LISTEN: Tim Sherwood “It’s a game we should’ve won”
First let me say that I don’t think anyone can fault the effort today.
Sherwood said he’d be picking what he thought was his best side and there’s no doubt whatsoever to my mind that they ran their hearts out for the manager.
Indeed, we looked by far the better side in the first half, although we lacked what was required in the final third, which was only the same as per usual.
We even came out the stronger side in the second half and my thoughts were turning to how long it would last before Sherwood had to change players purely because they were burnt out, having given everything.
And then on the hour, after some really nice play, Jordan Ayew provided a careful, neat header to give us the lead.
1-0 it was and the crowd were absolutely buzzing and the atmosphere fantastic.
But as much as the players tried, it ultimately wasn’t good enough was it?
The lead only lasted a few minutes and Richards, who I thought had had a pretty decent game until then gave away a needless freekick just outside the area, pretty much right in front of the goal.
Guzan positioned himself and I’m sure I’m not the only one who was filled with trepidation.
How often has Guzan just looked like he’s totally in the wrong place from a free?
I’m know nothing about goalkeeping, but even I can see it and it’s been worrying for a long time.
And there was the reply for the equaliser.
Sigurdsson curled one over the wall and Richards, who jumped well, couldn’t stop it.
I’m sure we all knew where it was going and so it proved.
Don’t get me wrong, it was a great free kick, but a better goalie would have saved it and it’s simply a mistake that Guzan has made too many times. I really worry about him now.
After he’d done so well up to that point too.
The game opened up and Grealish came off for Gil.
Gabby had a chance or two, as did Lescott in the dying minutes, but in the 86th minute, Naughton crossed and there were three Swansea players ready to receive, all pretty much unmarked.
Andre Ayew got there first for a fairly easy close range shot to make it 1-2.
And then, that was it.
All over.
So Sherwood played his best side and said that this was a cup final and that we’d win it.
He’s been proved totally wrong on both counts and now I really don’t see where he has left to turn.
We needed the win today and simply didn’t get it.
He has to go, as although I still like him and think he’s been somewhat unlucky, he’s committed Hara-Kari with his statements.
It’s just a matter of if he walks or will the board act now.
I’ll put a poll up to see what you think, but I suspect I already know the answer.
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