I'm still reasonably confident we'll stay up with this squad, but the
first half was dreadful from us. Marsch said afterwards the plan was to
get balls into the Brighton half quickly and then play from there, but
the players did not execute properly, which worries me slightly. That
type of hoofball has been proven to be a failure in this league, and it
is just shit football. Time after time the ball was lost to Brighton.
Our front four ran around a lot but could not hold on to the ball to
make any meaningful attack on goal. Brighton sat deep and won all the
loose balls and attacked down both flanks exposing Struik (not a left
back) and Rasmus (a right back, but not very good). Only Meslier and
their poor finishing kept us in the game.
Second half we started to hold the ball better, which led to plenty of
possession and a few half chances. But Brighton always looked like they
would score and so it turned out. Again down the flank, with Struik
drawn towards the center leaving a man free on the outside and a cross
from our right. Brighton sat back after they scored and we had one or
two chances - Sinisterra at the far post and Rodrigo(?) who blazed over.
We could and should have got a point, but Brighton were the better team
overall.
On the plus side, Adams did not give the ball as much as the previous
three games and Sinisterra looked good. Koch was good again and Jack
and Brenden had reasonable games. Klich was good again when he came on.
Downside? Rodrigo was useless. Misplaced passes and wayward shooting
again. I suspect Marsch told him to shoot more. Rasmus still looks out
of his depth in my opinion. Llorente had one of those games where he
falls over a lot.
I would have brought on Joffy sooner and also taken Rodrigo off for
Summerville.
Everton on Tuesday will be a test for Marsch. The starters so far have
done well, but there was a lack of creativity on Saturday. I would take
a chance with Drameh if Ayling is not ready, and also start with Klich
instead of Rodrigo / James and play Joffy up front. I'd be tempted to
play Summerville instead of Brenden as well, but that may be too many
changes.
Whatever happens, Everton are there for the taking and 3 points will
perk us all up again. Lose and doubts will start creeping in re
Marsch's tactics. But we're 5th and we would all take that after 4 games
I suspect.
MOT
On 29 Aug 2022 13:46, James A. Lundon @ Yahoo! via Leedslist wrote:
People,
Ups & Downs: Chelsea one weekend, Brighton the next.
It will be one of those seasons!
James.
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Rest in Peace Guy, and wear your hat!
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Rest in Peace Guy, and wear your hat!
