I thought Bartley had a good game and has looked a much improved player this season, which I didn't expect to be saying!
Is it Bilic’s way or a lack of confidence ? There is a reluctance to shoot and a preference to walk the ball in. Reading’s goal reflected the success of opportunist shooting when within range.
And...whilst I’m on a roll, why the continual short freekick ? Surely, despite the absence of a competent fit striker, we are better to get the ball into their box when the final minutes are running down?
We need Hegasi back ASAP and will leak goals until he returns with Bartley’s dire positional defending.
However...I’m still positive...just
I thought Bartley had a good game and has looked a much improved player this season, which I didn't expect to be saying!
I have been reading a lot about the passing efficiency of Sawyers. It wasn’t that great last night. However he is naturally very skilful with the ball and I think he should play a more advanced and potentially threatening role.
Totally agree and have said it before. I think Bartley is playing much better especially as Sawyers always seems to be able to make himself available for a pass which was lacking last season. I would be happy to have Hegazi and Bartley at the back and play Ajayi as the defensive midfielder and push Sawyers forward so he is around the edge of the oppositions box when we are attacking. I saw last night how the Brazilian lad has the ability to unlock a packed defence so I would try playing him at home when the opposition pack the defence and Diangana away from home when the onus is on them to attack and use his pace and trickery to catch them out.
I must admit that Bartley does look more composed so far this season. Long may it continue. Hegazi is a big miss and as has been said it will give us more options on how we use Ajayi when he returns. We still do have the problem that we seem incapable of keeping clean sheets. I don't want to blame it all on Johnstone but he doesn't instill confidence. I can't put my finger on why as I don't think that he has made any real howlers like Butland has made for Stoke, it's just a general feeling.
Yup, couldn't stand Bartley last season but fair play he's doing well this season. My mate who supports Arsenal has been watching his team dominate posession but do exactly what we are doing and that's tippy tappy around the penalty area. Arsenal should win the prem if they had an attack that "had a go". As I've said before possession counts for zip. It looks good for sure but it only IS GOOD if there is an end result. Lots of teams win each week with very low possession stats. Lets keep good possession but not without shots on target and shots into goals.
Shoot.....I remember that magazine. Never bought it though, I always preferred Scorcher featuring Billys Boots and the Kangaroo Kid
I always bought Goal and Football Monthly. Never really liked Shoot.
Kept them all for years then threw them away when I married.