MFK Ruzomberok 0-1 Everton (agg 0-2)

[bol-uk]

Playing Schneids AND gana is not good for creativity, especially against teams like this.

 

[Dubai Blue]

We must be the only team in Europe with a 100% season clean sheet. No need to check.

 

[zandvoort blue]

Happy Blues, downing beer at €1.50 a pint in the Slovak sun. We won btw. Stop moaning.

 

[jazzy]

...bit grim so far but at least it's managing expectation. Two weeks ago folk were saying we'll finish top four.

The worry Eggs is that if we struggle to break down that team how are we going to do when the like of Stoke and WBA set up camp?

 

[Bluerover]

It was their cup final.. and we beat them twice, it might not have been in the manor you were expecting but your supposed to be glad we won.

 

[Sarnia Kevin]

Everyone was wanting an early goal, well 81 minutes is earlier than 90 so job done

 

[zandvoort blue]

Ruzomberok's firm / choir does a walk past. They got a polite round of applause for their effort off us. Not a hint of trouble anywhere all day. Our supporters are a credit to the club.

 

[Smig1878]

We had a plan b last night, Koeman at least acknowledging how shaky we'd been in the air and getting caught up in the middle of the pitch. Ok we couldn't stretch them until their legs fell off but we had an alternative formation that did the job needed. Overall probably not even remotely like a game we hoped we'd get from the new players but job done, train on.

 

[Eggs]

The worry Eggs is that if we struggle to break down that team how are we going to do when the like of Stoke and WBA set up camp?

...it's a concern but it's early doors. I've held a long standing view that 'a good pre-season often results in a poor season and vice versa'. I'm clinging to the hope that the blend isn't quite right and the much needed tempo will come when the team beds in.

 

[Eggs]

Playing Schneids AND gana is not good for creativity, especially against teams like this.

..I think this is a point worthy of consideration and one made a few weeks back by @bluestevon. It's the point I make about getting the blend right. Gueye is tremendous but a Schneiderlin/Davies or a Schneiderlin/Klaassen axis might be more effective.

 

[davek]

I don't think that's our ambition though Dave and that's also where a lot of your arguments fall down. Under Moyes, yeah, under Martinez, first season then no, second and third then yeah. Now, no. Koeman (sorry, he who shall not be named. 'kin Voldermort) ain't here for the fun of it mate. This is a few games into pre-season. Much more difficult games than playing in the bloody Audi cup. Why? Cos they want to win. Tough game tonight but we did enough and we'll continue to do enough hopefully. Enough to maybe win the thing or finish fourth or win a cup. Be nice wouldn't it. Don't think for one minute those players don't want that mate. And yeah, before you ask, I'll settle for "enough". If it brings trophies this coming season. Then I expect improvement.

We're miles off that, sorry to say. I know it's two games in and we have players to be signed, but the whole thing looks mis-shapen and and out of whack. We have a glut of 'samey' type players with zero pace and we just look disjointed and not at the races.

Yes, we won and we are through to the next qualifier in a competition of dubious repute, but this is looking a far cry away from being an outfit that can make a big dent in this coming season.

 

[evo1878]

On the train back to Bratislava now, up there with the best euro aways that one, great weather, lovely surroundings, friendly locals and above all extremely cheap ale.

How many Blues made it there do you think mate?

 

[stanleypark]

Just think when we have a bad run of results towards the end of the season, fans will blame it on last nights match.

 

[mooseatingnome]

HAHAHA I state the best players are under 24 and koeman is after 27+ year olds.

Youre not sure were talking about 1st 11? lol who else was on the pitch?

A lot of 27+ year olds stinking the place out.

And I'm saying not all 27+ year olds are bad so signing them isn't necessarily bad. Going back you can probably find games where the younger players weren't the best.

 

[Mikeonlythebestwilldo]

Just think when we have a bad run of results towards the end of the season, fans will blame it on last nights match.

We had a bad run between October and late December last season. We were the same as last night but getting stuffed like for weeks on end.