Tonight Belongs To Alberto Aquilani
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[quote author=TheBunnyman link=topic=39312.msg1070261#msg1070261 date=1268692895]
We should play exactly the same team against Lille. If we beat them convincingly too, Rafa will look a bit of a twat if he drops anyone for the United game. But then again he is a twat, so...
[/quote]
Maxi is cup tied so thats not gonna happen.
We should play exactly the same team against Lille. If we beat them convincingly too, Rafa will look a bit of a twat if he drops anyone for the United game. But then again he is a twat, so...
[/quote]
Maxi is cup tied so thats not gonna happen.
[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=39312.msg1070239#msg1070239 date=1268691937]
[quote author=Squiggles link=topic=39312.msg1070236#msg1070236 date=1268691803]
Actually I'm going to step in and defend Ryan for one moment after the battering he's took this evening for that ill-judged post.
He has argued recently that the way to unlocking defences, even ones as abject as Pompeys, is about the quick use of the ball, and not just sheer quick players. On the score he was spot on tonight, and it's precisely what Aquilani, Maxi, Gerrard, and even Babel at times, provided.
[/quote]But thats precisely the point Kuyt, Yossi, Lucas and Mascherano are not quick thinking players. They NEVER play a quick sharp direct ball. Not ever.
So play the players who can increase the tempo. We did. It showed. Job done.
[/quote]
It was an absolute pleasure to see a bunch of players who were so comfortable and incisive on the ball today. Little triangles of passes, quick interchanges, intelligent movement. Against a shit team, admittedly, but something we've been starved off all season.
Too little too late though, obviously.
[quote author=Squiggles link=topic=39312.msg1070236#msg1070236 date=1268691803]
Actually I'm going to step in and defend Ryan for one moment after the battering he's took this evening for that ill-judged post.
He has argued recently that the way to unlocking defences, even ones as abject as Pompeys, is about the quick use of the ball, and not just sheer quick players. On the score he was spot on tonight, and it's precisely what Aquilani, Maxi, Gerrard, and even Babel at times, provided.
[/quote]But thats precisely the point Kuyt, Yossi, Lucas and Mascherano are not quick thinking players. They NEVER play a quick sharp direct ball. Not ever.
So play the players who can increase the tempo. We did. It showed. Job done.
[/quote]
It was an absolute pleasure to see a bunch of players who were so comfortable and incisive on the ball today. Little triangles of passes, quick interchanges, intelligent movement. Against a shit team, admittedly, but something we've been starved off all season.
Too little too late though, obviously.
Some people might say it was only Portsmouth, but that old cliche 'you can only beat who you're up against' is worth noting this season. Too many times this season we haven't managed to beat teams in and around the level of Pompey. If we'd managed a performance like tonight against any of a number of ... (takes deep breath) ... Birmingham, Portsmouth, Sunderland, Fulham, Wolves, Wigan, Blackburn... etc etc we might not find ourselves in the mess we're in right now. I think had we took a bit of a risk and fielded Aquilani in a couple of these games (not really a risk some might argue) instead of Lucas then maybe we could have turned a few of those draws and defeats into wins.
Rafa showed extremely belatedly tonight that if you set out a team with attacking intent instead of worrying about the threats of supposed cannon fodder, then you can sweep them aside by half time. THEN you can rotate and make your changes. When you play into their hands and play an extremely rigid and uncreative team as we have done on many occasions this season, then you get results like we have this year.
Well done, Alberto. Keep it up, lad, and you could become a star in this team.
Rafa showed extremely belatedly tonight that if you set out a team with attacking intent instead of worrying about the threats of supposed cannon fodder, then you can sweep them aside by half time. THEN you can rotate and make your changes. When you play into their hands and play an extremely rigid and uncreative team as we have done on many occasions this season, then you get results like we have this year.
Well done, Alberto. Keep it up, lad, and you could become a star in this team.
He looked a class act tonight, and not for the first time either, regardless of who he was playing against.
Some nice passing in different ranges, I think when he gets his eye in he could surprise a few peeps, and he took his goal well.
There was another class moment when he let the ball come over his shoulder and hit it first time.
