So; post transfer deadline day we all realised that we will have to make do with what we've got and that means we play the season (not withstanding the January transfer window) with one midfield "superstar", two "oldies" and a few "young un's" that we pray exceed expectations.
We also realise we're optimistically playing for third spot but Spurs are most likely candidates for that. Chelsea, Arsenal & us are left fighting it out for fourth through sixth.
There may be other "pretenders to the "top 6" but Wolves were the "best of the rest" last season and I reckon they will be again this year. Their team remains basically unchanged, possibly enhanced by a couple of new signings. Many teams will go to the midlands and come away empty-handed from Molineux including the other "top teams". At least I'm hoping so!
So; What I liked about today, at least in the 1st half, was the tempo the lads tried to apply. We closed them down quickly and more often than not stole the ball off them or forced them into give-a-ways in every area of the pitch. Our goal was well-deserved, as was our 1 nil lead. That said, "the trio" - Rashford, Martial and Lingard continue to frustrate. They all too often seem short of ideas in the final third. Seems they either get the ball caught in their feet, dribble into people make a bad pass or a pass-too-many and simply lack the deadly finishing power we clearly need. But this is not news. They have played this way for several years now. At least Rashford and Martial to their credit, have stepped up their game and do score great goals quite regularly now but even they still have a long way to go IMHO. Huge kudos to Martial for that amazing goal today; a great example of his improvement and role as a number 9. Lingard on the other hand, not so much. He was valuable today when we were forcing the play; He, young Daniel, Rashford and Martial all worked hard, as did Pogs and Big Mac but when we did get the ball back it all got too congested and dare I say predictable and old "Arsenal like" lots of tippy happy but no result . The fresh air shot from Jess' was not a surprise was it? Had he taken it, it would have finished of some lovely football ... but we all know about if's and buts.
Second half was disappointing. Points dropped along with our pressing and pace. We gave the ball away too often in the 1st half ... and that got worse in the 2nd. McTominay is younger, fitter and stronger than Matic but lacks guile. He needs massive improvement, hopefully it will come. Still should have won even with the missed pen but we are re-building, right?
No problem for me with Pogba taking the kick ... like Rashford last week, he earned it and had the confidence to hit it hard and low. Keeper guessed right, great save. Would have helped his confidence and had he scored it but not scoring won't hurt him like it would if Rashford had taken and missed. Hindsight remains 20-20
Like many here I was surprised the subs came on so late. Could've stayed the course with the same horses. It shows our lack of depth on the bench I think. There were/are no proven game-savers on it so even if they'd come on earlier I'm not confident anything would have changed.
All in all, I do see improvement on the pitch from game to game so far. Not in leaps and bounds but there are small signs that our quickness, speed and possibly endurance over time will win games for us and we're not without some very talented youngsters. At the back if our two first choice centre-backs can stay healthy and DeGea can stay focussed, as the season progresses I'm confident we'll get more clean sheets and a lot less draws & losses than last year. and therefore a better chance at that coveted CL place.
Wan Bissaka is a very good signing and despite some nay sayers on this site, Shaw is really good! He will continue to get better. He's part of the best back-4 we've had in a while now! And don't forget it was Luke Shaw that was instrumental in the move that led to Martial goal!
K, I'll get me coat ...