“It’s a funny old game” is something that will never leave me, when it comes to footy.
First, I want to give Liverpool’s kids massive credit, as they came straight out off the blocks and had us on the ropes early doors. On a better day, they could easily have been a couple of goals up and that’s not good, as it smells of complacency.
It was 7 chances for the kids and 1 for us, at one stage.
But somehow, with us having 3 chances, we got 4 goals as Hourihane’s freekick, that didn’t seem to be touched, hit the back of the net. Kodjia claimed it as one of 3 and I don’t begrudge him his hat-trick.
And then it all seemed like a training game on our part, as we appeared to have bags of time with every single ball.
It wasn’t tactics that won this, although I do think Dean Smith played the game perfectly today.
I add that, as I have doubted him lately.
Even Wesley got one today, which shows how well things went, but I was truly glad for him.
Regardless, I’d start Kodjia in the league now, purely because he is way more likely to be in a goalscoring position.
I strongly think he’s gone in the window, but it doesn’t matter. He needs to put himself in the shop window and we need goals, simple.
And he’s a much better bet than Wesley, to get them.
And then the game panned out with Liverpool’s kids chasing our much more experienced players, who looked so relaxed, it was surreal.
If only we could look like that in the Prem, as opposed to a load of panicking idiots, particularly in defence.
Is it confidence, conviction or just self belief that makes a good side?
I still don’t have a clue and you would think I might, with all my years of watching the game.
A convincing win then, that doesn’t leave me at all convinced in any way.
Nyland was probably our MOTM; how weird is that?
Yep, it’s a funny old game.
But onwards we go, to a very tough semi final, whoever we face.
UTV!
I’m starting to question Smith’s decision making.
Inexperienced CH pairing and Wesley starting instead of Kodjia.
Why bring on Marvelous ahead of Lansbury?
Why keep El Ghazi on the pitch?
Etc., etc., etc.
And I’m not even watching the game 🙂
If the rumours of FFP and very little for spending in January then we are really going to be up against it.
Smith denied them in the press conference.
That doesn’t mean we have money to spend in January
Consolation goal plus added value for Grealish when season ends.
second half slightly better, but how could it not after the lows of the first half. mistakes did continue, but not as many as in the first half, good goal from grealish the rest was unfortunately average. saints were good first half, or i feel it was more down to our standards or lack of. we need improve standards fast as norwich will be rubbing their hands,
that result knocked me for six i didn’t see that coming, i wouldn’t swing any axe for smith. but we need answers to questions. why were majority of our players so poor first half. we were three down before we started to ask the saints any questions. i seen them many times and they are quite poor team. they counter well but if they have any weakness its is their defense but we never asked them any questions until the game was over
Nath, I did see this coming. That’s not a gloat, more admiration of your faith in Smith. I hope Smith proves me wrong but it’s not looking good.