I like the way...

[mark1975]

..Rafa took Gonzalez out the limelight when things appeared to not be going quite to plan. On the back of a couple of non-showings preseason, he promptly took him out the line up for the next friendly and again last night, leaving it to the more experienced, yet uninspiring Zenden.

Then the boy gets a cameo appearance and bingo! A goal and a real confidence booster.

Not saying Rafa always gets his lineups/changes right, but more often than not he makes some inspiring substitutions. I mentioned elsewhere that I thought early on that Xabi should have been withdrawn for Crouch. Eventually Gerrard was withdrawn for Gonzalez and Alonso proceded to set up the winner for the lad. (What do I know eh?!)

In fairness, it's all kicked off again, he's scored a goal and people are now raising their expectation levels again. One swallow doesnt make a Summer and all that. There's a long way to go and I think he might still struggle at times for the first year while he gets used to the weather, the rough and tumble and our sh*te food

Anyways.. Fingers crossed he'll do the business, just don't pin your hopes on him being this player he's been built upto be. He's still very much a kid.

[Ryan]

I don't think Rafa has a the first clue what his best XI is though mate, or how to accomodate Gerrard, or who his best options up front are.

I think he got very lucky last night.

[JRG]

The goal should boost his confidence and maybe he will relax instead of trying too hard. I thought he took the goal well, and his work rate was good last night. It's still too early to tell, but very encouraging nonetheless.

[mark1975]

I wouldnt say lucky, I think in hindsight he made the right decisions on the subs, but the line up shouldnt include Zenden AND Pennant, there's not enough guile there in getting beyond the fullback or into the box, Pennant was great mind, he does what he needs to do, but Zenden generally does the same but is FAR less effective. I think he's fcuking awful tbh.

Gerrard is a problem. 20+ goals last season from what I feel is his best position, but we now have Pennant and a necessity (as shown again last night) to play TWO upfront.

Hmmm, it's a tricky one, but it seems to be getting more and more difficult to play Alonso and Stevie in the same lineup.

[No9]

I think he might still struggle at times for the first year while he gets used to the weather, the rough and tumble and our sh*te food

Waitrose do a decent selection of continental food

Good point though, bed him and his confidence in slowly, hes going to get some shocks this season...away to blackburn in Feb or something may be a bit much for him!!

[mark1975]

Away at Blackburn is usually a bit much for us fullstop.

[Nic83]

..Rafa took Gonzalez out the limelight when things appeared to not be going quite to plan. On the back of a couple of non-showings preseason, he promptly took him out the line up for the next friendly and again last night, leaving it to the more experienced, yet uninspiring Zenden.

Then the boy gets a cameo appearance and bingo! A goal and a real confidence booster.

Not saying Rafa always gets his lineups/changes right, but more often than not he makes some inspiring substitutions. I mentioned elsewhere that I thought early on that Xabi should have been withdrawn for Crouch. Eventually Gerrard was withdrawn for Gonzalez and Alonso proceded to set up the winner for the lad. (What do I know eh?!)

In fairness, it's all kicked off again, he's scored a goal and people are now raising their expectation levels again. One swallow doesnt make a Summer and all that. There's a long way to go and I think he might still struggle at times for the first year while he gets used to the weather, the rough and tumble and our sh*te food

Anyways.. Fingers crossed he'll do the business, just don't pin your hopes on him being this player he's been built upto be. He's still very much a kid.

Very true.

I don't think a lot of people will realise how important that goal was last night for Speedy.