Benitez now has to give him the rest of the season
regards
Some nice passing in different ranges, I think when he gets his eye in he could surprise a few peeps, and he took his goal well.
There was another class moment when he let the ball come over his shoulder and hit it first time.
Benitez now has to give him the rest of the season
regards
After 20m spent one would have hoped at this stage we'd have seen a title more like,
"This season belongs to Alberto Aqualani"
All tonight proved is that Rafa has not picked the right side more often than not this season.
>🙁
"This season belongs to Alberto Aqualani"
All tonight proved is that Rafa has not picked the right side more often than not this season.
>🙁
[quote author=Sheik Yerbouti link=topic=39312.msg1070200#msg1070200 date=1268690836]
He was excellent tonight. Great interplay, scored and had an assist. I'm not going to turn this into a Lucas bashing but it's clear Aquilani offers so much more. He should be a guaranteed starter. Should.
[/quote]
He most definately should.
Lucas offers nothing going forward in terms of goals or assists any doesn't protect shit.
Under a new manager next season hopefully we will shine.
He was excellent tonight. Great interplay, scored and had an assist. I'm not going to turn this into a Lucas bashing but it's clear Aquilani offers so much more. He should be a guaranteed starter. Should.
[/quote]
He most definately should.
Lucas offers nothing going forward in terms of goals or assists any doesn't protect shit.
Under a new manager next season hopefully we will shine.
Just seen his Post match interview with Reina there also. Good to see them both beaming and having a bit of banter.
S
Squiggles
Guest
I think his attitude should be commended too.
It's been an impossible season for him and he's got on with it, with no signs of moaning or bad-mouthing the club to the foreign media. It's a small point, but I think it stands him good stead for this club.
It's been an impossible season for him and he's got on with it, with no signs of moaning or bad-mouthing the club to the foreign media. It's a small point, but I think it stands him good stead for this club.
[quote author=Dreambeliever link=topic=39312.msg1070344#msg1070344 date=1268704343]
After 20m spent one would have hoped at this stage we'd have seen a title more like,
"This season belongs to Alberto Aqualani"
All tonight proved is that Rafa has not picked the right side more often than not this season.
>🙁
[/quote]
You should change your nick to "Dream-RafaOutNowNoMatterHowWePlayedOrWin-Believer"
After 20m spent one would have hoped at this stage we'd have seen a title more like,
"This season belongs to Alberto Aqualani"
All tonight proved is that Rafa has not picked the right side more often than not this season.
>🙁
[/quote]
You should change your nick to "Dream-RafaOutNowNoMatterHowWePlayedOrWin-Believer"
if he starts v lille and plays a blinder that will put massive pressure on rafa to start him v manu.
http://www.footylounge.com/films//milankakabaros/alberto-aqulani-v-portsmouth-15032010-video_bd4165f64.html
Regardless of opposition, that's a hell of a display.
Enjoy Oncy.
(at 2:54 he goes all Alonso on us)
Regardless of opposition, that's a hell of a display.
Enjoy Oncy.
(at 2:54 he goes all Alonso on us)
[quote author=Farkmaster link=topic=39312.msg1070433#msg1070433 date=1268729275]
http://www.footylounge.com/films//milankakabaros/alberto-aqulani-v-portsmouth-15032010-video_bd4165f64.html
Regardless of opposition, that's a hell of a display.
Enjoy Oncy.
(at 2:54 he goes all Alonso on us)
[/quote]I feel like a dad who's son has just played Macbeth.
Brilliant performance, and genuinely no suprise to me. Shit season, shitfest, probably the wrong signing, at the wrong time, but here he is and look at what he can do.
Maybe, just maybe he can salvage our season and get us 4th.
http://www.footylounge.com/films//milankakabaros/alberto-aqulani-v-portsmouth-15032010-video_bd4165f64.html
Regardless of opposition, that's a hell of a display.
Enjoy Oncy.
(at 2:54 he goes all Alonso on us)
[/quote]I feel like a dad who's son has just played Macbeth.
Brilliant performance, and genuinely no suprise to me. Shit season, shitfest, probably the wrong signing, at the wrong time, but here he is and look at what he can do.
