I intimated in the preview yesterday, that I have a lot of time for Sunderland as a club, but I saw nothing to suggest that the team are at best nothing more than relegation candidates.
Which is what makes today’s result so annoying.
We had around 62% possession and created lots of chances, but were nowhere near as clinical as we need to be.
Indeed, I thought we should easily have had at least three goals in the first half alone and a more clinical team would have had five or six, overall, no problem.
So if I think Sunderland are going to seriously struggle this season, where does that leave us?
Well, Grealish and Traore were massively missed today and the fact that we’ve got them to come back is encouraging, so I’m not unduly worried.
If they’d played today, I suspect we’d have tonked Sunderland, as Hutton was given acres of space down the right, although I felt he never really took advantage of it. His passes weren’t incisive enough and I don’t remember him really taking players on.
Imagine Traore in the same situation and I could easily see us having scored at least another two today, probably of his own making, as Sunderland’s defence is as poor as it gets, I reckon.
That said, it’s not as though I thought Hutton had a bad game really. It just could have been better.
Which is a theme that runs through my assessment of the whole side really.
There are points to complain about though.
First was what I thought was very poor positioning by Guzan for the free kick.
I know it’s standard practice by goalkeepers to stand right on one side of the goal, but I’ve never seen the sense in it and surely a slightly more central position makes sense, as at least you have a chance of getting to the opposite post?
Then again, it was a peach of a free kick. But it just seems to me that Guzan seems prone to conceding from them.
He was pretty blameless for the second goal and the only other Sunderland chance I recall, was easily knocked over the top.
That second goal, which leads me onto the second complaint.
Just as I said in the preview, our defence still has me worried.
We always look like conceding and so it proved again, with us looking awful in about the only time they were really needed.
Clark went for the ball and made a mess of it, but even if Lens hadn’t taken the shot, they had a player on the back post in yards of room.
It just looked incredibly poor to me.
Of course, you might say we’re always likely to concede in this way with the way we play, but I just find it worrying and I certainly don’t think we’ll be able to rely on our defence when we play the better sides.
Other than those points, there’s not a lot to complain about, as the team performed okay and just as last week, I find it difficult to really find fault with anyone in particular, although your views of course will probably differ.
Sanchez played well, although he was still sloppy at times.
Gana was industrious and got stuck in.
Amavi went forward well, but also looked iffy in defence at times.
Richards looked solid overall and should have scored when it seemed more difficult to miss, although I’d take the argument that the ball was behind him.
Gestede maybe could have done better, but no overall complaints, as he doesn’t look up to speed yet.
Gil looked fairly good, although I suspect Sherwood won’t be happy with what seemed like a dive in the box.
Bacuna being taken off was the right call today, in my opinion. He got involved in the first half, but things just weren’t happening for him.
And then we come to Sinclair who totally justified himself in replacing the ill/dropped Gabby.
Would Gabby have got that second goal today? My money says not a chance.
And there’s the theme. We did okay, but not well enough against a side that we should have beaten easily.
Anyone I’ve not mentioned, well, they were neither good or bad in any noticeable way.
I find myself wondering how massive those two points might prove at the end of the season, even though I’m still hopeful that we won’t be needing them.
But we really need to start taking our chances much better than we currently are.
Which is why I still think Sherwood is, or ought to be, after a goalscorer (Austin, anyone?).
I think there’s a valid argument for Kozak coming on, but there you go.
Kozak should definitely have come on, can’t imagine why we only used one sub, Veretout and Kozak should have got 20 minutes today at least.
Nothing to lose by giving him a go
It’s a fair point, Guest and one I can’t really argue against.
I’ve just been reading the comments on the previous thread and some are saying Sherwood looks lost.
I really don’t think so.
I think he just trying to work out who was playing badly/our weakest link and I too struggled to find one.
On another more clinical day, we’d have thrashed Sunderland, but it wasn’t to be.
We’re currently not getting the results I feel our performances have deserved, imo.
Deserved a point against Man U and Palace, I think and should have won today.
Let’s hope that changes.
If a man stood in the best of views can’t see Gestede was out of his depth and was playing badly, then he’s not the man I want at the helm.
He knew though, IMO, and wanted to keep him on to try his best to get him a goal, to save face for the what looks like could be a bad signing.
Very bad management.
One positive I’ll take from today…..Gabby was nowhere near the pitch!!!
