1: Pretty pleased with our overall shape especially defensively. Apart from Guzan having to come off his line in the 33rd and then channeling his inner LGP and coming off in the 42nd , I didn’t feel too nervous when Ala got forward. Yes the 2nd half was more of a scramble at times but that’s to be expected when we’re down a man and the opposition is throwing everything forward. Sosa and Walkes were very good. Sosa’s performance in particular makes me feel better about our cover on CB. He can also be...
1: Pretty pleased with our overall shape especially defensively. Apart from Guzan having to come off his line in the 33rd and then channeling his inner LGP and coming off in the 42nd , I didn’t feel too nervous when Ala got forward. Yes the 2nd half was more of a scramble at times but that’s to be expected when we’re down a man and the opposition is throwing everything forward. Sosa and Walkes were very good. Sosa’s performance in particular makes me feel better about our cover on CB. He can also be pretty tidy and clever on the ball. The whole back line seemed in sync most of the time, catching Ala offside a handful of times.
2: Games like this can reveal a lot about the character of the team. I though we showed grit and determination by not losing our heads after going down to ten. We still created chances and remained an attacking threat. This was a whole team performance.
3: Coaching styles between Heinze and FDB are night and day. Players seemed to understand their roles better. I attribute that to training being more detailed with more specific instructions given. We’ve definitely heard that from the players during their various media availabilities. Heinze was engaged up on the touch line the whole game. He wasn’t quite as animated as the Ala coach, barking out orders non stop, but anytime the camera cut to Heinze you could see him analyzing and giving out very specific instructions and encouragement. I love the Josef sub as well. Up a goal with ten men Heinze could have just saved him and decided to sit back, absorb the pressure and just try get out. It sends a clear message to the team and the fans. Let’s get it, let’s go!
4: We got a little fortunate with the PK, but, take what is given. Barco is still not the most confident PK taker, but, take what is given. He made up for his defensive mistake that Guz in a bad spot. This is a make or break season for lil boat and it was a good start for him. Now he needs to stay healthy and stay consistent.
5: I know it’s a school night, but have a night Rocco, have a night. Guzan best had the beers ready and on ice. It’s tough coming on as a sub especially in a position like keeper where you fully don’t expect to see the field. Especially when you’re just 19 years old. Especially when you’re signed to just a 4 day contract. The young man stepped up. He was brave when he needed to be and commanded his area well. Opportunities like that can really change/accelerate the trajectory of a career. I imagine this is not the last time we will Rocco in the first team this year and beyond.
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