Stoke post match thread

[SilverFox2]

We had chances last night. Navas put in a couple of very good crosses in the first half but no one was able to get to them. De Bruyne's free-kick. Silva's shot that curled inches wide. Toure and KDB(?) blazing over when they should have got shots on target. Sane missing late on and Aguero trying a shot from a ridiculous angle when he should have squared it. He also hit a couple straight at the keeper, which he seems to be doing a lot recently. There were a couple of chances that flashed across the Stoke area in the second half that no one got a foot to.

It was our complete ineptitude in the first half that did for us. Spurs were 3-0 up against this lot at half-time last weekend. We were the same at Sunderland but fortunately score just before half-time. We need to start games like we mean business, unlike under Pellegrini.

Apparently squad rotation is blamed by some but surely if that was the case the newcomers would want to impress so it must have been a case of Pep wanting them all to play with some caution.

Maybe, unlike us he only sees 4th place as his objective simply to qualify if we fail to win EU cup.
We want indeed expect results against most teams but he is prepared to gamble with one eye on other trophies so if our second choice players are not up to it then why pick them?

Last year some of us wanted younger players bloodied so perhaps we should request the same from Pep if he wants squad rotation rather than make do players who fail to impress. It is frustrating when he plays to achieve his long term objectives and we are expected to give vocal support and encouragement on a match by match basis. He must expect supporters who want every game to be a victory to complain if their support is taken for granted but he can deliberately play those who are not up to it rather than those who yet to be tested at this level.

Rant over.

 

[the god Gerry Gow]

To me the problem seems to be that as in the recent past we have a core of players who are crucial and when taken out there replacements do not seem to be able to step up.
I don't see a problem in making changes as it's a squad game these days, the problem comes from the drop off in performance when we do.

Maybe our squad depth isn't as great as some some seem to think it is

 

[Kinkys Left Foot]

I can't agree that they deserved a point.
They surrendered midfield constantly and played a back 5 with a close support of a bank of 4 with 1 slightly further forward. No spaces behind and no space between the lines. Time wasted at every opportunity, feigned injury and hoofed it upfield to relieve pressure. I understand why (because it works) but its shite to watch and its supposed to be an entertainment business. If you think that deserves a point thats your opinion.
Why didn't they play that way at Spurs then, or did they 2nd half?
In the end we only have ourselves to blame missing 4-5 good chances, quite how Iheanacho and then Sane failed to hit the target with those two gifts at the end baffles me let alone Silvas and the Kuns missing the target as well. We score 1 we win the game. Its been the story of our season at home and we've got more cloggers to come who'll do exactly the same. Palace, United et all. It's all about finishing chances. If we'd have scored last night it would have been a thoroughly deserved victory whilst not being at our best. It happens occasionally in all seasons but too many this year. Take the points from those home League games as we deserved to were sat 2 points behind Chelsea instead of scrapping for a top 4 spot.
Everton
Boro
Stoke
Southampton
Celtic x 2

 

[Dave Ewing's Back 'eader]

To me the problem seems to be that as in the recent past we have a core of players who are crucial and when taken out there replacements do not seem to be able to step up.
I don't see a problem in making changes as it's a squad game these days, the problem comes from the drop off in performance when we do.

Maybe our squad depth isn't as great as some some seem to think it is

There is no sub in the club that is a match for Silva. The minute he doesn't start yer know there's gonna be a bit of a struggle for the kind of creativity he brings. We saw that last night. As soon as he came on the game was transformed. KdB should be the player who takes his place and provides the sort of game that is standard for David Silva, but the Belgian has been misfiring of late and last night, hopefully, was the game where he readjusts his radar back to the point where we know he can perform and is so highly regarded. Ferny has been a little bit lacklustre of late. Whether he's simply being cautious and doesn't want to tempt the ref into another yellow card or not he seems a little subdued.

 

[Uncle Wally One Ball]

To me the problem seems to be that as in the recent past we have a core of players who are crucial and when taken out there replacements do not seem to be able to step up.
I don't see a problem in making changes as it's a squad game these days, the problem comes from the drop off in performance when we do.

Maybe our squad depth isn't as great as some some seem to think it is

Im always surprised by those who think it is. The media and commentators at matches always bang on about the bench and the squad, but the reality is our back up isnt what its made out to be. Its a bit like an urban myth

 

[OB1]

Most of your defence is ifs, buts and maybes though it isn't it? He might of been able to play x amount of minutes etc? What did he do? Do you not understand football? The second he came on we created chances, scoring them is another matter. If you cant see the control and influence he has on a game then it is pointless even talking to you. He has bossed every game for us during this run, best form he has shown in years.

I said in my first post that people will say " we should of had enough to beat Stoke" well I will say again we should of had enough to beat Boro, Saints, Everton and not needed last minute winners against Sunderland and Swansea. So my point and frustration is resting in the type of games we have dropped points in when we have been full strength. Bizarre to not show teams more respect that come and face us when every one has the same game plan and it nearly works for every time that's rocked up.

David Silva played 90 mins in each of the games v Boro, Saints, Everton.

 

[ali benarbia's studs]

Setbacks are not a shocking factor, it is apart of the game. Take the good with the bad, I am proud of our squad and team regardless, love the fact we have so many greats with us.

CTID

 

[OB1]

I normally don't mind rotation, but we just had a 10 day period without any games. Why are players needing a rest so soon after that?

Draws at home to average sides has cost us the league this season. We clearly need another winger, Navas as our third winger is nowhere near good enough. Another centre midfielder is also needed as Yaya struggles playing twice a week (as would any centre midfielder his age).

Our best form this season was with the front three of Sane/Jesus/Sterling. With two of that three out last night, we weren't half the attacking threat. The depth needs to be much better next season.

Does how long you had off before a game affect recovery time after a game?

 

[ali benarbia's studs]

Im always surprised by those who think it is. The media and commentators at matches always bang on about the bench and the squad, but the reality is our back up isnt what its made out to be. Its a bit like an urban myth

Have you ever seen the dippers bench(as an eg. ) , trust me we are well good!

 

[Dave Ewing's Back 'eader]

David Silva played 90 mins in each of the games v Boro, Saints, Everton.

But was he flogging dead horses 'cos the rest were not fired up?