27-08-2017, 16:31
(This post was last modified: 27-08-2017, 16:34 by Slick_Footwork.)
Typical Premier League game, 2 teams with different styles, but a real dearth in creativity across the board.
Disappointed not to win considering Stoke didn't really create anything clear cut, despite the fact we seemed slow and leggy.
Great goal from Rodriguez, showing his striking instincts at the back post.
Can't help feeling we looked a much better side in the first game, with Rodriguez holding the ball up, bringing midfielders into play. Although Rondon works hard and runs the channels, he couldn't trap a bag of sand and fails to see the simple pass into the midfield time and time again. Inviting pressure on us.
Hopefully Hegazi's mistake doesn't destroy his confidence. That said, it does give you the feeling that he might not be the finished article that we expected after the first two games. Showed the type of dexterity (or lack of it) that you'd expect from a 6'4 defender. Hopefully that's something he can work on.
As much as I respect Yacob for his 110% effort, hard work and defensive reading of the game - I do feel he's a player who needs replacing with someone who has the legs. As you say, bringing him on and pushing Barry slightly forward didn't do anything for our ability to retain the ball and counter.
Disappointed not to win considering Stoke didn't really create anything clear cut, despite the fact we seemed slow and leggy.
Great goal from Rodriguez, showing his striking instincts at the back post.
Can't help feeling we looked a much better side in the first game, with Rodriguez holding the ball up, bringing midfielders into play. Although Rondon works hard and runs the channels, he couldn't trap a bag of sand and fails to see the simple pass into the midfield time and time again. Inviting pressure on us.
Hopefully Hegazi's mistake doesn't destroy his confidence. That said, it does give you the feeling that he might not be the finished article that we expected after the first two games. Showed the type of dexterity (or lack of it) that you'd expect from a 6'4 defender. Hopefully that's something he can work on.
(27-08-2017, 16:31)WBA-Josh Wrote: Good result.
My gripes with today are the substitution of Yacob for Morrison which did more damage than good and the goal we conceded. I think both Foster and Hegazi should be taking equal blame for it. Hegazi should have been more assured and put his foot through the ball and Foster should have stayed in his position on his six yard line instead of trying to come for the ball which he was never going to get.
Apart from the above issues, the performance was much better than last week's shit show and we can take plenty of positives away such as regaining our ability to counter-attack properly and our defensive solidity.
As much as I respect Yacob for his 110% effort, hard work and defensive reading of the game - I do feel he's a player who needs replacing with someone who has the legs. As you say, bringing him on and pushing Barry slightly forward didn't do anything for our ability to retain the ball and counter.