I agree to a point Gestede seems a light weight to me but like I said earlier you have to give the guy a dozen or so games to adjust the prem is a big step up.
As below, I don’t see Gestede as an issue – think he’ll be quite prolific when he’s adjusted to this division, but I did want Kozak on for the last 20-30 minutes just to see what he might do, so disappointed there.
I don’t think Gestede was out of his depth.
It’s more that it just isn’t happening for him, in my eyes.
The man who I think scored more headed goals than anyone last season should have scored with that free header he had, for example.
I’m willing to give him more time and it’s a bit too early to drop him just yet, as at least he’s getting into positions and nowhere near as bad as Gabby currently is.
It’s all about opinions though and I do respect yours.
Gestede has to start scoring soon, especially if we do get another striker in.
On a different note Liverpool fans gave a new name for Benteke which is Ballo-teke lol
From what I could see there wasn’t anything wrong going forwards – Gestede was simply trying ‘too hard’ and needs to gain a little composure before the goals will start coming; the real issue IMO is the defence.
Stupid lapses of concentration at the back have been Villa’s undoing for the last couple of years, and whether it’s the keeper or the 4 in front of him, Sherwood has to find an answer quickly now or we’re simply going to lose points that should be in the bag.
Defence has been poor for years now needs a complete refit imo
Richards looked solid to me, but I’d now actually like Lescott to join him. The more I thik about it, the more I wish that we’d found a better keeper than Guzan this summer [& Begovic wasn’t ever going to come]. Just don’t believe Guzan’s able to command and control his defenders in a way that the best keepers do.
Re’ Guzan, I’ve been saying that for years Ardent.
In what way, Oohah?
We’ve replaced the LB and Richards has come in.
Clark did well last season, but was to blame today, admittedly.
We’ve Okore still to come back and we might have Lescott due to come in.
It’s only RB that hasn’t been changed and that didn’t cause much of a problem, today, at least.
Your criticism of defenders specifically does make me laugh, as they all make mistakes at times. Even Cahill got slated by Mourinho the other day, didn’t he?
I don’t think it’s down to specific players that’s what worries me.
It’s more about the way they set up.
Although the way we play with the full backs pushing up so far will always lead to that problem, imo.
I know what your saying Badger but our defenders make more mistakes than most. Just seen second goal what was Clarke doing? Sanchez our so called best DM got robbed too easily which set up second goal. These are individual errors nothing to do with the way we are set up. That’s the point too many individual errors without them we would of got 3 points today and one point last week makes a huge difference.
See, I don’t believe they do make more mistakes than others.
For every mistake, there has to be some good attacking involved.
Look at Cattermole today, for example.
He’s a decent defender, imo, but that challenge from an experienced player on Sinclair was pathetic.
The point is all defenders do it and you just place too much emphasis on it, imo.
What cost us today, was not the defending, even though I thought it was poor at the one time it was needed.
It was the lack of scoring chances we made.
We had a fair amount of chances though just didn’t take them.
individually the back four are decent players but they are not playing as a unit there is not enough covering play if one of them is out of position the only players you see attacking the ball is clarke or richards and on this scale they are going to get it wrong from time to time for years now we haven’t had someone who can read a situation and get into that covering position
Should we read anything into lescott starting for the baggies or was it just his swan song???
No, Giddy.
I’ve said all along I think he’s coming.
I’ve no doubt Pulis rates him and it makes sense to play your best players.
But the move does depend on Pulis getting the defender he wants, in.
Here is how I saw things:
Guzan- Distribution a little better, dont think he could do much about either goal.
Amavi- Another good display. Cracking assist for 2nd goal.
Clark- Played okay, but again his mistake cost us a goal.
Richards- Excellent. Brings the ball out really well and saved us a couple of times at the back
Hutton- Had more of the ball than anyone, but still cant cross a road. I really wish we had tried to sign Trippier, instead he is just warming the bench at Spurs!
Westwood- Solid display, but you have to wonder whether he will keep his place once Veretout gets going.
Sanchez- MOTM again for me. If he keeps playing like this, he will be first name on the teamsheet
Gana- Best display by him so far. Perfect replacement for Delph.
Bacuna- For me, he plays RB or doesnt play. He just seems to get lost when played further up the field. Gave the ball away so many times.
Gestede- Still not convinced by him. Some good link up play but seems to lack quality when it counts.
