[DJ_21]

Walker should have been booked for kicking out a Malacia.

 

[JPRouve]

Even the club's doctor won't come into a conclusion as fast as you.

The MRI scanner won't have an image as fast as he did.

 

[Bobski]

White text?

No, I just think in every game there is a designated scape goat who unless they are exceptional will take an unrealistic amount of the flak. Martial, without Maguire, McTominay and Fred playing well is that guy at the moment.

 

[Sylar]

I'm glad Malacia is getting some love on here. Fred as well.

Both been fantastic at nullifying their target. We've worked as a team too and just missing that final touch or pass to really punish them

 

[Strelok]

We should have scored at least one. Hope we don't regret it later. And really hope Rashford is ok. Take him off in the second half if necessary.

Tough match for both sides so far. Pep surely will make changes in the second half. Expect City to go forward harder and take more risk imo. But that also means more chances for us to counter. If Rashford is fine and can play he'll definitely score.

 

[eire-red]

Martial was no where near as bad as people are making out. He had a rough opening ten which set the narrative. Most of our counters after that were possible because he was doing the right thing and he linked up decently. He just lacks the intelligent movement to get in to good goal scoring positions at the end of those counter attacks. People moaning cos he doesn't just sprint at defenders, when there are clear instructions for the team on when to press.

He does a lot of good things, but it just looks at times like he's giving only 90%. I guarantee if he was giving it the whole lot, chasing down defenders and being an overall nuisance, people wouldn't complain about him as much. He could really evate his game with a change in attitude and effort. That will always grate on supporters despite the obvious quality he has.

He doesn't look fully at it today though. A couple of times he hasn't been able to sort his feet out. Usually, that's his strength.

 

[TsuWave]

I think Garnacho will cause more problems to city on the break than Antony.

I agree with this

 

[Walters_19_MuFc]

I assumed tactical but he also looks lethargic on the ball as well. Definitely don't want him on the right (was only for 5 mins tbf) as Cancelo the danger

He probably isnt 100% fit, to be honest.

 

[Kopral Jono]

The better side that first half. Unlucky not to have taken the lead.

 

[Dannn411]

I actually think this has been one of Martial's better games. Hold up play has been good and he was well positioned for the two chances we had. He just did not receive the pass.

 

[Irrational.]

Antony is coming on. The safe option rather than the wildcard Garnacho.

 

[CloneMC16]

Our defence and midfield have been excellent. Especially Fred. Our best player so far.

Hopefully Rashford comes back out for the 2nd half. We need him.

 

[RedDevilRoshi]

Rashford coming off according to Luckhurst

Gutted but you just can’t take any chances as we are gonna need him headings into this very busy period of fixture after fixture.

 

[SirAnderson]

The parts about doing more is understandable. Anything about poor link up is a lie.

Yeah no he's been fine on that.
Maybe it's just he's demeanor, but he really doesn't look up for it.
Putting defenders under pressure, hurrying defenders, getting stuck in.

Hopefully he can have a better second half, Garnacho can't be expected to do everything.
Antony will probably be coming on as well, not sure who will get the nod first.

 

[pauldyson1uk]

Been a poor game

get out of here, far far from a poor game.

 

[laughtersassassin]

Not to be negative but subbing on Antony is the incorrect call.

Needs to be Garnacho so we can counter.

With Antony and Martial we have no counter ability and won't be able to create chances or relieve the pressure like we did in the 1st

 

[Orton]

He isnt pressing with sprinting around like a dog chasing a ball but other than that he has been decent at the hold up. Made a few runs. Could have scored a tap in if Rashford passed to him.

He isnt having a fantastic game but Martial is fine. Far from the worst attacking player on the pitch.

Confirmation bias. He’s done fine. Our best chances were Rashfords and he didn’t take them. Haaland has done nothing so far.

