clings
Crouch missed a sitter first half, so was good he notched that goal to life his confidence. Got the best goals-game record of any player in the squad. Like it or not, he is the man in form.
This is exactly the problem Sven has - he won't drop or sub Beckham. The captain's delivery was poor all night until that final cross. Your point about being caught out on the break when out set-pieces failed is very astute. A.Cole was often left 1-on-1. Beckham at right back does not work.
The 2 of them claim that neither plays attack-defence midfield roles, that they just adapt in the match. If one gets forward more than the other then it's just the way it goes. That in itself is an admission of ill discipline by the manager and players not to nominate who is playing which role. Maybe it's gonna take an injury or suspension to rob Sven of one of them before he finds the ideal DM partner. TBH I think they are both capable of playing that role - but with a clear mandate from the manager they would play it better than they can show at present.
NothingLescor Too many long balls wasting possession first half. Did not get ahead of his namesake, denying us possession high up the pitch. These two cannot play together, until the...
I think it was taking Owen off rather than bringing Rooney on that made the difference. It's almost as if the players are drilled to knock long balls over the top for Owen, and when he is not there they revert to playing the simple pbuttes to feet and then the movement improves.
That's why it is the beautiful game - you just never know what might happen. We all live in hope. Maybe......just maybe..... :)