Sinclair- Took both goals well. Gutted I pulled him from my fantasy team! ha
Gil- Should have started. Linked up play really well, and always wants the ball.
That’s a decent assessment Benno and pretty much on a par with what I thought.
Hence you can see Sherwood’s dilemma in who he should take off.
I think he’s giving Gestede every chance, just as he did with Gabby.
And Hutton did look useful, although we didn’t use him enough in the second half, imo.
dont agree with the assessment of Guzan at the free kick, with the speed of the ball at a free kick there is no chance a keeper can cover both sides of the goal – thats why there is a wall,
if he stands in the middle he is also unsighted giving him even less time.
nope .. there is a fundamental lack of understanding of how quick a ferric is hit and how big a goal is in that scenario.
it was a peach as tim said, Nothing a keeper could do about that hence why you see free kicks hit like that go in 9 times out of 10
Well, I was always totally useless as a goalie, so am happy to admit I might be wrong 🙂
It just strikes me that if the wall don’t stop it, it’s a guaranteed goal.
Perhaps a player on the opposite post then?
I agree seen goal and free kick would prob have beat any keeper tbf
Had it on good authority that most of the above players we wanted on the pitch today have been shitting through the eye of a needle for most of the week.
We were fine today, I really don’t see that as two points dropped, should have been 3-1 up at half time, I sit in the Trinity, so didn’t see the Gil incident properly, Ardent Villa has called it right, no issues going forward, and I don’t think there was any “bad management” today – Bacuna was the weak link as far as I saw it, and had we been injury free, doubtful he would have played anyway – those that keep popping at Sherwood either don’t attend, or simply don’t get it. Gueye or Gana as he is named on shirt is settling in nicely, Amavi is real class and Gestede will be more than OK – Scott Sinclair, just superb.
UTV
Agree with all that but Sherwood probably only put in Sinclair for Gabby because fans have questioned it.
Oohhah, you may well be right on that score mate, but with 5 in 2, he just can’t drop him now. I don’t think it’s all about Gabby though, I reckon Sherwood see’s his missus, the goals and the nipper and thinks “I’ll knock him down a peg!”
Agbonlahor would’ve added absolute zilch to that team today, and I reckon Sherwood knows it, has just been waiting for any reason to drop him.
Sinclair’s goals this week have just sealed it: unless there are half-a-dozen sick/injured players the day before the next game, I don’t expect to see Agbonlahor’s name on the team sheet in a hurry…
Agreed, Ardent.
Gabby is finished, as he doesn’t offer enough.
I might contemplate him playing in the game against the shit, as he has a great record there, but otherwise, no.
Unless he can do what we all want and prove us wrong.
Who knows this might be the kick up the backside gabby needs. He’s never had to fight for his place before so he will either sulk or work hard to improve. I hope it’s the latter
I think our squad is so much stronger this year. Guzan while he’s weak in certain areas is strong in others, such as his shot stopping and gathering the ball. Richards has proved a fantastic bit of business, while Amavi has so far done pretty much what we had hoped for. Clark needs a bit of a push, as he seems to be slacking last few games, hopefully Lescott will provide that. I think Bacuna can do a job at right back this season before we can move for someone next summer.
Our midfield is much, much stronger and dominant. Gueye has settled in very well, doesn’t lose the ball half as much as Delph did, looks much more composed and they are like for like in their shooting. Westwood to me has grown this season, if he can just add more goals and assists he’ll be fantastic. Sanchez is relishing the better movement up front, he doesn’t look anywhere near as bad he did when they were frozen to the spot. Imagine that midfield if Veretout can get going, frightening!
Our attack speaks for itself, Grealish, Gil and Traore will terrify defences. While I think Grealish and Adama could start more games, I can only see Gil getting a chance from the bench. Personally I thought Gestede grew into the game well today. Won a few knock ons, linked up play and shrugged off his man nicely. I do think another striker is needed though, but I’d like to see Sinclair played up there.
As for Gabby, I think he could come back strongly from a spell on the sides.
Personally I think it’s westwood’s fault for the second goal. He had so much time on the ball why not have a run with it, or take your time, play it back entice the opposition in to our half to make space but no he tries some stupid long ball to gestede who is running at pace back to our own goal it’s pretty difficult to control that pass and do anything with it. Westwood out, veretout in next game.
