23 Sep 2018 07:45:10
Hi Ed001, if you don’t mind I’d like your take on these things when you do the match review:
1. The change up top (Bobby left, salah top etc) ; was that done to exploit their cb’s pace or was there another reason? I recall a few times balls were sent over the top for mo to chase so it seemed like there were some space in behind.
2. Shaq’s role in the team; I would imagine this is similar to what he did at stoke in the no 10 role?
Thanks ed!

{Ed001's Note - I have saved them in the file I use to ensure I remember to address them for you mate. Interesting questions thanks.}

1.) 23 Sep 2018
23 Sep 2018 08:35:56
Thanks Ed, looking forward to it!

{Ed001's Note - cheers mate.}

2.) 23 Sep 2018
23 Sep 2018 12:00:34
to add on. a couple of observations and reflections to get some inputs too:

Alisson - much has been said, but we finally have a gk that does things that a gk should do - stop shots, collect crosses, sweep behind a high back line, distribute the ball. For the past 6-7 seasons, i felt anxious whenever the opposition has the ball and is approaching our final third and even more so whenever there's a set piece / cross coming into our box. but with him around, ino longer have the feeling of 'we're going to concede'. he is just so cool, confident and competent.

Robertson - he's really proven himself to be an able LB for us and i do like him. however, i notice that he tends to not close down players fast or aggressive enough when they are crossing the ball into our box. just wonder what's the matter as he generally does a decent job defending otherwise.

Matip - there's plenty saying that's his best performance in a red shirt, and still some citing his pass completion rates for last night's match. i'm not fully convinced though. he no doubt has good ability in bringing the ball out from defence and is also a good passer. he also seems to attack the ball well enough with accuracy when he has a free run in the opposition box. but when he actually has to defend, i still find him physically weak, slow, indecisive. i thought he was the worst player in our team yesterday and felt that he didn't deal with quite a number of defensive situations well. if he were facing a Rondon or Mitrovic, he would have struggled badly.

Gomez - what a talent we have on our hands! he still has to work on his positioning and concentration. but this boy is playing with more and more confidence, authority and stature. between him and Matip, i thought he looked more like the senior CB that was marshaling the backline.

Milner - best CM we have in the team currently. he seems to be playing with more game intelligence now.

Shaqiri - good enough full debut, looked enterprising and his set pieces will be an added weapon to the team.

{Ed001's Note - have added them too mate.}