Anyway, let's move on, I am very glad a pen was given obviously! I did think all the Villa bookings were deserved, much as it pains me to say it
Quote from: richard moore on January 03, 2011, 10:43:02 AMAnyway, let's move on, I am very glad a pen was given obviously! I did think all the Villa bookings were deserved, much as it pains me to say itI disagree, apart from the Petrov one which was a terrible challenge, and another which escapes me at the moment
I think centre-midfield is a bit of a thorny one for us to deal with in some ways, although I suppose the easy answer is 'buy someone better'!I had originally thought that Delph would be a replacement for NRC, but on reflection I think he's more a candidate to replace Petrov. He is hard-working and can keep posession well, like Petrov, but he has a lot more energy and, I think, a more creative element to his passing. Alongside NRC (or a possible upgrade, although I still think Reo-Coker can be a very good player in the right role), I think Delph might just add something to our midfield in the same way as Milner did.
Quote from: citizenDJ on January 03, 2011, 10:36:16 AMI think centre-midfield is a bit of a thorny one for us to deal with in some ways, although I suppose the easy answer is 'buy someone better'!I had originally thought that Delph would be a replacement for NRC, but on reflection I think he's more a candidate to replace Petrov. He is hard-working and can keep posession well, like Petrov, but he has a lot more energy and, I think, a more creative element to his passing. Alongside NRC (or a possible upgrade, although I still think Reo-Coker can be a very good player in the right role), I think Delph might just add something to our midfield in the same way as Milner did.I agree with that. Whilst accepting Stan brings a lot of experience with him, he appears to be the weaker of the two central midfielders. For those that still think NRC can't pass, yesterday's game was yet another demonstration of just how much he's improved that side of his game. I counted one misplaced pass all game but what was impressive was what he actually did with the ball when he had it. I really hope he signs a new contract as the alternative is somebody getting a bloody good player for nothing.As for Delph, he's still what, 19 years old, he needs time and games under his belt to get to a level whereby he's first choice. He'll get there but let's not throw him in the deep end just yet, he's going to be a great player if brought through correctly.
Richard - I agree with you in terms of Reo Cokers reaction. It was one of the funniest moments in a game I have seen in a long while, and is clearly after the whistle, thinks another poor decision has gone against him and starts having a benny, realisation hits, and he meekly high fives the nearest player while exiting the scene as quietly as he can!
Teams have kept saying we tire after 70 minutes,this being the case we need to use the subs more.
Quote from: Mark Kelly on January 03, 2011, 01:45:30 PMQuote from: citizenDJ on January 03, 2011, 10:36:16 AMI think centre-midfield is a bit of a thorny one for us to deal with in some ways, although I suppose the easy answer is 'buy someone better'!I had originally thought that Delph would be a replacement for NRC, but on reflection I think he's more a candidate to replace Petrov. He is hard-working and can keep posession well, like Petrov, but he has a lot more energy and, I think, a more creative element to his passing. Alongside NRC (or a possible upgrade, although I still think Reo-Coker can be a very good player in the right role), I think Delph might just add something to our midfield in the same way as Milner did.I agree with that. Whilst accepting Stan brings a lot of experience with him, he appears to be the weaker of the two central midfielders. For those that still think NRC can't pass, yesterday's game was yet another demonstration of just how much he's improved that side of his game. I counted one misplaced pass all game but what was impressive was what he actually did with the ball when he had it. I really hope he signs a new contract as the alternative is somebody getting a bloody good player for nothing.As for Delph, he's still what, 19 years old, he needs time and games under his belt to get to a level whereby he's first choice. He'll get there but let's not throw him in the deep end just yet, he's going to be a great player if brought through correctly.Reo Coker had a good first half but virtually disappeared in the second so didn't have the chance to give the ball away. I want us to get back to the stage where he's the player we bring on for 20 minutes to help kill the game.
That was a MON team performance if ever I saw one, but comes as no surprise given that only Ciaran Clark was the only difference in the team (though maybe NRC as well).We play like that, we'll be fine, but that much was clear from the last three seasons.I suggest GH keeps this style up until we're clear of any relegation worries, then he must try and get the team playing how he wants them to, ready for next season.
Quote from: Can Carew Be Bothered!?!? on January 03, 2011, 11:12:07 AMThat was a MON team performance if ever I saw one, but comes as no surprise given that only Ciaran Clark was the only difference in the team (though maybe NRC as well).We play like that, we'll be fine, but that much was clear from the last three seasons.I suggest GH keeps this style up until we're clear of any relegation worries, then he must try and get the team playing how he wants them to, ready for next season.Lest I am mistaken, "Team MON" got beaten 7-1 in the corresponding fixture last season.More seriously, I thought the "graphic" presented by Lee Dixon on MOTD, and also a tactical analysis that has been floating about on the internet, provided interecting viewing/reading. They illustrated how Houlliers team held a much wider formation throughout the team, and pushed up further, thereby preventing Chelsea attacking down the wings.Certainly my recollection when at Stamford Bridge last season is Chelsae looking like they were going to score every time the ball went out to the wings, and Luke Young being taken to the cleaners.Whilst Houlliers tactics were probably somewhat elementary, I think he has already demonstrated himself to be tactically more astute than MON. If he can win over, and motivate, the players, I think we will do better than if MON had stayed.