35 chances...like 31 half assed chances and only 3-4 clear cut
With only 6 on target which is **** poor finishing however you cut it.
That said, we did hit the post and had a nowhere near sharp Benteke miss a sitter. And Kazan defended exceptionally well en-mass and worked their behinds off all night long. They were the favourites going into this group for a reason as poor as their form has been thus far this season.
Just a frustrating night all round. The attitude and effort was good. Just the paucity of the squad with it's share of average players he inherited let us down. When the manager is talking about the players 'confidence', that tells you all you need to know about the fragile group he's inherited. And that rolled over into them falling back on what they've been conditioned to do and playing slow and safe which is going to take time to change.
Phil needs to up his game massively. Outside of a Worldie at Stoke he's been real poor this year. Do the simple things lid and stop trying to be the superstar. 'The Welsh Xavi' showed yet again why he shouldn't be allowed anywhere near a football pitch. Let alone in our colours. (Lucas was a BIG step up when he replaced him.). Lallana had another decent game. Mingolet continued to be respectable which is a pleasant if shocking change. And I'd still love someone to tell me exactly what we've gained in the Milner pick-up. And whomever keeps allowing him anywhere near ANY dead-ball wants shooting. He can't take a corner or free kick to save his life.
All things considered, with the newness of it all, the major injuries (not least up front where there's currently no cutting edge until Benteke and Sturridge are upto fitness), and an opposition who aren't half as bad as is being made out; it was just a frustrating rather than maddening night. Carlisle we had a similar disparity in shots and chances. Yet never looked like scoring and they were most all long range hit and hope flying wide or over the bar. Sion last time out in Europe you were just left utterly deflated and flat expecting to go out.
Last night, coming out, it was just frustration rather than annoyance as you know there's now a plan and direction that will only improve the more they work together and get the better players fit. Attack wise it is what is until players return.
Benteke, Firmino and (for the love of God PLEASE) Sturridge should be another step nearer fitness Sunday to add to the attacking options along with another few days work so hopefully that will go up a notch.
I'd air on another draw if we're still down to using Origi and Firmino not's fit to start. But then it's a step forward in itself when you're confident of the team being organised enough to give you that.
Imperative we don't get beat in Kazan now but provided we don't, qualification is still well within reach. Be a help if Sion won again to wrap it up like and not be arsed the last game.