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i have to say i didnt see the match. but the result was a big disappointment. i know its only half time but we put out a strong side. last year it was a similar thing, almost like no one wanted to be in the competition. this year we were told its a different story. now bilic is saying the squad is no where near big enough for the season. what? the season starts in two weeks and our squad is too weak? i for one don't get all this talk of needing a striker to replace sakho but according to bilic we can't get anyone as we can't compete with arsenal, chelsea etc which is fair enough but what about when berahino would be a good swap deal? spurs don't want him now. i think his attitude stinks a bit but he's young, he's got great pace and potential so why not, i mean times running out here. this Bacca deal is on and off and to be honest the guy obviously doesnt really want to come as he's waiting on other offers.
Europing
Hi Dicksy. I watched it unfortunately. It was pretty underwhelming and pretty shapeless at times and Bilic didn't change things until the last quarter moving Antonio from right back to the wing. Byram was ok playing left back but is naturally right back. Noble and Adrian played ok. Carroll looked rusty and was well marshalled though he tried. A lot of long ball in this match. Feghuli looked promising. It would be insane if Bilic kept playing Antonio at right back and a better ream last night would have had 4 goals. Am not sure about Nordveit. He looks a good passer but defensively backs off too much. Valencia ineffective as per normal. It should get better when more of our squad play but Bilic hasn't addressed our defensive frailty. I though Dicks would have worked on that. We shall soon see what ensues.
Poor performance
Last night.no excuses as we had a relatively strong side out as well...Why does slav persist with antonio at right back,put young byram there & keep him there imo!!Maybe the ogg at left back??got it all to do in the second leg now so the pressure is on for the first game at the new stadium...Also agree about sakho,whatever has gone on with him,i feel he will be missed if he goes & more transfer targets turn us down!!
slightly worried
or perhaps a bit more than slightly. Even if we keep the faith with Slav and his concept of turning Antonio into the best RB in the country, you know that other managers are going to send their teams out with the instruction to attack down the left because that is our weakness. We may have an excellent attacking force, but people know we are weak at the back. Our defence looked awful last night.
Also a bit worried about the lack of time our youngsters are getting. Both the Reece's are top-notch potential and itching for first team football. Both could have done a job last night. We'll lose both of them soon if we don't give them a chance, as other teams are already circling. What message does it give them, and Tomkins before them, when Slav continues to play Antonio in front of them? Antonio could have easily played in the Valencia position last night.
Regarding last night, although all looked completely off the pace I thought Noble, Obiang, Adrian and Byram stood out. Some others started OK and then went missing and I have could have cried for poor old Antonio who had a disaster on the Jenkinson scale. For next Thursday, we have no option but to attack and win. Perhaps play Fletcher upfront with Carroll.
It seemed last year's match
It seemed last year's match against Astra Giurgiu. Team listless and scarcely concentrated. I hope to be wrong and to see a good response in the return match. Also because a possible elimination, will bring problems. Without a European competition it will be difficult to attract good players