PNE should have had that sewn up by half time. PNE were the first to the ball, they showed strength and determination, they had three clear cut chances and a goal disallowed for an infringement. Meanwhile we couldn’t pass the ball, especially in the first half, to save our lives. I cannot imagine any of the other, so called top six, struggling to dispatch a Championship opponent like we have done. The two Manchester clubs emphasised their ability with comfortable FA cup third round victories. Our performance today embarrassing.
The following players were particularly poor (IMO): Maitland-Niles, Mustafi, Ramsey, and Iwobi.
Maitland-Niles seems like he needs to be sent out on loan or sold because he seems so far from the quality that is needed for a right back. Throughout the game he was beaten by the PNE opponent despite chasing them down to the by-line because he wouldn’t put his foot in and make a challenge.
Mustafi hasn’t seemed himself since he returned from his injury. He exhibited a shocking lack of good judgement in dealing with defensive situations and constantly gave the ball away.
Ramsey’s major contribution was his goal but aside from that he was poor and gave the ball the away.
Don’t believe the hype Iwobi, you are not as good as you think you are. He constantly overplays with too many touches and gets tackled at will. Someone needs to have a word.
Put it this way, the FA Cup is our best opportunity at getting silver wear this season but after witnessing that performance I'm not holding my breath!
We Were Shocking
posted on 7/1/17
Wow, Iwobi - who was behind most of our best - gets mentioned but Xhaka - who was horrendous - isn't even noticed . Xhaka was far worse than Ramsey in possession.
Mustafi struggled a bit, but it was Monreal and Gabriel who were being ripped apart.
posted on 7/1/17
comment by D'Jeezus Mackaroni (U1137)
posted 4 minutes ago
Wow, Iwobi - who was behind most of our best - gets mentioned but Xhaka - who was horrendous - isn't even noticed. Xhaka was far worse than Ramsey in possession.
Mustafi struggled a bit, but it was Monreal and Gabriel who were being ripped apart.
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You are probably right. I'm just going on what was fresh in my mind.
posted on 7/1/17
I saw someone call Xhaka and Ramsey our "best on paper" partnership
Really struggling to see how Xhaka can continue in a 2 man midfield. He is slow, ponderous and rash. When he has time on the ball there is no doubting he can play a great pass. But he seems to be so easy to close down and force a bad pass or loss of possession from.
posted on 7/1/17
We will get beat by anyone half decent especially away from home
posted on 7/1/17
We won - but yes - it is papering over the cracks, we have too many truly shocking 30+ minute spells in games and against decent sides we get punished
posted on 7/1/17
It's been a while since we actually played well. Midfield is a huge problem for me and it's no coincidence that Ramsey has returned to the first team during this time. We need Cazorla back and Sanchez upfront to regain the fluidity we had early in the season, which players like Iwobi will thrive on.
Xhaka is underwhelming at the minute, it's very early days but unfortunately we have to rely on him now. At £35m you could argue that shouldn't be a problem, however more expensive players have changed leagues and struggled in the early stages.
Mustafi isn't a worry for me. With Kos, Coq and Santi back his confidence will return - which is the bigger picture. I'd like to see Holding get the nod over Gabriel though, some of his decision making baffles me.
After the summer signings I didn't think I would say this, but the priority signing for me is a Central Midfielder. I'd love somebody like Dembele (spurs 🤢) but don't see us being active.
posted on 7/1/17
It's not an issue of midfield or wingers or anything. The issue is prettg much clear, this team is a bunch of absolute gutless poosies. Second to every ball in the Everton game, second half in the City game, Bournemouth game and pretty much every game/period the last decade when the heat is on. We are a pathetic bunch of chokers!
posted on 7/1/17
No signing will solve sheet!