Not sure next game is very tough Leicester away the sort of game we struggle with. I think we need our most physical players for that so I’d play very out from bench only
Gestede had a couple of nice little touches, which was encouraging. I’d give him an hour and then give Kozak half an hour at the end to get him some game time.
Hard to fit all our attacking options in the team – no room for Gabby, that’s for sure!
Agree that our squad is much better than it has been for a while – Amavi, Gana, Veretout, Grealish, Gil, Adama, Sinclair, Sanchez, Richards, all look quality to me. Looking forward to seeing what Crespo is like.
Lescott might be a good short-term fix and could prove to be a good partnership with Richards. I see Okore as the logical long-term partner, rather than Clarke, who I find a shocking defender (what was he doing again today?! Backs off too far!) Even Baker is better than him. Bennett has a good left foot and can finish – could he be played in a more attacking position?
I’d like to see Guzan replaced, but he couldn’t have done anything about that free kick today.
Sinclair has scored proper striker’s goals in the last 2 games. Play him centrally off the number 9. Then have two creative players (Grealish, Traore or Gil) pulling the strings around then, and surely we will score goals! Just need to tighten up at the back.
Better still play him as a false number 9 🙂
Good shout – I think he can play there. Not essential to have a big man up front.
I don’t doubt Clarke’s committment or desire – he puts his body on the line for the team at times. I just doubt his positioning. Often he has to make last ditch tackles or blocks because he was out of position to begin with!
You hit the nail on the head if his positioning was good he wouldn’t have to make last ditch tackles. Look at the great man himself Lord McGrath little pace but was always in the right place at the right time why can t he coach our defence ?
The free kick wall needs some re-thinking. Its effectiveness is at its best for kicks 18 to 20 yards from the centre of goal. The ball should not be able to curve back inside the post if it has been bent round the outside of the wall, and it should not come back down under the bar if hit fast enough to go over the wall and beat the keeper. Once the distance changes to 23 to 28 yards from goal the wall is an obstruction to the goalkeeper’s vision. Because balls hit from that distance will dip back under the bar, and curve inside the post having gone round the wall.
Had there been two people only on the pitch the ball striker and Guzan: 1/ I think Guzan would have stood in the centre of his posts and 2/ he would have saved the goal 9/10 times.
Isn’t it the goalies job to organise wall in first place though
My Player Ratings;
Guzan – 6 – Don’t think he had much chance with either goal, but had little else to do, made one quality save to stop a header in the second half.
Hutton – 6.5 – Had acres of space in the first half and probably had more of the ball than anyone, made a couple of decent crosses but couldn’t find the final product. Had less impact in the second.
Richards – 7.5 – Another solid game from our Captain. Good in the air and solid in defense, made some crucial blocks and interceptions and almost made the block to cover clarke’s mistake for sunderland’s second. He drove the ball forward well on occasion and could have scored, twice. Once unlucky not to get any deflection into the back from a ripping Sinclair cross and second a free header on goal.
Clark – 5 – Average game for Clark, and not as dependable in defense as Richards was, Was largely at fault for their second, being beaten way to easily. Made a couple good interceptions.
Amavi – 7.5 – Started slowly but couldn’t be stopped as the game went on, continually tearing up the left. Terrorised the Sunderland defense, and made a killer cross for our and Sinclair’s second. Quality take ons and taking defenders out of the game but possibly susceptible in defense at times. Made a game high successful tackles of 6 and created the most chances with 4.
Bacuna – 4 – A wasteful performance with the ball he had. Had an open shot on goal and should have done better. FInal delivery was poor and was certainly our weak link. Substituted for Gil
Gueye – 7 – Good performance from Gana , possibly his best for us. He has an incredible work rate, got forward well at times and took the opportunity to shoot, unfortunately never got the ball on target but did go close. Strong without the ball and works hard to get it back.
Sanchez – 7.5 – Another great performance from Sanchez. Good on the ball and linked well. Solid infront of defense and breaks up the play well. He had a game high pass completion of 90%. Works hard and does the simple things right. Could have done better when he had a clear shot on goal.
Westwood – 6 – Not his best game and was certainly third to our other central midfielders. Had a golden opportunity saved in the second after getting on the end of Gestede’s knock down.
Gestede – 6 – Had a great chance to score later in the second as he turned on goal inside the box but put the ball wide. Made a couple decent knock downs and probably won about 50% of the aerial duals he was involved in. Creates some what of a presence but needs to take more advantage of his chances, not great with ball at foot. Had an open header on goal he should have done a lot better with.