 

[Santoryo]

I agree, some over the top reactions. He's made a couple of wrong decisions on the ball but for the most part he's done his job, and actually should have received a cut-back once or twice when his teammates opted to shoot instead. He's pretty much doing everything Ten Hag would have asked of him.

Pretty much this. And it's also clear he isn't quite fit yet hence why he isn't breaking sprints behind and I'm sure Ten Hag is aware of that. For now he hold up and being release for our defense and midfield has served us well. All our dangerous attacks started with Martial receiving the ball and getting the guys involved, but this place will ignore that and moan without understanding context.

 

[hellhunter]

Don't really like the Antony sub

 

[Member 125398]

I actually think this has been one of Martial's better games. Hold up play has been good and he was well positioned for the two chances we had. He just did not receive the pass.

He's doing all the right things but about half a second too late imo.

 

[VP89]

Martial is very good with the ball at his feet, but he's obviously not pressing nor is he busting a gut to accelerate.

This is likely fitness related but it's still a big problem.

 

[Suv666]

Casemiro has been impressive as well. Just a good buy he has been

 

[Sviken]

Martial was no where near as bad as people are making out. He had a rough opening ten which set the narrative. Most of our counters after that were possible because he was doing the right thing and he linked up decently. He just lacks the intelligent movement to get in to good goal scoring positions at the end of those counter attacks. People moaning cos he doesn't just sprint at defenders, when there are clear instructions for the team on when to press.

Give me a break. I've specifically watched him all game and he just watches the opposite team pass the ball around them with zero urgency to press or do anything. He's beyond lazy and uninspired. In this day and age, you can't play with such a striker. Actually, in any age you can't play with such a striker. Enough with the excuses about him. He needs to be sold.

 

[evil_geko]

Antony on, good decision.

 

[Sly]

Bruno has been crap. Having said that, looking forward to see him score or assist in the second half

 

[georgipep]

All this bitching about Martial yet half the reason we even managed some of these attack was due to him holding the ball when released to him and letting other run past him. He's served as a release for us from the back and midfield very well. It's also pretty clear he isn't 1005 fit hence why he doesn't sprint at full pace. He was doubtful for this game.

People just love to moan without even getting the context. Then again, typical matchday thread.

He has been absolutely brilliant so far. I don't really understand what could he have done better than what he did in these 45 minutes.

 

[lex talionis]

No, its called having the ability to analyse a football game.

Sorry to report the news, but Martial hasn’t gotten out of first gear today. We have 9 other outfield players giving it everything they’ve got, with 1 playing jogging around. We all know about Martial’s ability, but ability without effort is of little use to everyone else who are putting in the effort.

If Martial is unfit, fair enough. But there are no reports that he’s carrying an injury that we’re aware of.

 

[Art]

It’s quite clear that Martial isn’t 100% but has agreed to make himself available

 

[charlenefan]

Martial off

 

[VP89]

Makes complete sense for Martial to be hooked. He can't accelerate whatsoever and he did next to no pressing. Just half jogs.

Probably injured.

 

[hellhunter]

Rashford Returns!

 

[One Night Only]

And the Oscar for Most Dramatic Performance goes to...

Well, which one of us wins?

 

[Vidyoyo]

Antony to score

 

[Andycoleno9]

Rashy is back!!

 

[RedDevilRoshi]

So Martial is coming off rather than Rashford. TBF he doesn’t look 100%

 

[Dempsey19]

Garnacho makes perfect sense for Rashford, dunno why Antony is coming in instead.

Edit: got it wrong, thought it was rashy off.

 

[King_Cantona07]

Rashford could have blasted the ball above waist line where chances of saving without a gk in position is very less. In such cases roof of the net is the best option. Hope he can come back and is not injured.

 

[Rightnr]

Yet again, another example of why we should have signed Gakpo but apparently we had soooo many options. Clown thinking.

 

[Di Maria's angel]

Antony is coming on. The safe option rather than the wildcard Garnacho.

For Martial.

 

[moodyred]

Anthony on for Martial!