22 Jan 2020 09:25:30
I think you'd had a little too much sugar when you posted Skylark and I know it's frustrating when we drop points like that but the signs are good that we are moving in the right direction.
Davies came on and he was shocking. I like the lad and think he's got what it takes to make it (I know many don't) but I won't defend that kind of performance.
I agree with Pickford. I have never rated him as a goalkeeper because of his temperament. He allows his emotions to control his performance and again last night he collapsed. I though in the first half he handled himself well, in fact for 90 minutes. However, when you need that rock in between the sticks he, i'm afraid crumbles.
There are loads to be positive about. DCL and Kean's performance was outstanding and Bernard deserved that round of applause when he came off.
Schinds and Delph put in good performances but for me we need two right backs and a right winger badly. The three of them (Walcott, Sidibe and Coleman) are not good enough.
Finally, Holgate is turning into a real player. What's more I heard him constantly shouting and screaming at his defence which we have missed for so long. Him and Mina are working well together.
Finally, Niasse. Never, ever put this guy on a football pitch ever again. There are under 5's that will do a better job than this tool.
22 Jan 2020 10:19:12
You saved me typing the same message John. I agree with all you say especially about Davies and Pickford. Maybe they’ll develop into decent players but at the present time they are liabilities. DCL has changed my opinion on him so who knows.
The most pleasing thing about last night was we totally dominated the game from start until the last 40secs but with a bit more composure we could’ve won 5 or 6. So that means we can and will improve more under Ancelotti.
22 Jan 2020 10:28:24
I think your being a bit harsh on Pickford BJU he didn't stand a chance with the second goal. To be fair he was throwing himself at shots that were blocked right in front of him which unfortunately put him behind the line for the shot that he did have a chance to save. First goal was a weak punch so can blame him for that.
22 Jan 2020 11:16:31
I'm not saying he's a bad goalkeeper sa it's just his composure really let's him down. He might get better and he's only young but this isn't something you train it's your make up of who you are.
The screaming and shouting when he makes a save is over the top. He should be confident enough to say "it's just another save". Staying calm at all times transfers to the rest of the team.
22 Jan 2020 12:12:36
Think in addition to his horrendous attitude he's got an issue with crosses and controlling his box. Very rarely he comes off his line and calms a situation by taking the ball cleanly. He's a great shot stopper and if we ever switch to 5 a side he'd be the first name on my teamsheet.
22 Jan 2020 12:55:45
He did the same last season at St. James Park, 2 nil up cruising and he baits their fans, we end up losing 3-2, same last night, lost focus, same at Anfield 2 seasons on the bounce, 2 mistakes deep in injury time gift our neighbours 2 goals.
If memory serves me right he nearly cost us a goal against Burnley with not coming out for a ball that was 80/ 20 his to win.
Then the Bournemouth away a few seasons ago.
How many goals has he let in with shots going over his head into the far corner.
Great shot stopper for sure but no command whatsoever in his area.
I pity the younger generation who never got to see Neville Southall who made the area his own, rarely punched a ball and never ever parried a ball out forward, it was always pushed away from danger towards the byline.
The finest goal keeper ever, what a shame we won’t offer him a coaching job, Pickford would learn so much from the big man.
22 Jan 2020 16:20:30
One thing I loved about Holgate last night was an incident where Digne and could of be Morgan messing about at the back, holgate sensed the potential danger and booted it high into the stand, it wasn’t that he just kicked it out it was the fact he smelled the danger and dealt with it, turning into a real quality player, hope he continues to listen to CA as he will make him top drawer.
22 Jan 2020 21:14:51
I think that was digne and bernard.