Maybe, just maybe he can salvage our season and get us 4th.
That was a performance that the fella can be proud of. Passing, shooting, tackling, it was all in there; and all with a smile on his face.
I'm sure it was a performance that will have settled the doubters minds.
Let's hope he and the rest of the players can take heart and build on this.
No better motivation than an upcoming European night and then United at their place.
I'm sure it was a performance that will have settled the doubters minds.
Let's hope he and the rest of the players can take heart and build on this.
No better motivation than an upcoming European night and then United at their place.
[quote author=Vlads Quiff link=topic=39312.msg1070311#msg1070311 date=1268700632]
He looked a class act tonight, and not for the first time either, regardless of who he was playing against.
Some nice passing in different ranges, I think when he gets his eye in he could surprise a few peeps, and he took his goal well.
There was another class moment when he let the ball come over his shoulder and hit it first time.
Benitez now has to give him the rest of the season
regards
[/quote]
Amen to that Vlad. He was excellent last night and looked like a £20m player. It would be a travesty if Benitez drops him after that display as it will do nothing for the lads confidence. His movement and passing were excellent last night. I remember saying "fcking hell, what a ball" for that pass for Torres' second goal. Although Nando still had work to do - the ability to actually spot Torres AND deliver that pass was demonstrative of the talent this lad possesses. Let's see more of him Rafa. We all want it and, mroe importantly, the team needs it.
He looked a class act tonight, and not for the first time either, regardless of who he was playing against.
Some nice passing in different ranges, I think when he gets his eye in he could surprise a few peeps, and he took his goal well.
There was another class moment when he let the ball come over his shoulder and hit it first time.
Benitez now has to give him the rest of the season
regards
[/quote]
Amen to that Vlad. He was excellent last night and looked like a £20m player. It would be a travesty if Benitez drops him after that display as it will do nothing for the lads confidence. His movement and passing were excellent last night. I remember saying "fcking hell, what a ball" for that pass for Torres' second goal. Although Nando still had work to do - the ability to actually spot Torres AND deliver that pass was demonstrative of the talent this lad possesses. Let's see more of him Rafa. We all want it and, mroe importantly, the team needs it.
Thats a fucking epic little video that Farky. Superb stuff really. Complete performance.
He had a goal and went close with a long ranger and that volley, he had an assist and really could have had 3 more.
Pompey were fucking woeful but he took full advantage.
I heart Aquilani.
He had a goal and went close with a long ranger and that volley, he had an assist and really could have had 3 more.
Pompey were fucking woeful but he took full advantage.
I heart Aquilani.
[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=39312.msg1070466#msg1070466 date=1268733561]
Thats a fucking epic little video that Farky. Superb stuff really. Complete performance.
He had a goal and went close with a long ranger and that volley, he had an assist and really could have had 3 more.
Pompey were fucking woeful but he took full advantage.
I heart Aquilani.
[/quote]
That would be a bit more believable if you had mentioned it before last night Oncey.
Thats a fucking epic little video that Farky. Superb stuff really. Complete performance.
He had a goal and went close with a long ranger and that volley, he had an assist and really could have had 3 more.
Pompey were fucking woeful but he took full advantage.
I heart Aquilani.
[/quote]
That would be a bit more believable if you had mentioned it before last night Oncey.
[quote author=the count link=topic=39312.msg1070469#msg1070469 date=1268733650]
[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=39312.msg1070466#msg1070466 date=1268733561]
Thats a fucking epic little video that Farky. Superb stuff really. Complete performance.
He had a goal and went close with a long ranger and that volley, he had an assist and really could have had 3 more.
Pompey were fucking woeful but he took full advantage.
I heart Aquilani.
[/quote]
That would be a bit more believable if you had mentioned it before last night Oncey.
[/quote]HAHAHA i think i may have Count.
[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=39312.msg1070466#msg1070466 date=1268733561]
Thats a fucking epic little video that Farky. Superb stuff really. Complete performance.
He had a goal and went close with a long ranger and that volley, he had an assist and really could have had 3 more.
Pompey were fucking woeful but he took full advantage.
