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Stoke post match thread
- Thread starter taleofbluehalves
- Start date
It was a frustrating evening, but fair play to Stoke. They deserved a point. De Bruyne and Fernandinho had off nights, and resting Sterling completely backfired (we should have had him on the bench just in case, I thought). We just don't look like the same team when Silva doesn't play, and created little of note until he came on. Could've snatched it at the end with Sane's chance, but it wasn't to be. We were never likely to catch Chelsea, but we need to keep an eye on the pack behind us and can't afford to drop many more points at home. At least we kept another clean sheet, and Sterling & Silva will be rested for the week ahead.
So its OK to 'rest' for Middlesbrough, but not Stoke ? Why ?
We're still in 3 competitions, which one do we have the best realistic chance of winning out of the three ?
We had an opportunity to rest a couple last night, just as we have the chance again on Saturday, it won't be the same players, unless they are carrying knocks of course. We almost certainly need a full strength team against Monaco next week, as that will be the most difficult to win, and is followed up by a game we definitely need to not lose against Liverpool.
With 5 games in 14 days, its imperative that we only play players that are 100%, and that doesn't mean injuries, it means fitness, and there will be considerable advise from the medical staff on who does or does not need a rest.
I'm not saying it is ok to rest for Boro but the truth is we will wont we? That's a different argument but if he does end up making changes which is very likely then it means there was no reason for last nights, especially after not being overly worked at Sunderland. You say a game we need to not lose against Liverpool, why is that? If that is down to league positions etc then surely beating Stoke on your home turf and gaining two more points is big too? It then puts more pressure on them three league games in a row we have which would of been better with more of a cushion.
I understand we have a few games coming up at once, but Sunderland was played in first gear, last night full strength we could of got a cushion and then rested players and as I say he will inevitably then rest against Boro. Had last nights game been sandwiched between massive games against tougher opposition I'd agree completely.
It was a frustrating evening, but fair play to Stoke. They deserved a point. De Bruyne and Fernandinho had off nights, and resting Sterling completely backfired (we should have had him on the bench just in case, I thought). We just don't look like the same team when Silva doesn't play, and created little of note until he came on. Could've snatched it at the end with Sane's chance, but it wasn't to be. We were never likely to catch Chelsea, but we need to keep an eye on the pack behind us and can't afford to drop many more points at home. At least we kept another clean sheet, and Sterling & Silva will be rested for the week ahead.
With the quality De Bruyne has, it concerns me that his own level plummets when Silva doesn't play. It's really strange.
It's really tough at the moment. Over the last 8 games he's found a system that works. But the drop off when you take out certain players in that system is huge. It's too big. The squad behind the main squad don't have enough to walk into the same system.
With the quality De Bruyne has, it concerns me that his own level plummets when Silva doesn't play. It's really strange.
It's really tough at the moment. Over the last 8 games he's found a system that works. But the drop off when you take out certain players in that system is huge. It's too big. The squad behind the main squad don't have enough to walk into the same system.
Yeah, the strength in depth of the squad definitely needs to be addressed in the summer. Finding an able deputy for Silva is vital.
GaudinoMotors
Well-Known Member
In a nutshellWith the quality De Bruyne has, it concerns me that his own level plummets when Silva doesn't play. It's really strange.
It's really tough at the moment. Over the last 8 games he's found a system that works. But the drop off when you take out certain players in that system is huge. It's too big. The squad behind the main squad don't have enough to walk into the same system.
abu13
Well-Known Member
Simples, Play Silva and Sterling and we win that game.
Pep chose to rest them which may prove to be a mistake but if they had both played and got an injury that ruled them out over the next month we would all be pissed off.
The 11 that played last night should have had more than enough to beat Stoke.
Too many passengers.
Pep chose to rest them which may prove to be a mistake but if they had both played and got an injury that ruled them out over the next month we would all be pissed off.
The 11 that played last night should have had more than enough to beat Stoke.
Too many passengers.
FromPollockToSilva
Well-Known Member
Two fullbacks with zero attacking impetus was the death of us yesterday. Far too easy to isolate Clichy and Sagna in wide positions knowing they can't produce.
abu13
Well-Known Member
Yeah, the strength in depth of the squad definitely needs to be addressed in the summer. Finding an able deputy for Silva is vital.
But easier said than done, he is a truly amazing player who doesn't get the plaudits he deserves. Peoplw worry about who will replace Yaya when Silva is the bigger concern.