I still worry that this squad seems a poor fit for "Angeball" but I expect that if we are in serious trouble near the end of the year that problem would be resolved.
Nuno was concerned that it wasn't fit for Nunoball.
What do we think it is fit for? I keep hearing people say that we've got a lot of good players...but how good, and what does that mean in measurable terms against our competitors? I often wonder...
There's no such thing as "Silvaball", which, I think, is telling. I've no idea who's around and who's available but I think Marco Silva is a pragmatist who would regard this squad (and best 11, which is at least as important) as a significant upgrade on what he currently has.
There's obviously no objective measureable way to compare squads but transfermarkt thinks we have the 8th most valuable squad in the premier league (14th in the world).
Honestly I thought Wily Bolly was the main culprit. His legs are going and i feel that Nuno and Forest kept him around as he is a good egg and also speaks five languages and was seen as integral to helping the new players from many countries settle in. Based on that performance, I cannot really see him playing much this season. yesterday was bad management in my view as Ange essentially just chucked people on and seemed devoid of a game plan to manage the game and then critiicized the same subs for being complacent. Err aren't you mean't to motivate them? Or we were just unlucky with decisions and finishing. You decide.
As for Shady's worry about relegation. I like to think that won't be a concern but we have to start winning games soon. Especially against the likes of Bumley and sunderland or we could get sucked down.
I still think mid table but I predicted 10th. I am going for 14th now. A sort of Crystal Palace season.
Anyway, bit shit. Could have been ace. Bakwa, Luiz and Zinchenko certainly looked the part. Jesus also excellent. Taking him off early was a bit weird. McAtee looks like a luxury player. Hope I am wrong as MGW is having a wobble and it would be good if we had another 10 to step up.
We have a good squad on paper. Let's see it in action.
I blame the players personally. Despite being unfamiliar with each other, the majority have played multiple full seasons and should know how manage a game out. I recall a moment where we had comfortable possession around the 88th minute and were knocking it about at the back under no pressure - then Zinchenko played a stupid long ball that went through to the keeper and suddenly they're up the other end winning a corner. He should know better. The players seemed intent on getting a third goal rather than winning 2-0. They were overly confident.
PS: I'm already tired of the constant references in the media and from pundits to 'ange-ball'. It suggests he cannot and does not change the way his teams play. But that's clearly not the case if anyone actually takes a proper look at his Spurs team over the last two years. That crazy high line that people like to refer to was two years ago now and Spurs didn't play like that for the last 18 months.
In the post match analysis they showed our second goal with the caption "Ange-ball". Idiots.
I'll add I'm far from convinced he's a good fit for Forest. But everyone needs to be a bit more critical and thoughtful with their opinions and analysis than just saying "Well that's Ange-ball right there" without defining what they really mean.
Yesterday was a total freak game. We should have been winning 6-0 when they scored. If it happens repeatedly I'll agree it might be symptomatic of the managers style but the sample is too small at the moment.