will see us back where we were previously, a mid-table, good cup run, sometimes easy on the eye football team
I believe that Crocuh has been offered to Sunderland for a Turkey Twizzler Family Sized box – more news as developments come through
Jamie Oliver would not approve !
Chuck in a tin of Spaghetti Hoops and we’ll talk.
I heard it was a full english breakfast in a can. Yes it is possible to buy a can with a full english breakfast in it. Crouchie is worth one of those.
an out of date can
London Grill? For Crouchie? That would be on a par with the VDV deal!
Thats what I’m talking about. That was a performance reminiscent of last year. Gutsy. Sandro was a dream to watch. Modric is just on another planet. Its like he has come sort of football magnet in them feet. He is seriously up there with your Iniestas in terms of ball retention and distribution. Fantastic. Rose played a blinder again. The boys a natural. And Ledley is a machine.
Once again though, nothing up top. Zero. Ziltch. Zip. And Pienaar, he’s Jenus Mark II. Runs around with little effect on the game. Starts a promising attack then gifts it back to the. No end product. Krancjar came on and was spraying the ball around with ease, using his strength. He’s going to be very much another teams gain and our loss.
Good performance and result. Lets hope we do the Brum and finish on a high note to go into the summer and pre season with a bit of positivity and drive for next year.
i didnt think pienaar was too bad, works well with VDV and i think a run of games in the preseason will bring out his value to us. He’s no Gareth Bale but does have something to offer.
Amazing performance from Ledders just have to think what our season would have been like with him fit.
No hes not awful, but not great. A squad player. A fill in. A carrier. Not from what i’ve seen a direct match winner. He’s what 29 now? Its not like hes got year to develop. Really dont see the logic in starting him before Krancjar who i think is a cleverer player and possesses the ability to turn a game. The only thing pienaar has is his pace (which isnt lightening) and workhorse workrate.
So you think we would have done better with Krancjar on the left? The guy is a show pony. He should be a backup for VD Vaart. Pienaar proved time and again that he steadies our midfield. We look so much better when he plays.
I agree with you both, Kranjcar is a decent player and for what ever reason harry isnt playing him. Its a decision thats not offering alot of logic but at the same time i rate Pienaar. Kranjcar deserves to find another club for this decision and im sad to see it happen but pienaar is starting to prove his ability in the way we play.If you like him or not i think alot of people will agree he offers more than Palacios starting for us. A preseason will give a better perspective on Pienaar.
Also i have always said Kranjcar should be cover for VDV to give us a more consistent formation for squad rotations, so in my opinion you are right to point this out.
Pienaar was bought as Kranjcar’s replacement as they all know he is going, hence Pienaar plays to get used to our style and Kranjcar watches. He’ll play in the Europa League and Cup games to give Bale a rest. He plays the ball quicker than Kranjcar and can help the full back. Flanagan just ran past Kranjcar and he couldn’t keep up with him and that puts pressure on our defence.
Kranjcar is a good player and will do well for someone, we will get in some pennies which we can spend to strenghten another area of the team.
I don’t really understand the point of pienaar and generally find him really frustrating, but thought he was the right choice yesterday, if only to help out the boy rose defensively. not krankie’s strong suit.