HT observations we look realtively comfortable although the struggles seem to coming from 1. a tough midweek game 2. a shockingly bad pitch 3. silly and inconsistent refereeing Malouda and Sidwell have been very poor SWP has returned to his up and down form, although methinks the pitch isnt helping his touch either Wigan seem content to launch long balls into the box to create any chances. We look most effective on the flanks. J Cole, Maka, Carvs and Bridge have caught the eye
What happened to the Malouda who would take shots from outside the box? Same with Sidwell. At least there decent with shooting. We haven't tested Kirkland enough. SWP played only one poor ball and had two great passes, one crossfield to Anelka and one throughball to Joe, who looks fool of confidence. It still shows how we lack a true winger or second striker. I hope Sinclair gets at least 30 minutes to play. Still we have played some intricate passes and Brum can't handle the interchanging positions, just that we aren't taking enough shots to test the goal keeper.
I agree, on balance I've yet to see that Malouda adds anything more than Sinclair, he had that brillant pass last week but Sinclair has had some as well in his limited time, probably makes less mistakes and defends/positions a wee bit better but that is outweighed by Sinclair's pace, dribbeling, crossing and the sheer exciteement Sinclair can bring Did'nt notice who got the Captain's armband?
I agree at times he shows that he has game. Early pass for the Joe Cole chance in the first minute. He has a decent final ball and has a good header and makes interceptions. A bit like Tiago, but he just hasn't really stamped his authority on the matches.
I think SWP is playing pretty decent box to box, Sidwell fair in his role for us which is 6th choice squad midfielder, agree that Carv, Bridge, Mak standing out ahead of the others Anelka, playing well enough, just not getting service, J Cole good effort a bit too greedy on taking shots
it's obvious they're staying out of the middle of that joke of a pitch and it's narrowing both teams' ability to attack. any chances that we've created, whether counter attack or not, have been squandered cos there's no support for the lad on the ball, which is totally in contrast with the way we played everton. if it wasn't for joe cole's exceptional ball handling we'd be looking horrifically mediocre. our defending's been good, our ball distribution fair to middling, and our possession in their 3rd of the field dire. little more of belletti and carvalho getting forward WITH the ball, not as support, would do us good.
And this is why I like srd... The first time in ages I'm able to catch a match on tv - and this is it. Come on boys!
Carvalho gets fifth yellow card. Will be suspended for the Pompey match. Speculation that Ivanovic might get to play now.