But that's the thing, none of the teams we conceded two against did. It's usually a mistake, or luck that leads to it.
Post Match EPL Everton (H) 2-1 - Sat 20th Sept 12:30
- Thread starter Red Mullet
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On yer bike lad. I said Wirtz and Isak would come on between 55 and 65 mins and score, nobody used the phrase "tear them a new one", that's one of your inventions and why you're called Dreamy ! In fact I said it would be a tight game.
Defo was Athletico. The narrative was all about how we “let a two goal lead slip”. The fact that one was clearly offside and the other was a massive deflection shouldn’t factor, apparently.
Just watched the 3 minute highlights. The only thing they show near Allison's goal after Everton score is that back pass by Virgil that Ali had to kick out for a throw in the last 10 seconds. A few attacks for us in that time.
Considering Wirtz has done nothing in front of goal in any game then scoring along with Isak would be tearing them a new one.
We should set up one of those "www.hasWirtzscored.com" websites.
You know like for Torres when he joined Chelsea, and it just said "NO".
You know like for Torres when he joined Chelsea, and it just said "NO".
Wondering whether grealish understands irony IS irony.
Not much to analyze in this game. We were excellent until we were suddenly tired and then had to hang on a bit, although Everton didn’t cause too many serious problems. Just a couple observations:
- The idea of Gakpo and the CF switching positions in some periods of the game continued with Ekitike; this is something I attributed to Isak’s cleverness, but now it’s clear this was a tactical idea from the coaching staff. I think they see what we all see - Gakpo falling into too many predictable patterns on the wing - and are trying to give him some new looks and ideas.
- Likewise, Gravenberch being allowed to play as an attacking #8 at times with Szobo covering at DM is a new tactical idea this season and unlike the Gakpo swap this has already led to tangible results. Gravvy’s finish made me think of Zidane for some reason - it’s rare to see someone so big with such level of grace and flawless technical execution. Restricting him purely to #6 duties would be a crime against football and I’m glad the coaching staff is finding ways to let him shine, while retaining the structure and solidity of the midfield. He’s a superstar in the making and Slot can take huge credit for guiding his development perfectly so far.
- In less positive news, Wirtz’s cameo has been a bit disappointing - you would think a player of his caliber will react to being dropped by making the his minutes as a substitute extra memorable, but instead it was more of the same, lots of running and some deft touches, but once again a decisive moment eluded him. He starts to remind me of Lallana; lots of intricate technical work in tight areas married to great workrate, but not being able to affect the game as a passer/playmaker. I think and hope he has better passing ability than Lallana and it will eventually come through, but he is clearly still coming to grips to how many of his passes are being read and intercepted by Premier League defenders.
- At least Isak threaded through one superb key pass to Salah, even though it was ruled offside. Bringing on Isak while holding on to a lead felt a little counter-intuitive - is there is one clear disadvantage he has compared to Ekitike is in pressing and harassing defenders. I suspect when everyone is fit it will mostly be the other way around - Isak starting games and Ekitike helping to hold on to leads.
- The idea of Gakpo and the CF switching positions in some periods of the game continued with Ekitike; this is something I attributed to Isak’s cleverness, but now it’s clear this was a tactical idea from the coaching staff. I think they see what we all see - Gakpo falling into too many predictable patterns on the wing - and are trying to give him some new looks and ideas.
- Likewise, Gravenberch being allowed to play as an attacking #8 at times with Szobo covering at DM is a new tactical idea this season and unlike the Gakpo swap this has already led to tangible results. Gravvy’s finish made me think of Zidane for some reason - it’s rare to see someone so big with such level of grace and flawless technical execution. Restricting him purely to #6 duties would be a crime against football and I’m glad the coaching staff is finding ways to let him shine, while retaining the structure and solidity of the midfield. He’s a superstar in the making and Slot can take huge credit for guiding his development perfectly so far.
- In less positive news, Wirtz’s cameo has been a bit disappointing - you would think a player of his caliber will react to being dropped by making the his minutes as a substitute extra memorable, but instead it was more of the same, lots of running and some deft touches, but once again a decisive moment eluded him. He starts to remind me of Lallana; lots of intricate technical work in tight areas married to great workrate, but not being able to affect the game as a passer/playmaker. I think and hope he has better passing ability than Lallana and it will eventually come through, but he is clearly still coming to grips to how many of his passes are being read and intercepted by Premier League defenders.
- At least Isak threaded through one superb key pass to Salah, even though it was ruled offside. Bringing on Isak while holding on to a lead felt a little counter-intuitive - is there is one clear disadvantage he has compared to Ekitike is in pressing and harassing defenders. I suspect when everyone is fit it will mostly be the other way around - Isak starting games and Ekitike helping to hold on to leads.
The Isak sub seemed utterly pointless. We would’ve got more out of playing Ekitike for 90 minutes. You can tell Isak is nowhere near ready in terms of fitness.
I suspect that Ekitike is not ready to play the full 90 mins and we don't want to chance an injury - the coaching/medical team have been brilliant in this regard so we have to trust them.
As for Isak coming on (as opposed to say Endo), we've often said that sacrificing the attack for defence just invites pressure and Isak definitely attracts defensive attention as they know they can't give him an inch. He also needs minutes against PL opposition so risks have to taken in that regard to get him up to speed.
Arne Slot: "Hugo, coming from a different league, isn’t ready to play three full games in a week the way we play, with our high-intensity style. Alex only trained two weeks with the team after being out for four months. So having two number nines is absolutely necessary."
Hugo hasn’t played one 90 minutes never mind three in a week.
There were other attacking options. Frimpong on and move Salah inside or Rio left and Gakpo central. Both bring more movement and pace than an unfit Isak.
which is why he needs minutes...
Isn't that what he said, he's not ready to?
Isn’t ready to play three full games. He had most of a preseason with us and that’s our 6th game proper. He played half an hour on Wednesday. If he can’t play a single 90 minutes now, when will he?
Play him against Southampton. A tight game, a derby to boot, wasn’t the time to go in with planned subs of X getting so many minutes, Y getting others. That was far too risky.
Could it be that hugo isn't yet ready for 90 either?
None of that helps integrate Isak and get his PL minutes up. I had no problem with that sub even if he was ineffective on this occasion.
at this stage the comparison feels unfair to lallana
What have they been doing the last 2 1/2 months?
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