2 Comments

Ideally we need both a number 9 *and* some experience in defence. I can't help thinking that if experience was what Kompany wanted, his first task of the summer would be to get some in. Or, indeed, we would've tried harder to tie down one of the now-former central defenders before they went. That leaves me to conclude that Kompany thinks that he can train our new recruits up himself, without need for fresh leadership on the pitch.

Expand full comment

I think that the criticising the fans who were frustrated with the playing our from the back is a bit of blind faith.

The keeper looked ill at ease whenever he had the ball at his feet and seemed to need to concentrate to make the simplest pass.

The first goal was a howler and changed the whole game. A mistake is fair enough but to then continue the same approach (and repeat the mistake 2-3 times) is crazy.

If Kompany saw the first half and said 'carry on, it's working' then I'd be amazed (although the first minute of the second half suggests that perhaps he did).

Nothing wrong with trying to play from the back but mix it up and don't take stupid chances.

Against a better team it would have been a 1.0 defeat.

Agree that Barnes looks spent (and bringing him on was an error- he offered nothing).

Expand full comment