Pennant

[wiw]

I'm not sure when he really had the chance to beat his man? Invariably he got the ball with very little space, and not very far into their half. Rafa has obviously said something along the lines of if you dont have the space then cut inside and retain possession to keep the ball and create space for Finnan to move their defence around a bit.

There were a few times where he could've beaten his man further up the pitch though so that was a bit disappointing, but why beat your man and risk losing the ball when you can cross it perfectly anyway or move it around a bit longer? You can give other players time to get involved then e.g the Agger goal

[bazza76]

is a strange one. I was pleased with the signing and thought he was ok on his debut. but his first instinct is to cut inside. time & again. the one time he got to the byline and young crouch scored a fine goal in midweek. I hope once the boy finds his feet in the red shirt he will take the fullback on more often. Not a critisim at this stage merely an observation.

Also the boy Kuyt can move. Not lightening speed but clever striker movement, like Rush & Aldo used to do. This lad could be magnificent.

I'm under the impression he is told to cut inside mate, in other games he has been predominantly a crosser of the ball. I believe Rafa likes players to be unpredictable, not always crossing and not always cutting inside. think I read a stat about Pennant completing more crosses than any other Premiership player last season. He is well able to cross, and I wouldnt get worried about him cutting inside sometimes.

[Mattshark]

I'm under the impression he is told to cut inside mate, in other games he has been predominantly a crosser of the ball. I believe Rafa likes players to be unpredictable, not always crossing and not always cutting inside. think I read a stat about Pennant completing more crosses than any other Premiership player last season. He is well able to cross, and I wouldnt get worried about him cutting inside sometimes.

Agreed, a good mixture between crossing and cutting inside is the best imo.