PannickAtTheDisco
Well-Known Member
It won't be if he can start to show that form regularly
If. If. If.
It won't be if he can start to show that form regularly
If. If. If.
well, when it's a typical trait of him to not deliver on his full potential when it matters then it's not a surprise when people aren't like "wow" when he massages his stats. The real praise comes by improving his team ethic, adapting his game and earning credit in the bank by winning us key, tight games with big goals and creating them for others. It's why England thrashing Iceland doesn't get the same plaudits as if they beat Belgium would, do it when it matters against the best. Players like Sterling had credit in the bank for 17/18 and 18/19 but even Pep has acknowledged that's burned through now, so players like Mahrez who've had no credit in the bank since blazing the pen at Anfield really have to earn their stripes by going above and beyond. We keep saying "Maybe now", like Jesus, it's about time they just did it.He's rightly been given a bit of stick when his performances haven't been good, but equally he deserves praise when he plays well, as he did on Saturday. It has to work both ways. Don't think it's fair to say "it was only Burnley". A Premier League hat-trick is no mean feat, regardless of the opposition. Just hope that this is the catalyst to kick start his season now.
well not in my opinion, which counts for as much as yours. And both our opinions really count for nowt as its Peps call. I just happen to disagree with you as he scores goals against weak opposition imo. When the going gets tough he doesnt show up. Not what you need from your record buy. At the weekend he was great, he hit Burnley on the break, the problem is most teams sit and defend deep against us and then he is far less effective. Lets agree to dissagree.You're in the minority, to the general consensus he was and that's the narrative I'll choose to go with.
Hopefully this is a new start for him.
As has been pointed out,a hatrick in the Prem is no mean feat despite the opposition....yes,it would have been held in more esteem had it happened against the Chavs or Spurs,but c'mon.....give the lad a bit of credit,its due.Hopefully every other team will be as generous as Burnley and decide not to defend .