That first 30 minutes was almost unwatchable... It was like we were playing in treacle. Then we remembered how to attack and retook control of the match. We even imporved in tempo and press for the first 15 minutes after the red card, and should have scored a couple more by the 75th minute, only to do our best to give them a point in the last 15 or so... Started and ended the game sooooooo flippin' sloppy and really do worry for us if we play like that for any significant part of next week's match.
Ali played the first half like he was hungover and just out of bed. Had a terrific save right at the end of the half and then was back to being the best on the planet in the 2nd. He's the only reason we won, rather than piss it away late on.
Konate was quietly superb, again. He's impressed me quite a bit more than VVD these first two game... I actually fear that VVD is done as a world-class defender and will just be good for the rest of his career. He's simply never been the same player since the assault across the park.
Robbo was much better this week and Trent was woefully at fault for their goal and very hit and miss the rest of the match. He did ok, but that's all.
Macca was strong until that utterly ludicrous red card, and now I really fear for next week, unless it's rescinded. Gakpo was the same as last week... A willing and tireless worker but he simply can't play that role effectively... If we can get Endo up to speed so that he can hold down the DM spot, hopefully we can get him back into his true role, that Bobby position - I really think he'll shine this season, if we actually play him there.
Salah was pants. And he should be taken off penalties. Remember how we all knew that Millie would score every single time we got one..? Well, Mo is 100% the opposite of that. All he does is close his eyes and hammer it, and we need a better taker, or his 50/50 'technique will cost us dearly. Jota didn't do much, other than create the equalizer and score the third, but as that's what matters, I guess we can't gripe too much. Rushie had many days like that, too.
Diaz just took the piss all day, especially after he'd scored. He drove at them all day and was a huge bright spot. Two very good goals in two games augers well for us this year.
Sobo was a fucking beast out there, running the game from about 20 minute in... Best player on the pitch by a street. Best player on any pitch so far today. He looks like he has the makings of a superstar inside him, doesn't he?
And, considering we had him tog out on the plane and he came basically from John Lennon International to the pre-match warm up, I thought Endo did well when he came on. Yes, looked a bit slow here and there, but also showed for the ball well and used it cleverly, too. Once he finds his tempo, it looks like there's a decent player in there.
Four points after two matches is where I thought we'd be, so we can't complain too much about things, but I do fear that it'll also be four points after three matches if we don't start - and finish - a lot better than we did today, next week. Fingers crossed we have Macca available too - That'll be huge.
