#7 | Raheem Sterling - 2021/22 Performances

[mcfc482]

Was beating himself in the 2nd half. Decent first half. Needs to up the intensity generally. Slows down the play far too often especially when he has space to run into.

 

[01cravend]

He always twice the player when he backs himself 1v1 against the oppo fullback. It's just annoying he only feels that way once every 5 or 6 games.

 

[Kippax77]

I thought he was lazy, compared to our other 10.
But that is how he plays, in little spurts.
Before any backlash of my comments, we won and thats all that matters

 

[OrigamiNinja]

Didn't see what others saw tonight, had an okay first half and a dreadful second half in my view. He had Cash on toast every single time if he wanted it yet barely used his pace, he should have been driving at him every single time getting into the box, instead, he did his usual standing still for as long as humanly possible with the ball until he just kind of runs into somebody act far too much. Was consistently found stood directly behind the man in possession offer nothing whatsoever, barely offered a run in behind all night and attacks generally either died out when he got it or he lost possession.

And I've backed Sterling quite a bit, certainly more than most in recent weeks for positive performances before I'm accused of hating him for no reason. Step backwards tonight in my eyes and should have come off after 70 for Foden.

I think that’s a bit harsh. He was outstanding for the opening 25 mins and he has been nowhere near that level for a long time. I am one of his biggest critics on here, but what we saw in the 1st half tonight was a huge leap in quality levels. Yeah, he dropped off 2nd half but it’s baby steps. It’s highly unlikely he goes from absolute shite, to worldly overnight. For me, tonight was the most promising Sterling performance we have seen all season.

 

[Tugay One Cup]

He's properly building momentum now. Another great performance.

That marking on the corner deserves a clip around the ear, though.

 

[Dr Jacoby]

Much better when he’s direct.

 

[DAGW]

I think that’s a bit harsh. He was outstanding for the opening 25 mins and he has been nowhere near that level for a long time. I am one of his biggest critics on here, but what we saw in the 1st half tonight was a huge leap in quality levels. Yeah, he dropped off 2nd half but it’s baby steps. It’s highly unlikely he goes from absolute shite, to worldly overnight. For me, tonight was the most promising Sterling performance we have seen all season.

Agree with all of that other than the baby steps bit - I'm not sure heading into December that we can afford baby steps. If he continues this upturn in form and can put it together for 70mins a game, rather than 40mins, then I'd say he's worth his place at the moment.

The issue is; with Grealish and Foden coming back, can we justify playing Raz every game in the hope that the upturn will continue, if we're only getting 40 mins? I'd stick with him now until such time as his form drops again (that's an if btw).

 

[sh249]

was very good first half, waned a bit in the second (with the rest of the team)

 

[DAGW]

He's properly building momentum now. Another great performance.

That marking on the corner deserves a clip around the ear, though.

I thought that at first, but from the way he followed him - Bernardo was the one assigned with man marking Watkins. Just great movement from Watkins, with the where with all to bend it round Cancelo(?) out of the reach of Bernie's outstretched leg.

The loss of possession and stand still defending for one of their attacks down the right in the second half was more clip worthy.

 

[Tugay One Cup]

I thought that at first, but Bernardo was the one assigned with man marking Watkins

I'll have to watch it again. I just know he had the chance to block him off and let him right by.