What a start to the season. We bashed them bad early on and got on top and eventually when they finally got a foot in the game we deservedly got the first goal which was a huge kick in the teeth to them. Second half, the early goal killed the game, again just as they started to look to compete really and that sank them mentally. Yet again after an early slump they woke up mid half and tried things and of course it opend up for us. Which has not happened so often last season and as if we need reminding how we'd often get clawed back last season. But not today, today we were in no mood to be benevolent and we pushed on and got 2 more goals which we totally deserved and did not flatter us one bit. I agree with Garry Nev that Hernandez was the only one of them that kept going and trying hard all day to get something. But he got little or no hlep except maybe from Nobel. I worte earlier that we kicked our ex Little Pea, all over the park in that first half. But i must add not in badness or cynicism more in the spitit of over zealous competitivness. Which while i feel for Hernandez, it was wonderful to see us back at our former snarling selves.
As good as it was there is loads to be improved upon and its only one out of the first 6(that i noticed and i suppose you all noticed) and we, as fans, should demand 18 points from these first 6 because feck aiming for second place. So its off to the Swans to see if we can build on this. Personally be happy with a solid boring 1-0. Just look solid and be in controll all game. Keep them guessing who we really are and show up some weaknesses to be improved before the bigger tests.
Today I gotta tip the hat to, Matic Rashford Lukaku Martial Pogba Jones Mata(first half) Mkhi(second half) They all did well individually and in combination. But with tougher tests to come all we can do is keep winning. As i said earlier these are 6, very winable games and we need to be looking at 18 or at least 16 points if we are burry the slumber we have been in last few seasons and get us back up where we belong.
I am delighted with todays game and im really struggling to keep a lid on it, the inner muppet wants to run wild. Lets hope he has ample oppertuinity this season.
Only concern was at LB where Blind huffed & puffed but not really up to the standard of the rest of the side. Hopefully Shaw comes back soon.
Yea you are right in as much as our 2 fullbacks are our weakest positions and while there is cover its not of the quality we all probably would hope. I know you didn't mention Tony V but if he needs a rest or is injured we lack the quality or confidence in the replacements. Hopefully Shaw can up his output this season and Lindeloff is a lot sharper at right back then he has been so far if its lindeloff he sees as right back cover.