poitier

Great goal and he grew into the game, but I was quite disappointed that he didn't seem to bring much drive to the game, he wasn't offering himself for the pass in the centre circle and never ran past his man. Looked like he needs a few games to get up to pace.

The result could easily have been different, but ultimately we were not good enough.

With a keeper this good we didn't need to spend all that money on defenders.

11 minutes ago, Keener window-cleaner said:

The Benteke I remember ran through both Liverpool and Chelsea defences, jumped almost the height of the crossbar and even did a overhead kick, more quick and agile than that would be amazing imo. Agree with you and the previous poster that I don't expect Wesley to score 20+ goals, hopefully he suits our style of play and is better in the hold up play and bringing others into play than Benteke. That was one of Bentekes weaknessess imo, strong as an ox and won the ball, but then didn't find the right pass often enough. Abraham wasn't top notch either in his hold up play despite his length. Hopefully Wesley will be a proper target man who brings others into play, and also has ability of his own to score a couple. If he gets 10+ and contributes to Jack and McGinn and the wide players to get a handful of goals each I would be more than happy. Better that than scoring 20+ himself and other not.

He sounds more like Keinan plus a few goals!

8 minutes ago, DaveAV1 said:

He’s also too 1 footed. It effects his decision making as he almost always needs to work the ball on to his left foot before he makes the next pass. He has some good attributes, we all know his left foot is very good, both for deliveries and striking the ball, but I believe his weaknesses will be exposed in the PL. 

I agree with all that, but I do think he has definitely improved under Smith. I also have doubts that he will be good enough for the PL, but I don't think we should be getting rid of players that are on the up, his ceiling might not be as low as feared.

Seeing players improve under a manager isn't something we are used to here, but it is certainly happening under Smith. Hourihane seems to be developing as a player, he needed to, let's hope he can keep it going.

I was glad it was Hause coming on rather than Jedinak. Played well.

I fancy McGinn for a goal today. Still confident.

On 09/05/2019 at 08:37, Demitri_C said:

The thing with xmen I think they really will struggle to find anyone that could play wolverine as well as Hugh jackman. 

He just played the role so well and xmen without wolverine is like justice league without superman. 

I don't think Jackman was a particularly great cast to be honest. Don't get me wrong, I have enjoyed him in the role, but apart from the obvious height thing, he didn't really convey the animalistic side of Logan's persona that well. To me he was more Hugh Jackman with claws than Wolverine. I think he could definitely be improved on.

4 hours ago, Demitri_C said:

This is the kind of attitude that will lose us the game. To go to Leeds and score four is very impressive. It's noway going to be  a 'bye' to Premier league. 

Let's drop this level of arrogance we have done nothing yet. 

You do get that I wasn't being entirely serious, don't you?

Without wanting to be overconfident, facing Derby in the play off final is pretty much like a bye through to the Premier League. It wouldn't surprise me if they don't even bother to turn up for the match and take a statutory 0-3 loss rather than suffer the harsh footballing bummering that we will administer.

I say that with the greatest respect to Frank Lampard's Derby County, of course.

He was absolute garbage in the PL and I couldn't wait to see the back of him, but I think that generally he has been good in the Championship, it was definitely his level. This season has maybe been a season too far, but I think he was unlucky to have been injured at the time that we started playing like a cohesive unit - and no, I don't think his absence was the reason for us looking better. 

19 minutes ago, rodders0223 said:

Went up in my estimation today. Finally not the most passive footballer going.

Yeah, I thought he had a decent game up til then anyway.

WWWWWWWW

Nuff said.

Very good today, looked like he had lost all will to be a footballer a while ago, but he is on a good run of form now.

28 minutes ago, HanoiVillan said:

He's brilliant. Like a sexy battering ram. 

Is there any other kind?

Ronaldo-esque today, his best game by some way.

Hause has filled in very well, but I think our best team would definitely have Tuanzebe in as CB.

I was quite surprised to learn that this was his first ever red card, particularly considering he once got a five game ban for stamping on Ibrahimovic's head (accidentally!).

Shocking defending leading up to their penalty, but great second half.

Always better playing more centrally than as a wide man, I think he felt a bit of the spotlight shifting from Tammy to himself, and that's what he likes.

Good decision to bring Kodjia on.

He played the first half at walking pace. Great for the winner, but save the lazing about until we are comfortable in the game rather than doing it from the start.