Today was the first day that I saw us generally crap.
Before today in my opinion and despite what the doom and gloom mob may make out, there has always been a feeling that no team has actually outplayed us and instead individual mistakes have cost us a lot of points. Even our drubbing by Chelsea saw us go toe to toe with them and had we remembered how to defend properly we probably would have got a point.
Today was different. Today was just awful.
I hate those judging a players form or ability in the aftermath of a game or an isolated mistake, but Sylvain Distin was absolutely awful. He's never where you want him to be and further never where Jagielka wants him to be. John Stones can't regain fitness fast enough, and even though there will be mistakes from the young one at least they will be from inexperience rather than a lack of quality. Until he's ready I would honestly play Alcaraz who I think is an able deputy to stones.
Baines and Coleman are massively missing McCarthy, however those who think Garbutt would do any better than Baines are just bonkers. Baines, along with Barkley and Besic, was the one of the only players who looked like he cared today.
What this team is missing though,me specially away from home, is pace - especially in wide areas. We all remember Deulofeu last season, and without him or someone of his playing style we are missing a major component of what made us so formidable last season. Even in the last 10 mins it makes a difference and today, with that amount of time left, it's no wonder Martinez did nothing - what has he got to bring on? McGeady, who for me just flatters to deceive?
The only other point if make in this vent is the seemingly polar opposite difference in mentality this year. Last year I heard buzz words from the manager about playing with no fear and with arrogance. I remember going to old Trafford and seeing Barkley, Mirrallas and Pienaar playing a one touch triangle in the centre circle during the second half. It was like a pre match warm up routine but it just personified the confidence and mentality which we had. This year we play with fear which is shown with how slow we play - risk averse.
Very, very concerning but no doubt the return of Kevin, Mccarthy and Stones will help.
