Ratings and post-match discussion vs Shaktar Donetsk

[sabret00the]

Overall, we lacked fluidity and urgency. We should've absolutely raped them but nothing was really coming off. We had Rosicky playing RW instead of RWF and spent most of him time in line with the central three. Song played as a striker and Nasri was seldom in position (given a free role) which meant ultimately, our shape and options were bjorked. Sloppy passes that should've come off constantly failed to. Overall, we should've done better and we will. It's a shame that Wilshere and Fabregas won't get to work together more, as I believe that's the key to making us into a driving force.

I personally don't believe anyone in the front three is in contention for MOTM, but the performances of their replacements must've made floated their self-esteems. Can't wait for the next match.

 

[yuvken]

It's a shame that Wilshere and Fabregas won't get to work together more, as I believe that's the key to making us into a driving force.

maybe you worry too much: AW sounded like it was his dream come true (and cesc was not even the real cesc yet).
I have a feeling we'll see a lot of this, and I agree with you it is something to look forward to.

 

[banduan]

7s all round cause we thrashed 'em but nobody really put their heart and soul into it, ya know what I mean?

And rightly so. If you can win 5-1 at a canter then no point pushing it.

yeah, it wasn't a criticism really.

However, Shakhtar were not so terrible that they couldn't trouble us, it's just that they were so toothless. Once the 3rd goal came they kinda caved in, like many teams do.

 

[Bossa]

Overall, we lacked fluidity and urgency. We should've absolutely raped them but nothing was really coming off. We had Rosicky playing RW instead of RWF and spent most of him time in line with the central three. Song played as a striker and Nasri was seldom in position (given a free role) which meant ultimately, our shape and options were bjorked. Sloppy passes that should've come off constantly failed to. Overall, we should've done better and we will. It's a shame that Wilshere and Fabregas won't get to work together more, as I believe that's the key to making us into a driving force.

I personally don't believe anyone in the front three is in contention for MOTM, but the performances of their replacements must've made floated their self-esteems. Can't wait for the next match.

I'm happy that we havent given full 100% and still won the game with a big score. We rested a few players and the players who have played should have enough fitness left to face City on 100%.

 

[Proof]

Cesc looked like he just woke up. It was an overall good performance. Jack was so stupid to foul Zigic, now he won't be available for City. Him and Cesc, seem to develop a great partnership.

 

[Bossa]

Fabianski 7
Eboué 7
Squillaci 7
Djourou 7
Clichy 6
Song 7
Wilshere 8
Fabregas 6.5
Rosicky 7.5
Nasri 7.5
Chamakh 7.5

 

[cloista]

Wilshere though...i'm not sure i've seen a better player at that age.

He's better than Cesc was at the same age, IMO.

 

[flobaba]

Wilshere though...i'm not sure i've seen a better player at that age.

He's better than Cesc was at the same age, IMO.

Arguable. However, I feel he's settled faster (as he's been at the club all his life), and got more freedom to express his abilities than Cesc did at 18. Plus he's not playing alongside the Invincibles.

 

[outlaw_member]

He's more rounded than Cesc was, definitely. More intelligent, also, which is quite something given that Cesc seemed like a veteran at that age. He's not better, though, that I'm sure of.

 

[cloista]

Well, ok, maybe not at 18, but for his breathrough year (which I know, was Cesc at 17, not 18), I would say he shows signs of being better. The thing I like most about him is how easily he adapts to different partners in midfield, something Cesc didn't do as well at that age (you could argue that if he had, selling Vieira wouldn't have been necessary, but the 2 of them didn't play together as well as either did with Gilberto).

 

[Anzac]

Bearing in mind that Wilshere is part of a 3 man midfield (supposedly), whereas Cesc's early years were as part of a 2 man midfield.

Even if you count Wilshere as part of a 2 CM centre pairing his role is VERY different to that Cesc had.

 

[est]

Good point Anzac.

I don't think it makes much difference who is/was better at 18 years of age. At 23 though, Cesc has reached a level where he's one of the very best players in the world and totally unplayable on his day. If Jack can get anywhere close to that level, I will be a very happy Gooner.

 

[Anzac]

Good point Anzac.

I don't think it makes much difference who is/was better at 18 years of age. At 23 though, Cesc has reached a level where he's one of the very best players in the world and totally unplayable on his day. If Jack can get anywhere close to that level, I will be a very happy Gooner.

The trick will be to ensure that we are winning silverware on a regular basis to ensure we do not lose such talent as they reach that level. I am tired of having our top players courted & then departing so as to win titles elsewhere, and I am equally tired of hearing comments akin to Rooney's regarding club ambition / attracting top players (regardless that IMO Shrek's comments are a smoke screen).

 

[dpt49]

regardless that IMO Shrek's comments are a smoke screen/b]).

I think your probably right.
I assume you are talking about the fact that Rooney will double his wages at Man city and that he hates Ferguson as well

 

[Anzac]

regardless that IMO Shrek's comments are a smoke screen/b]).

I think your probably right.
I assume you are talking about the fact that Rooney will double his wages at Man city and that he hates Ferguson as well

In so much as it's ALL about the money as we've seen with his new deal, and nothing to do with ManU lacking ambition or success as a club. As I said elsewhere Shrek is the MAnUre equivalent of Greedy.