I heart Aquilani.
[/quote]
That would be a bit more believable if you had mentioned it before last night Oncey.
[/quote]HAHAHA i think i may have Count.
That 'milankakbaros' dude is aces on the vids, isn't he?
He must know all about computers and stuff and recognise a decent player when he sees one.
He must know all about computers and stuff and recognise a decent player when he sees one.
[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=39312.msg1070473#msg1070473 date=1268733982]
[quote author=the count link=topic=39312.msg1070469#msg1070469 date=1268733650]
[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=39312.msg1070466#msg1070466 date=1268733561]
Thats a fucking epic little video that Farky. Superb stuff really. Complete performance.
He had a goal and went close with a long ranger and that volley, he had an assist and really could have had 3 more.
Pompey were fucking woeful but he took full advantage.
I heart Aquilani.
[/quote]
That would be a bit more believable if you had mentioned it before last night Oncey.
[/quote]HAHAHA i think i may have Count.
[/quote]
😉
[quote author=the count link=topic=39312.msg1070469#msg1070469 date=1268733650]
[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=39312.msg1070466#msg1070466 date=1268733561]
Thats a fucking epic little video that Farky. Superb stuff really. Complete performance.
He had a goal and went close with a long ranger and that volley, he had an assist and really could have had 3 more.
Pompey were fucking woeful but he took full advantage.
I heart Aquilani.
[/quote]
That would be a bit more believable if you had mentioned it before last night Oncey.
[/quote]HAHAHA i think i may have Count.
[/quote]
😉
loved him last night, he was a star. the nutmeg was sexy time.
I've been a fan of Aquilani for a while, not as big as Oncey but a fan.
I remember after his brief stint against the Gooners in the League Cup loss, you could see the lad was class. He sprayed passes easily, and just found himself in dangerous areas.
A lot of posters here had a lot of doubt in the player - but he's class. While I know it was only Pompey, he showed exactly what we've needed all season long.
I hope this is the game we look back on as 'the' game that kick started his career with us ...
I remember after his brief stint against the Gooners in the League Cup loss, you could see the lad was class. He sprayed passes easily, and just found himself in dangerous areas.
A lot of posters here had a lot of doubt in the player - but he's class. While I know it was only Pompey, he showed exactly what we've needed all season long.
I hope this is the game we look back on as 'the' game that kick started his career with us ...
Alberto was indeed very very good and contributed enormously to the fine performance last night, notwithstanding the opposition. He undoubtedly has class. However before we all get totally carried away, one great game doesn't mean that he is the answer to all our prayers.
I also remember the game he played against Bolton where he was absolutely woeful and seemed intimidated by the physical nature of the Premiership. He was afforded the time and space last night to show off his considerably talent. The real test will come when things are a lot tighter in the centre, when he is hounded constantly by the opposition and he has little time or space to "do his thing"
I seem to recall that many posters were of the opinion that Alonso's poor second season form was more to do with the fact that he was "found out" When he was denied the time and space by the opposition to use the ball constructively, he and the team as a whole, were less effective. So was last season's brilliance down to Alonso becoming more effective under increased time and space constraits or did the midfield somehow work the opposition to the extent that Xabi had the required time and space?
Either way, Alberto, for all his promise has a long way to go to justify the £20m price tag. Let's hope, irrespective of how it happens, for all or sakes he does.
I also remember the game he played against Bolton where he was absolutely woeful and seemed intimidated by the physical nature of the Premiership. He was afforded the time and space last night to show off his considerably talent. The real test will come when things are a lot tighter in the centre, when he is hounded constantly by the opposition and he has little time or space to "do his thing"
I seem to recall that many posters were of the opinion that Alonso's poor second season form was more to do with the fact that he was "found out" When he was denied the time and space by the opposition to use the ball constructively, he and the team as a whole, were less effective. So was last season's brilliance down to Alonso becoming more effective under increased time and space constraits or did the midfield somehow work the opposition to the extent that Xabi had the required time and space?
Either way, Alberto, for all his promise has a long way to go to justify the £20m price tag. Let's hope, irrespective of how it happens, for all or sakes he does.
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