Ross Barkley

tlefc · October 30, 2016

Really happy for him today. You could see that goal meant a lot to him.

Titus Bramble · October 30, 2016

Was great today. Worked his socks off and he enjoyed that goal!

MikeH72 · October 30, 2016

His best performance of the season by a mile. Deserved his goal, well taken as well. A bit more like it Ross lad!

Tennessee Blue Mike · October 30, 2016

Absolutely on song for the goal had a couple more chances too. Great game hustling around and picking thee right passes.

MikeH72 · October 30, 2016

davek said:
Hasn't done much wrong all season.

Even today Koeman is having a pop at him post match, though.

Anyway, maybe that'll pipe down his detractors for a week or so.

Hahahaha Dave it's over, give up. Ronkoe has us on 18 points after 10 games, we're on the upward curve. Let it goooooooo

Simon baker · October 30, 2016

davek said:
Full quote, please...

"It was a total team performance today. Ross Barkley had more impact in the last part of our attacking, not only in scoring but he was dangerous throughout. That's what the team needs. He can be very good, but it is all about knowing what you need to do. Sometimes I have to shout too much, he needs to run more."

Perhaps if Koeman asked the defence to get 15 yards up the pitch & we didn't have a 36 year old midfielder who whilst good can't cover the ground Barkley wouldn't have to run 30 yards to close people down all the time & we would be closer to the opposition.

First half tactics awful from Koeman

davek · October 30, 2016

mikeh72 said:
Hahahaha Dave it's over, give up. Ronkoe has us on 18 points after 10 games, we're on the upward curve. Let it goooooooo

There's nothing to let go. We're 6th and if we hold that position job done, because it keeps one of the top 6 from where they should be. If we end the season 7th or 8th its a shrug of the shoulders and a pat on the head. Who could be impressed by that? It'd mean he did worse with us than he did with Southampton.

He's a decent manager but not top draw...and not one who could ever get us a points total that'd get a CL spot.

MikeH72 · October 30, 2016

davek said:
There's nothing to let go. We're 6th and iof we hold that position job done, because it keeps one of the top 6 from where they should be. If we end the season 7th or 8th its a shrug of the shoulders and a pat on the head. Who could be impressed by that? It'd mean he did worse with us than he did with Southampton.

He's a decent manager but not top draw...and not one who could ever get us a points total that'd get a CL spot.

We won't go from a bottom half shambles of a team to top 4 in the space of months David. If we do then Koeman is officially a genius.

davek · October 30, 2016

Simon baker said:
Perhaps if Koeman asked the defence to get 15 yards up the pitch & we didn't have a 36 year old midfielder who whilst good can't cover the ground Barkley wouldn't have to run 30 yards to close people down all the time & we would be closer to the opposition.

First half tactics awful from Koeman

EXACTLY.

Tubey · October 30, 2016

Today highlights just how hamstrung Barkley was by Martinez.

Blue_Arsed_Fly · October 30, 2016

Very close to a complete midfield performance from him today. Pressed well, finally started finding space for a few trademark surging runs and looked to play a lot more using his head than usual.

ilikecheese · October 30, 2016

Hopefully this was the confidence boosting performance he's needed. When Ross is confident he's so good.

AndyC · October 30, 2016

Ross worked hard today, covered an awful lot of ground chasing back and pressing, and thoroughly deserved his goal.
Very pleased for him and let's hope he kicks on from here. I think Koeman sees him as a key project as his barking at Ross shortly after the first goal was noticeable and animated to say the least... and to be fair, Ross responded well.

Osamabindiesel · October 30, 2016

Tubey said:
Today highlights just how hamstrung Barkley was by Martinez.

It also highlights how vital Barkley playing well is to Koeman's system. Without him playing well or on the sideline, we would be belting balls out to the wingers all game hoping for a cheap goal. We need somebody that can drive the ball down the field and make decisive passes. Ross did that today, and as a result we looked much better as a team.

Ron Burgundy · October 30, 2016

Barkley has been involved in 19 Premier League goals since the start of last season (10 goals, nine assists). The only English midfielders with more are Dele Alli (22) and James Milner (21).