Sinclair – 8 – Earned a penalty and converted it. Got in the right positions and it showed with a beautiful Amavi cross as Sinclair tapped it in from point blank range for his and our second. Played a ball almost perfectly across goal that unfortunately Richards couldnt put in the back of the net. Overall a good game and couldn’t ask more, showed Sherwood why he should be starting.
Substitutes
Gil – 6.5 – Something does look like it will happen when he is on the ball and provided a lot more than Bacuna did, in his short stint on the pitch. Drives forward well and had a penalty shout turned down when he was clear on goal, if only his touch prior was better he would have had a clean shot on goal instead of trying to turn inside a player. Was it a dive or did he get touched, hard to say but he got a yellow for diving.
Talking Points
Opportunity after opportunity and we just couldn’t convert, unfortunate in a way but needs work.RIchards, Gil, Gestede, Sanchez, Westwood all had clear cut chances that they couldn’t bury.
Sherwood, should he have tried Kozak at some point, removing Gestede? I think so but its hard, cause mostly the team wasn’t at fault often in this game. Mainly solidy displays, especially further up the field but with 10 left and wanting the win, something had to be changed one would feel. Made the right substitute in Gil for Bacuna and set the team up well for this game.
Gueye and Sanchez will become the perfect midfield pairing in my opinion, tough tough players, work hard to get the ball back, good Pass completion rates and break the game up and beginning to link up really well with our new found attacking midfield ahead of them.
We said before this game, nothing less than three points is good enough. In a way I feel the same way now, we really needed three points, after all Sunderland were very poor. But and there is a but here, overall we played well, we deserved to win, and win comfortably, we need more work on the final product and once we start taking our chances, we have one hell of a midfield and attack to look forward to, especially attacking mids. Defense still making individual errors that are costing us, it happens, but I feel it happens to regularly for us,
Good post Darren. Should have been an article in itself!
Lots of good, positive comments and constructive critisism today. Shame about the two points dropped, but onto the next game. We do ne seeming to be getting stronger and gelling as time goes on. If the defence can tighten up, I think we’ll ecen give the big boys a run for their extensive pots of cash.
Definitely as this team develops we could become real quality. They will learn together. Keep this team together and add quality additions in needed areas.
I think eventually our midfield trio will be Gana, Sanchez and Veretout in the more attacking role. We dont need Westwood and Sanchez in the same team.
Good post Darren & a fair view of individual performances.with the International break we should have a strong team to play Leicester barring injuries on the training ground or representing their respective countries bring on the foxes UTV
Bestikas after Sanchez???!!! They can do one!
When did we last have 21 shots in a game – only managed that in half a season with Lamberk! Haven’t seen the game yet but encouraged by the mainly positive comments on here despite failing to beat Sunderland who surely must be for the drop. Quite fancy us going to Leicester.
Very funny post match conference by Sherwood! He has a right to feel good. He’s turned a big ship around in a very short space of time, attracted some fantastic looking players, and we’re clearly heading in the right direction. Not there yet, but at least we know what we have to do.
I think Gill lft his foot hanging out and was looking for the penalty, but how did that Richards chance not go in?!?!?!?! If that was at the other end it would have been the finest piece of defending in history! Cracking looking game, and Sinclair has to start on this current form!
Now watched extended highlights. (Accepting only highlights) Clark looked poor today and showed he still lacks experience. I’m not sure it was poor positional play (OohAh) but it was very naive and rash tackling when all he had to do was defend the space. If Lescott comes then IMHO he has to start alongside Richards who looked an absolute steal on yesterday’s showing. The other quality Lescott brings is organisation if the defence which I’m not convinced either Richards or Guzan are doing as well as they might.
Really pleased for Sinclair; proving his doubters wrong and Gil looks like he’s going to create real problems. Gil, Traore and Grealish – now that’s lip smacking good.
I did say Richards was a good buy when he first signed as long as he can stay fit. Always rated him tbh. How much longer can out defenders be naive it’s not like he’s 18 any more. Our centre halves never learn from their mistakes and there lies the problem.
anyone else a bit disappointed the transfer window closes at 6pm instead of the usual 11pm.
i usually get a wee carry out and watch the transfers happen. its usually better entertainment than the shit that’s on the tv 🙂
wba signed j evans and we are odds on to get lescott.
so do you think sherwood will pull off any other transfers.
