Zenit: Post Match

[The Birdman]

Really hope that wasn't Carra's last performance in Europe, can see him staying on longer - i know i know he said he was hanging his boots up...but we'll see

That mistake last night will only reinforce Carra's decision to retire in my opinion.
He's been fantastic for us over years and years, he obviously feels he can't perform the way he would like, or his body can't recover in time.

But he'll probably take going out personally as he made a big mistake, one that in his opinion he'll feel he shouldn't have made.
It's those high standards that made him the player he was.

[Rich]

Really hope that wasn't Carra's last performance in Europe, can see him staying on longer - i know i know he said he was hanging his boots up...but we'll see

It was! Even if he backtracks and signs up for another year we're highly unlikely to be in Europe next season.

[SB]

Really hope that wasn't Carra's last performance in Europe, can see him staying on longer - i know i know he said he was hanging his boots up...but we'll see

I'm sure it was & it's probably best for all concerned if it was. We need to strengthen our defence not become overly sentimental.

[The Birdman]

Re Assaidi what did he actually do?

He's very similar to Suso, clearly a different player but flatters to decieve, looks good on the eye in their own respective ways but little or no end product (at the moment).

Not writing either of them off, both have a lot of ability but we need end product, for all of Assaidi's feints, drag backs, rolling his foot over the ball how many dangerous crosses or through balls did he produce?

1 run that got us a free kick?

[Carras_Shin_Pads]

That mistake last night will only reinforce Carra's decision to retire in my opinion.
He's been fantastic for us over years and years, he obviously feels he can't perform the way he would like, or his body can't recover in time.

But he'll probably take going out personally as he made a big mistake, one that in his opinion he'll feel he shouldn't have made.
It's those high standards that made him the player he was.

It was! Even if he backtracks and signs up for another year we're highly unlikely to be in Europe next season.

I'm sure it was & it's probably best for all concerned if it was. We need to strengthen our defence not become overly sentimental.

All very valid points - just guess i'm getting a bit teary eyed!

Just think he commands the back line so well - we're really going to miss that experience on the pitch. Guess it will give the likes of Agger and Johnson to be more vocal?

[Maxiedge]

What an enjoyable game that was. Lets not forget that Zenit are actually a decent side. They were good defensively. That left back of theirs Hubocan (sp) is some player.

[greenbloodred]

What an enjoyable game that was. Lets not forget that Zenit are actually a decent side. They were good defensively. That left back of theirs Hubocan (sp) is some player.

Agree re Hubocan, one to consider in the summer transfer window. His natural position is CB I think, very good player based on the 2 games v us.

[Sarb]

I would love us to sign Witsel though

[Tee]

I thought Neto looked good, quality feet but did get himself tangled up once.

[Arn]

Re Shelvey - just a few months ago he was being preferred to Henderson and many of us agreed with it. He hasn't just lost that promise or ability, but his performances have been so incredibly poor since the red card v United. I think it's a confidence thing, which is strange as his confidence is probably one of his greatest strengths. I keep saying it but a season long loan at somewhere where he'll play every week will do him the world of good.

IMO the problem is that he isn't seeing his mistakes. He blames them on the fans, the ref or whatever he can imagine up.

Totally wrong attitude. Accept that you make mistakes and learn from them so you don't make the same mistake over and over again.

A lot of heart, passion and a very big ego.

[dww]

It hasn't been mentioned for a few posts so I would like to remind everyone that Lucas is now officially boss again.

[dww]

I couldn't believe Hendo was taken off last night, I thought he was playing really well, full of energy and very vocal. He's come on a lot this few months, fair play to the lad.

I think your praise is right but I can see why he came off - he was doing lots of good things but not contributing to much action in the final third by that point in the game. We bought on players to try and unlock a defence - didn't work but both Shelvey and Assaidi had moments where they nearly made a difference. Didn't work out but I can see the logic behind those substitutions.

[Galb]

Defensive mistake(s) cost us again, the story of the season really.

Suarez was magnificent as was Lucas.

With hindsight substituting Henderson and bringing on Shelvey was a poor decision.

What Imy said.

Best game Ive seen from Lucas since his comeback. He was immense in tackling and made some really intelligent passes when we were attacking. Great to see him getting back to his old self.

[Arn]

Lucas..........



Shelvey........

[SB]

All very valid points - just guess i'm getting a bit teary eyed!

Just think he commands the back line so well - we're really going to miss that experience on the pitch. Guess it will give the likes of Agger and Johnson to be more vocal?

We will all miss him but its best to go out on a high & not hang about too long & tarnish the brand.