As first home games of a season go, that couldn’t have gone much better. As starts to a season go, you couldn’t have scripted the start to this one much better. As first impressions go with a new HC, Arne couldn’t be making much of a better one.
Yesterdays admin-
Title Countdown:
2 wins down/ 27 to go.
6 points down/ 86 to go.
Current PL unbeaten run:
P 6 W 4 D 2 F 15 A 7 CS: 3
3 Straight Wins/ 3 Straight CS.
Current unbeaten home PL run:
P 3 W 3 F 8 A 2 CS: 2
3 Straight Wins/ 2 Straight CS.
Of the smaller teams, Brentford, like Brighton, is always the toughest ‘test.’ Whilst the later plays so untypically to make you think outside the box constantly to counter them, Brentford are so fit and well drilled, you know exactly what you are getting. Why Frank was reportedly high on our list. They are very Jurgen-esq at what they do. And they do it very well. Showing enough again, yesterday, to send out the message they’ll be more than sound this year and in no danger of going down. L’pool, as they should, passed that ‘test’ with flying colours. But, like Ipswich last week, in a very noticeably different way to previous seasons passed tests against Franks menaces. Out of possession, in particular, that difference is stark. This alliteration of the mighty Reds are so controlled and so comfortable, winning games so easily without any peril, that you’re almost left waiting for someone to go ‘
Nahhh lad. Only messing. Here’s the big chance that you always give up.’ It’s a weird feeling to be SO safe again within this new team shape and structure to not feel worried at all again about the opposition troubling you. Whilst all the while, sacrificing none of Jurgen’s attacking verve that so endeared him indelibly in our hearts. He’ll always be here, not least with this team he so brilliantly rebuilt. Like Shanks was when Bob stepped up. But things are a little bit different. Things are now so typically Dutch it’s untrue. And for that to happen
SO quickly, is testament to not only Arne and his team. But to the highest of high calibre of footballers Jurgen nurtured and left him with to able to compute from one German genius' ideals. To the slightly different, tweaked ones of who we hope will be a Dutch master in Red.
A few personal observations on what was an appallingly grim weather day for August-
Been an absolute pleasure these first two weeks two have to sets of opposition fans just singing about their own clubs and not lowering themselves to the gutter to sing about food poverty/ social deprivation/ tragedy chanting et al.
‘Who’s the Scouser in the black?’ to the ref was as cutting as it got from Ipswich. One lives in hope that Utd will finally sort their cretins out and follow suit by keeping it purely about the football.
Apparently, bear-hugging/ head locking a player all game is now acceptable no matter how blatant. I wonder ,if when Mo got home last night, did his misses have to peel Ajer off his back?
Trent was absolutely outstanding both ends of the park yet again. Completely running the game. Bradley’s class and a superb understudy. But
NOBODY in World togger is on Trent's level at right full and the added security the double pivot gives makes him picture perfect again for a monster number season. Proper mad how people are trying to make mountains out of molehills with an absolutely non-story of a player unhappy at coming off when he was so dominant. To the point I’ve read bizarre accusations of arrogance/ entitlement and for him to ‘
get out of the club!’
The Internet aye?
Toss up between Gravenberch and Konate, along with Trent, for MOTM. The poise Grav is displaying is brilliant to watch. Ibou is back to his aggressive, dominant best. Two uncertainty’s for many put to bed going into this season.
For the second week in a row, the oppo goalie was their best player. Flekken was absolutely superb and like the Ipswich guy, saved them from a hiding. And he applauded the applause he got from the Kop before the second half. Which many don’t now. Top man for respecting that tradition.
Two brilliant banners that put it all in perspective. One for suicide awareness. One for a young 9-year-old sadly no longer with us that was poignant and sobering as it was walked in front the Kop on 9 mins. God rest.
Loved Slott out applauding us at the end. Sound if you don’t want that every game mate and want the players to get the accolades and thank us for out unwavering support and belief. But nice of you to make the effort and fully introduce yourself to the family.
And I’ve found out where all the transfer money has gone!
….. Not only do we bow have rail seating in 106. We have brand new seats to go with it!
All hail Fenway! ….. Just messing, but honestly, as much as I’m expecting movement on incomings this week, its brilliant to be in a position where the squad is that strong as it is, it isn’t imperative for that to happen.
Perfect start to the season.
Now for a Utd side that continues to look a poorly coached, disorganised mess. It won’t be like last season that's for sure.
UTR!