Domingo, we don’t till Tuesday the rest do on Monday, its our bank holiday that’s what I’m led to believe or am I wrong.? Looking a the motd, I thought Clarke was lightweight on his tackle but Cuzan ?well he never left the ground going across to get the ball, I do see a better side than last year just need time.
Sanchez equally to blame for second goal I’m amazed no one has picked that up
Definitely he was partly to blame, I did say that after the second goal during the match replying to someones post.
With serious doubts about Gabby (form) and Kozac (fitness), this geezer from Roma looks tasty. I’ve said before that TS may be keeping some cash back for the January sales when he has a clearer picture of where we need to reinforce. He’ll have one eye on Guzan for sure, and how our new front two develop. But then again, you always get ripped off pricewise in January. Although Lerner/Fox have upped the wage structure, we’ve still really just broken even. Lerner must hand over another £20m or so from the TV money…
The fear was that RL would trouser a % of the fees for Benteke and Delph. Don’t think he’s done that and I suspect TS has more of a problem with the squad size rather not having funds if he needs them.
We might get a surprise come deadline day but I’ll be happy if we can just get rid of NZog and if Lescott joins, Senderos. Open minded about Richardson but if someone comes in for him all well and good.
Hutton looked OK yesterday and with Crespo and Bacuna as back up I don’t think we need to rush out and buy a RB. Seem to be pretty well served in mid field so another top striker and a goalkeeper has to be priority.
Gosh ur sad lol. Who cares when it finishes its another overhyped day to show more ads for sky. If we are going to sign anyone we will sign them whether deadline finishes at 1pm 6pm or middle of the night. It’s all irrelevant. Don’t even follow it it’s more up to date on social media etc than sky
Quite correct OhAhh. My Mrs just laughs at the nonsense of it all…
Lol she’s right 🙂
watched highlights from yesterday seen 2nd half live,if we had someone to score we would have beaten sunderland plus palace last week who have spent 50m since pardew took over
we need leaders on field no body bully opponets or ref pantilimon was wasting time from 10min no one moaned to ref oshea wrapped arms round rudi much like utd match no penalty given
we definitly need a right back hutton is useless bacuna is a squad player at best,keeper not much he could done about goals but have no faith in him,clark showed flashes last year that he could be a good player but after 4 games 2 errors leading to goals plus bookings sorry not good enough
JVillan – agree O’Shea had his hands around Gestede’s neck but that seems to be OK now as long as it’s in the penalty area 🙂
Yes, I forgot that one and it had me fuming.
Imagine a Man U player getting that treatment and the opposition getting away with it?
No chance.
oohah
sanchez lost ball centre circle villa had about 5 players behind it clark made another howler richards deflection took it past guzan,it is the one thing sanchez needs to get up to speed on and fast you don t get time with the ball
team like to see against leicster
guzan
new right back
armavi
richards
lescott
sanchez
gana
traore
grealish
sinclair
new striker
plus gil has to toughen up should have either scored or got pen not jump out of tackle
Having watched the game on a stream I think we were easily the best team.
If we had a forward we would have won by 3 at least Charlie Austin springs to mind. And as previous comments have eluded too ceiran clark was the weak link today.. And without Gabby our football is so much better.
We will not be suffering like last year thou….
Yep, we were easily the best side, hence my assertion that this was definitely 2 points dropped.
Problem is if we signed Austin do we go back to just lumping it up to him like we did with Benteje? IV noticed Liverpool are doing it more so are Utd when Fellani came on today.
No.
They’re different players.
Agreed Sanchez was too complacent. As much as I hate to say it we could do with a Joey Barton type player but not actusllY JB himself
Was that the 1st competitive draw under TS ?
Just like the Utd match our penetration down the left stopped…..O.K. we still played down there but Amari and Sinclair stopped taking on the defenders…..and with 15-20 mins left I could see the Sunderland breakaway winner coming…….that last min corner was murder to watch.
Was screaming for a forward change in last 15 as well but Rudi actually had a better time even though I thought he would not score……..all our shooting was diabolical.
I have to say that apart from Man city who are in a league of their own and Palace no team in the prem has much to be happy about. That includes Liverpool Utd arsenal and Chelsea. Ok those teams will finish top 4 in the end but they have spent an obscene amount of money and are still nothing special imo.
Leicester?