After our defeat to Inter Milan, I commented that they were a bonafide Big Cup team. A team with the credentials that put’s them in the top 8 in the world. If they are a bonafide Big Cup team what in the name of the wee man are Man City then?
A big sweaty bollock at the moment who haven’t reached that bonafide status. Their novelty factor is wearing thin as their brand of fantasy football manager funded by black gold begins to show signs of success.
Still, we wont be troubling the Inter’s and City’s off this world anytime soon.
I’ve said on numerous occasions that friendlies are not about the results. I look for individuals who look the part in these games. Against Inter some bemoaned the Sammy and Shaun partnership with Hooper and Stokes only coming on with 20 to go. Lennon’s thinking was justified with both players scoring 2 a piece against an Irish League Select.
Hooper needed it. His goal was greeted by an expletive from him. Stokes turned in an enjoyable performance while Daryl Murphy looked the part – and if you allow me to be condescending and cliche – against a plucky and brave side. They were no worse than we will face against bottom 6 SPLers. We should remember that when considering the worth of the Murph.
Some of the others never grasped the chance. I think we got enough out of it.
Tomorrow see’s us in Swansea. Lennon says it will be a strongish side. I’ll suggest that Sammy and Shaun will see further game time. That should make the Live Blog (advertised below) interesting fair.
Here’s the goals from Sunday.
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I was delighted to see that reaction from Hooper, he was hurting and more importantly ..he cares. Spoke to some local boys who watched him in the Championship. All agre he is one of the fastest players they ever saw..need to find a way to spring him more often
I thought Stokesy did well too- he took his goals well tho’ I feel he lacks positional sense and savvy..also he may be disruptive influence.
Thought Murphy did well too and applying pressure to his opposite number..but ..looks too slow for the level we need himn to play at.
Shaun -can be smart and inventive but for me is way off the pace and not getting involved enough, i would not miss him and didn’t want him back
Cervi -thought the big guy did well enough and would like to see him again v Swansea -but Lenny will probably give Zal the nod as no new keeper in sight. (worried now and feel a bit for Zal as his esteem must be pretty low)
Kris Commons came on and changed our game – a class above
Victor -did well he will get stronger and like the look of the guy -powerful with touch and looks up before he plays a pass
Richie Towell-nice pass to Murphy to set up the opener, saw some coments about him being crap…but I felt he did ok -tho’ he will not displace what we have
Filip Twardzik- mobile and not afraid to get forward and into dangerous positions ..worry about his
Paddy -oh dear talent in spades and love how he levitates past players..but needs to get involved more and not doing enough (for me) – a luxury player –then again he pulled us out a few holes last season ..so frustrating doubt he will ever get 90 mins in league and defo not Europa games
Dan- was winning well in the air at the back and does that fairly well ..but on the deck gets into the back of players too often conceding free kicks and is on his erse far too much- not enough of a threat at set-plays (threepenny bit heid) he would not be my first choice
Darren O’Dea- not aggressive enough and slow on turn – seems ponderous and surely his days in hoops are numbered
all in all that was agood outing -we leanred somehting about our lads and banged in 5 goals without conceding any..always a good habit to keep.
We need a keeper and we need a striker that can score a goal form set plays and knock down to hoops runs …we need that so much
gwad soundiong negative when I actually feel we are in not bad shape…better than the opening last 3 seasons
Just don’t dare sell our stars PL ..don’t you dare!!</b)
Hail hail
SBB
I thought Towell and Twardzik didn’t seize the day enough but both looked tidy. But how many other players look tidy for us?
Paddy does what Paddy does. I love Paddy….
The players that will be involved did enough the others on the fringes will stay there.
Goalkeeper? Heh, news about that tomorrow….
Hooper and Stokes will score plenty this year, Stokes is looking better all the time and i seriously think he is underrated, still we could do with another striker.
It’s at the point now where i think Lennon will have to start being a bit ruthless and letting a bunch of players go, a keeper and a striker are needed and i also think a centre back should be brought in to partner Wilson.
Celtic supposedly interested in Barton? He’s a very good player but i don’t want him near our club, can’t see it happening because his wages are astronomical but the thought of that muppet wearing the Hoops is horrible.
Still, all that said i have faith in Lennon. HH