Pre Season: Real Betis

[Toffe3m4n]

On second look did they have a man offside when the ball was flicked on? Couple of our lads appealed.

 

[tadpole]

Schoolboy defending, and that's probably an insult to schoolboys. After some of the defending against corners we saw yesterday as well, Koeman's got some serious work to do.

 

[Joey66]

Nothing so far on what I have seen suggested that, he's let 3 in its our defence it's so poor!

 

[Hellerad]

Last season: "Why is RM sticking with Howard? Makes no sense!"

Now: "Oh, right."

 

[BigBlueConk]

I will be disappointed in myself if my Spanish has not improved by full time.

 

[Smodger]

Is lukaku playing?

 

[Goat]

Not at all - if anything, I'm giving him a ready-made excuse. He's not up to playing a high tempo game in a single striker system. Indeed, if Koeman does operate him in that way, I'll blame Koeman, not Rom.

I find it interesting that you suggest a striker who has scored 140ish goals in his career, mainly as a lone striker, is not capable of playing as lone striker.

An interesting viewpoint.

 

[MikeH72]

Do you reckon he's assessed that we need a goalkeeper yet?

 

[tim cahill]

Rom looking very rusty so far.

 

[Southern Yankee toffee]

The hate on Robles right there makes me wonder if some of the posters on here have played one minute of football.

 

[Goat]

How is that Joel's fault in any way? Superb cross and it's not Joel's fault there was no defender within 3 yards of the bloke who won the header.

My cat could have got a stronger hand to that shot.

 

[Tubey]

I find it interesting that you suggest a striker who has scored 140ish goals in his career, mainly as a lone striker, is not capable of playing as lone striker.

An interesting viewpoint.

Counter attacking system where he isn't the man tasked with closing down and running channels - e.g. his time at West Brom and early under Martinez.

He's always going to score goals, but he's a detriment in any system that requires him to either hold the ball up or close people down.

 

[Hellerad]

Our strikers can't defend!
Our defenders can't create!

 

[Ring master]

close to been behind there.side netting

 

[tim cahill]

On second look did they have a man offside when the ball was flicked on? Couple of our lads appealed.

Does it really matter?

 

[Tubey]

Lukaku, McCarthy, Kone and Cleverley return to the squad and we suddenly look Martinez-esque again.

I'd happily get rid of all of them bar Lukaku this summer. Cleverley isn't terrible, but he's not mobile enough for what we're looking to do.