Have we just seen a glimmer of hope?
Have we just seen a glimmer of hope?
Agreed on both counts. Costa needs to be confident in his ability (which we know he has), and we need to accept that he's no brick sh1thouse and will get knocked about a a bit for which he's been criticised in the past. Roberts was lucky to get that through ball to Bamford, (he was on his way down when he hit the ball), and his other touches were poor, including the "shots".
Thought in the current circumstances both Roberts and Costa have risen to the occasion - both - like Llorente - haven't really had much game time - so despite everything they did a job - better than bringing in lazy feckers that wont run - Costa got back for one breakaway by the Saints - won the free kick - didn't see a single Saints player with that commitment - least of all theur tallisman Ings - lazy tw at
thought Costa was excellent when he came on and fought defensively - you can see when he plays like that why we bought him but some days he seems a shadow.
Roberts did some good things too especially the ball through for Bambi - what a finish too.
Only player that didn’t really perform
Second half was Alioski for me who at times seemed to have his head in the clouds.
Sorry, but I'm just not seeing it. They both played better than usual tonight but that's hardly a high benchmark. Roberts made some good runs and played a couple of good passes (incluidng the assist) but he doesn't look quick or fit enough to play our system. His workrate seems to be a fraction of Barndoor's although I obviously don't have the official analysis to confirm that. He missed one absolute sitter and then a more difficult chance. For me, Costa still largely ineffective. Yes, he provided an assist and was fouled for the free kick which also led to a goal (but he shouldn't have dithered on the ball for so long anyway) but overall, he appears to be lazy and drifts away from play. He almost seems to be avoiding the ball rather than wanting it. He falls, or is pushed over, far too easily and often gives away needless fouls in dangerous positions. I would far rather see Poveda when he is fit again or Summerville from the U23s playing - he looks a real prospect.
Both cr@p. regarding costas chasing back, its usually after hes lost possession cheaply.