Roma match thread

[kris90210]

He could, but he really is not good in the air and that concerns me.

There's no reason why he couldn't improve that aspect of his game. He's got the height and aggression. Plus he's an atheltic player. He has all the qualities you'd want from a center back.

[Mattshark]

There's no reason why he couldn't improve that aspect of his game. He's got the height and aggression. Plus he's an atheltic player. He has all the qualities you'd want from a center back.

Except that he is far better at right back and no way near the quality of our other 4 CB's right now (and far better than anyone else we have as a back up to Johnson.

[DannyMan2006]

I'm glad I read the comments before posting. Roma looked that little bit sharper and its explained by having more senior players and more games in.

I think as a team we struggled to close down as a unit, more often than not we had one player who was too tired to keep up.

In the first half Enrique looked very leggy, unusual for him as he's normally very fit and as a result of this Sterling had to work hard and thus struggled going forward. Cole & Shelvey stood out for creativity, whilst Ecclestone worked harder than most but got little service. Poor movement or poor team play? May be a bit of both.

Second half Pacheco looked really good, until often the final ball.organ I think showed better movement than NE, and looked dangerous. Doesn't have a huge presence but is quite tigerish and strong, neither is he slow. But because he lacks electric pace he's gonna have to be like Fowler and be a natural poacher.

Players in our midfield often struggled to keep track with the Roma players - but is it laziness, lack of intelligence or just a lack of fitness? Probably a fitness issue tbh.

Overall not too bad, since both are owned by Red Sox owners I see why that game happened, but tbh I think it was a poor match up. Playing a top team who are further ahead in their preparations is not ideal and made it difficult for us.

[BrooklynRed]

Overall not too bad, since both are owned by Red Sox owners I see why that game happened, but tbh I think it was a poor match up. Playing a top team who are further ahead in their preparations is not ideal and made it difficult for us.

On the other hand, the young players got a game against an experienced team and everyone got a good run out, so it has its benefits. I don't think the result matters, but the experience was good. Wonder who Spurs will send out on Saturday?

[saj]

Except that he is far better at right back and no way near the quality of our other 4 CB's right now (and far better than anyone else we have as a back up to Johnson.

That may change in a years time depending on how Mcloughlin develops - he is as big a talent as the likes of Suso, Sterling etc. I heard he played well yesterday

[Tee]

He was excellent Saj. I think Flanno has his work cut out to make it here.

[Mattshark]

He was excellent Saj. I think Flanno has his work cut out to make it here.

I think that is the case with or with out Mcloughlin

[Tee]

I think that is the case with or with out Mcloughlin

though it may speed things up.

[DannyMan2006]

Flanno is a good old school CB, but he'd not quite gonna cut it I think these days as players are required to have more in their locker going forwards. Decent squad filler for now though.

[Mattshark]

Flanno is a good old school CB, but he'd not quite gonna cut it I think these days as players are required to have more in their locker going forwards. Decent squad filler for now though.

Flanno a CB?

[RedReet]

Have to say, I thought it was blatantly obvious that as soon as Spearing went off our defence went to bits. We’d never have conceded those goals with him still on the pitch. Lucas isn’t fit yet and Spearing going off left a massive hole in the centre of the park. Be interesting to see who starts against WBA?

(Am pretty bored, I wonder if anyone will bite. :-) )

[Neil Young]

There's no reason why he couldn't improve that aspect of his game. He's got the height and aggression. Plus he's an atheltic player. He has all the qualities you'd want from a center back.

I think that's fair, it's possible he could improve his heading enough.

Carragher's never been commanding in the air but he's done ok, especially alongside partners who are decent headers of the ball. Ok, Hyypia. I can't think of any other centre backs we've had in the last fifteen years who are naturally good in the air.

[Shaggy]

Great pics Tom

[RedReet]

I think that's fair, it's possible he could improve his heading enough.

Carragher's never been commanding in the air but he's done ok, especially alongside partners who are decent headers of the ball. Ok, Hyypia. I can't think of any other centre backs we've had in the last fifteen years who are naturally good in the air.

Soto.

[Vermilion]

Great pics thanks for sharing

Not brave enough to post one of yourself like LDH?

Quality pictures and looks like it was a great day out.

Great pics Tom

Shankly Gates, nice touch.