There’s been a lot written and said about the last two matches, losing to Newcastle and Man U. In fact this blog started by being called, ‘No More White’, and went through various versions highlighting the lack of pace, Raya seeming to dive to save the penalties before they were struck and other observations from the kast week.
But it’s all been said (I recommend the podcast Handbrake Off as it says all I was thinking and includes Adrian Clarke’s brilliant analysis of play – the reason we invite him to host our events as he’s been there, done that and is good with it!
So let’s not forget, before we meet those from Middlesex, we are still on a long unbeaten run in the Premier League. And if the manager and players can surely get excited for that, no matter how delfated they may be today. And Sp*rz aren’t very good.
Yes, we do seem to have become predicable and a little dull, trapped in a formation that we can’t break free from if it isn’t working – once wingers would swap wings when they were having trouble against their full back or simply to try bamboozling the guy on the other side. That seems to have been abandoned of late (post-Saka who used to maraud across the pitch, And Sterling joined the long list of players who make runs behind the opposition back line, never to receive the ball that’s on its tried and tested path sideways or backwards. So things to be concerned about.
But we have an excellent defence who can – injuries willing – cope with the way Sp*rz attack, and the space they afford us might make the game more open and allow our guys the chance ti shine up froint again. We are the third highest scorers in the division (behind Liverpool and Sp*rz) and we last lost in November (vs Newcastle). So why are we so down?
Defeats happen. Yes we drew at Brighton, though that was down to a curious (to say the least) penalty, but we’ve faced two teams whose only intent was to play 10 across the back (well, more or less, and, well 9 for Man U for an hour) and did it very well. And the loose ball that might fall to anyone has – Gabriel’s goal aside – fallen to the opposition to clear.
Yes, with Jesus out, a new forward might lessen the load on Havertz while adding something new to the dressing room and pitch. And I hope it happens. But lets drop the gloom. We have a great side, we’ve been stricken with debilitating injuries to key players, victims of refereeing decisions that we’ve not seen replicated since we were punished, and yet still second in the table.
Keep the faith.
And absolutely lay off Havertz and his family. Quite despicable. Where do these abusers come from?
COYG
PS but while the ‘No More Red‘ campaign is brilliant and we support all it stands for, the record in those white shirts coincides with our serial early elimination from the FA Cup, so I hope they think of some better way to highlight the campaigning work that doesn’t include wearing all white.
RS 13 Jan 2025