Hoffenheim (H) Post Match Thread

Was worried first half, looked like we had a situation where our players coming in were not match sharp mentally or physically. Otamendi was poor both defensively and in playing the ball out, stones looked uncomfortable at right back, Zinchenko was exposed and exploited by the opposition, and I feared a bit of a Chelsea hangover.

Laporte's penalty was a prime example, shouldn't have been in that position anyway and had chances to deal with it, then make a silly decision which could have been very costly. Normally you'd not expect such a series of decisions from us.

Thankfully sane had other ideas! Much improved second half too from most players, and pep identified the issues we had at full back quite quickly. Delph clearly is our more solid left back at present, and Foden clearly can handle being thrown in at this stage.

Whilst we have to many injuries it is easy to pick faults, a left back, midfielder and striker could be on the agenda for summer, but more immediately we need to get our attitude right to starting games the city way from the first whistle.

Oh, and can't wait for kev to come back, his range of passing is missed and teams know we're less likely to hit 40 yard balls through them, and we become more crab-like, without him.
 
Stretch said:
I think they'll get Real Madrid. Only because it's the time to be playing them right now. We could do with them staying in a while longer, we don't want them having a free run at the league.
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Did you see his push on the big lump for Hoffenheim? Tried to chest it down in the area, fucked up, lost possession then just blatantly pushed the chap in a very dangerous position. I actually facepalmed it was that bad
 
Really enjoyed last night - good game.

We are doing great - looking forward to the second half of the season immensely.
 
Well that was an enjoyable watch. Thought Sane was dazzlingly brilliant and his goals get him motm. But gotta give Foden a big pat on the back for a great performance. He started off shakily and was probably trying too hard, but he settled into the game and showed us how good he is. Would've loved to see his volley go in. Also credit to Jesus who was kicked from pillar to post but never gave up.
 
F*ck me some absolute whoppers in this thread!
Great game last night played in the right way by both teams. Sane and sterling were majestic and Phil had a tremendous first half. Gabby needs a goal but did everything but score last night.
I'm not gundos biggest fan but thought he did ok, couple of glorious balls but he slows us down so much on the break at times. Bernardo had another mare for me, maybe needs a little rest but not sure he will get one. Stones didn't look comfortable but I put that down to pep getting formation wrong, and playibg stones out of position. Looked more solid when walker came on but he's having a stinker of a season so far.
Finally ederson. What. A. Keeper. That save was incredible, stick your second most expensive keeper who pulls off "incredible" saves from shots straight at him up your arse. Eddie is glorious.
 
Gordyola said:
Walker playing in his position v Stones playing out of position. Thought Walker was very poor again has he has been all season he really needs to up his game and stop making "schoolboy" errors
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I like Walker but he should have showed their number 34 some respect by defending goal side. He kept getting turned by not doing the basics, against a good player.
 
An enjoyable game and a win - against a good side - that puts us firmly on top of the group. Happy with that, particularly given that we’re by no means at full strength. Just have to avoid Athletico Madrid in the next round.
 
Saddleworth2 said:
I found the game very frustrating and as a team performance I would rate it our worst of the season. The way Hoffenheim came at us, leading with their chin just about all night, we really should have run up a cricket score. That we didnt was down to the team not clicking together which i guess is understandable given the number of changes made.
There were some good individual performances though:
Sane in particular was unplayable at times
Raheem was bursting with confidence, very direct and dangerous albeit, like every one, the final ball was sometimes off
Phil, after a shaky start looked the part and got better as the match went on
Eddie proved that he is a shot stopper although the fact that he had a number to make tells you everything about the teams control of the game
Gabby's play and workrate was excellent other than his finishing which was frankly poor
Gundo played ok. Not great, but ok.

Stones, Walker, Bernie, Ota all poor.
Need a better team performance on Saturday.
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I really enjoyed it, two teams going at each other, the type of football I want to watch.

It had a feel of a preseason game in the first half, we were disjointed but Walker and Delph made a big difference when they came on, the finishing/decision making was frustrating but that aside I found it very easy on the eye.
 
stonerblue said:
Well that was an enjoyable watch. Thought Sane was dazzlingly brilliant and his goals get him motm. But gotta give Foden a big pat on the back for a great performance. He started off shakily and was probably trying too hard, but he settled into the game and showed us how good he is. Would've loved to see his volley go in. Also credit to Jesus who was kicked from pillar to post but never gave up.
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Thought Phil was playing too advanced in the first half but everything he did was progressive. In the second half he came looking for the ball and got much more involved, overall a good performance with an excellent second half, could have had a couple of assists and if that volley had gone in wow, great save by the keeper though
 
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