Aside from that one lapse and goal it was one of the most lopsided games I’ve ever watched. I waited for the stats to see if I was seeing that correctly, but there was a large gap in Xg, we had 72% possession and good portion of it looked positive , especially in the second half. Aside from an odd mistake after a foul by Silva, we didn’t look even half troubled (and if Fofana was in there instead of Azpi even that goal doesn’t happen).
I thought the way we moved our shape around was brilliant. We opened up acres of space in good spots.
We lacked in quality making use of that space, and pulling Sterling for Pulisic was like voluntarily going a man down.
Gallaghers touch and everything else was extremely clunky at times. Havertz and Mount had those moments as well, but countered it with good moments.
Kovacic our best midfielder… easily. James our best player …. Easily.
Starting Azpi next to Silva… people think you can get away with it against weaker teams… but it only takes one odd counter…
That and pulling Sterling early would be my only managerial critiques.
Observation: RLC played very well. He is especially dangerous against tired legs, and he has trouble going a full 90 without picking up muscle injuries. Top level sub honestly seems his best role.
I was actually pleased with the first Potter performance overall.