Well that was harder work than it should have been. But its safe to say we’ve both got our season dip out of the way early. And are now fully out of it.
Today’s/ Yesterday’s Admin-
Title Countdown:
4 wins down/ 26 to go.
16 points down/ 79 to go.
Current Unbeaten League Run-
P 2 W 2 F 2 A 0 CS: 2
You know what that was? That was a game that wins you a title. When you’re not fully
on it. Understandably after the intense physical and mental exertion’s of City just 3 days before. Heck, it drained you as a supporter never mind player.). All in horrid conditions with a biting, swirling wind. When you step it up just enough to get yourself in front, and then you dig in and make sure you find a way to take home all 3 points. I grew up on some of the greatest sides this clubs ever had doing exactly that the ‘70’s/‘80’s in many a game during many a title winning season. And regardless of what happens come May, last night was one of them.
Weird game. Superb for the first 40 mins with West Ham not being able to cope with the intensity coming at them from all angles. Ridiculous penalty award (If that’s deemed a high boot with the lads head that low, just WHAT was the one on the excellent Nunes on the Main Stand touchline? Never looked one in normal play and justice was done with Alisson’s save. Not so superb second half football wise. But superb in another way the way we dug in and made sure we kept another clean sheet to bring home the win.
The obviously pre-planned changes on 57 disrupted us. Thiago had been running the game first half and they couldn’t handle Darwin at all. They were head scratchers but then we’re not privvy to the sport science guys analysis of players levels. So after City, along with what Jurgens said about Darwin feeling a twinge, they obviously needed to make the changes so early they did.
Individually, massive shout out to the old and the new-
With the latter, Nunez is going to be a player isn’t he? He’s just a bit of coaching away from being a complete, unplayable #9. All the traits are there and you are now beginning to see why they were prepared to pay a record fee. Superb movement. Strong as an ox. Rapid. Great instinct to get in positions. Just needs his finishing and control tightening up but we’ve a monster on our hands there. Boss winner too showing his prowess in the air. And he works his backside off for the team. The type of pressing monster we require.
And for the old, take a bow yet again the timeless James Milner. THAT’S why he’s still here and continuing to be SO valuable. Late cameos like that to box off games with his experience and know-how. Superb professionalism to see the game out. And the tattle at the death to keep out the West Ham lad the 6 yard box …..
Shout out too to Carvalho who’s looking more and more like he belongs at this level with the passing game. And he’s only going to get better and better as he develops and the more experience he gets. Really good player there like Harvey. And how boss was it to see another top youngster, who is madly maligned, back out on the park in Curtis? Thought he was tidy when he came on and he adds another big option to the midfield ranks. And seeing Oxo-Chambo back in a match-day squad was as satisfying as anything last night.
3 straight wins ticked off for the first time this year. Along with back-to-back league clean sheets. All good building blocks for a solid winning run before the WC break.
A satisfying night all told. Onto Sat’day and renewing our rivalry with the scab btards!
Up the table climbing Reds! FTT!!!!!
ends.
for former players. Mind you they are all from the same era...
Well done on the win the other day.