This has been a seasonal problem since Cushing left. It's slow, repetitive, ponderous, and we could do with one of our midfielders dropping back to collect the ball and having the skill and technique to drive forward. The number of times we collect the ball, nearly make it to the halfway line, and then repeat the last three passes before we cross into bandit country. And all the time just one goal would kill off any opposition resistance.I agree with Aoba - she looked very promising today - direct with a lot of quality. I think she should have a big role this year and looked comfortable on either flank - Mary and her swapped a lot in the 2nd half. Viv looked a class above when she came on and the whole team improved.
I also agree with your point about Jess - today all their pressure came from her losing the ball in midfield, against a top side that would be a problem. I just hope that the reports on Jill being nearly ready for full training are accurate - we need her. Having Laia as centre back helps too as she can step into midfield & is arguable one of the best defenders in the squad.
One big problem with Taylor ball is how passive we are bringing the ball out. With the quality wide players we have they must try to speed that up to create one on ones or get Yui on the ball earlier. So I have to agree on your last point I can see Taylor struggling to manage the squad. A lot depends on Jill - I would have cashed in on Chloe Kelly to strengthen our spine as the two new centre backs are very inexperienced and Blindkilde-Brown will have big shoes to fill if either Jill or Yui get injured.
This has been a seasonal problem since Cushing left. It's slow, repetitive, ponderous, and we could do with one of our midfielders dropping back to collect the ball and having the skill and technique to drive forward. The number of times we collect the ball, nearly make it to the halfway line, and then repeat the last three passes before we cross into bandit country. And all the time just one goal would kill off any opposition resistance.
Yep second one not given by these Aussie refs.Surely that was a penalty
Yes lively start from us, final ball has been quite as crisp at times. A couple of players, not just Kennedy, have held onto the ball a bit too long when a quick pass would have been beneficial. Probably not picking as we have been the better team, haven't scored though.Yep second one not given by these Aussie refs.
Decent start - one small gripe is Alanna Kenedy had a few opportunities to pass to our right wing when they were down to 10 and chose to hold onto the ball and look left. Alexandri makes that pass all day. Nice movement from Mary and Jess & Bunny looking very fit.
Fantastic hold up play from Bunny - you get Viv or Jill on the end of that pass and it's 1-0. Like Blinkilde-Brown's movement though.Arrrgh, should have scored then.