WSL 25/26 | Brighton v United - 12:00 Sun 2 Nov

[Demon Barber]

Job done, I suppose, but we really must be putting away more of our chances and defending a lead better.

Villa and City next. We'll need to be better than today.

That Leicester result still irks me.

Jess Park is brilliant.

 

[Lobster11]

I've got to say this is the Jess Park I remember playing against us, but who seemed to vanish at City. I don't know if she's feeling re-energised by the move or if it's that she's being allowed to play more to her strengths. Either way, she's been a great addition to the team.

I suspect it's both: She is feeling re-energized because City's offense put her in a straightjacket, but Skinner is giving her the freedom to do what she does best. I'd also add that Ella Toone really helps bring out the best in her, as was evident today.

 

[Lobster11]

Job done, I suppose, but we really must be putting away more of our chances and defending a lead better.

Just as troubling as the lack of finishing was service into the box from the wings, including corners. But I'm cutting them some slack today since many of the players have been on international duty and they didn't have much time together before today's match. When you're shaking off the rust, final passes and shooting are always the last things to come back. I expect better next week.

 

[Demon Barber]

Just as troubling as the lack of finishing was service into the box from the wings, including corners. But I'm cutting them some slack today since many of the players have been on international duty and they didn't have much time together before today's match. When you're shaking off the rust, final passes and shooting are always the last things to come back. I expect better next week.

You may be right. I'm just feeling a bit grumpy, despite the win. Your previous post mentioned the Toone/Park partnership, and I agree.

I missed why Galton was not involved today.

 

[Lobster11]

You may be right. I'm just feeling a bit grumpy, despite the win. Your previous post mentioned the Toone/Park partnership, and I agree.

I missed why Galton was not involved today.

Well, I hope I'm right. I watched the Chelsea match yesterday and they certainly weren't at their best -- it would have been yet another 1-0 squeaker for them if stoppage time had been two minutes shorter -- and from the score line I'm guessing that City weren't at their best either. On the other hand, from what I've read it sounds like Arsenal were in their best form of the season today, so go figure.

There was plenty to be grumpy about, though. In addition to the poor final passes and shots, we gave up far too many corners and looked very vulnerable defending them. And there were several defensive lapses uncharacteristic of a team that prides itself on defense. (I'm guessing that MLT in particular is pretty grumpy today.)

How much to use Galton is an interesting question now with the addition of Rolfo to the roster. It's hard to argue with the idea of getting Malard and Terland on the field at the same time, but I think Malard is much more effective at the 9 than on the wing. I'd certainly be up for giving Galton some starts on the left and saving Mel as a sub for either her or Teri. I honestly haven't been all that impressed with Rolfo so far, but I'm optimistic that will change before long.

As for the Toone/Park partnership, it's worth noting that while everyone has been (appropriately) excited about Park, Tooney leads the league in both assists and total goal contributions.