World, European, English Premier League, UEFA Super Cup & FA Cup CHAMPIONS 2023!! FIVE major titles in the same calendar year. Did we ever dare to dream football could get as good as this after York away!
Kudos to Fluminense who made a game of it with some brilliant football at times. However, we were just too strong for them.
I saw the kickoff, but missed the first goal after grabbing my phone to put it on silent. But what an inventive chest in from Julian after 40 seconds!
But from the 5th - 15th minute, we hardly touched the ball as they turned on the Brazilliant style.
We remained solid & harried them until we drew parity after 20 minutes. On 35 minutes we got on top, & it remained that way until the end.
I thought we were outstanding to a man. Jack looked somewhere near his best, & Rodri was imperious! When we started playing, it made the Fluminense players dizzy in the head, which got them frustrated.
That was a dangerous foul on Rodders, & for me, & luckily for the player, I think it was just the right side of a red card. I hope Rodders is OK, & our worst fears aren't realised.
With the Rodri scare & Philips possibly leaving in January, we can no longer leave his position to chance & need an able CDM partner to rotate & challenge Rodders.
In terms of possible Philips replacements, I was disappointed with Andre. Like many Fluminense players, at times they looked out of their depth. At least Pep got the chance of a closer look, so we can make a more informed decision on him, as we will have with Pahlinha.
Also, what a player
John Kennedy is! He was seriously dangerous & caused us major problems when he came on. One to keep an eye on.
It felt better winning the Club World Cup than I thought it would. We have a brilliant manager, brilliant coaching staff, a brilliant squad, brilliant management, a brilliant owner & brilliant fans.
Well done to us all, we well & truly deserve our successes. )(
