You're viewing a single thread.
So, uh... what happened?
The squad isn't deep enough and our glaring deficiencies are glaring.
It wasn't actually a bad performance, but we were lacking in the final third. There were a few chances that we could've and should've slotted home, but we weren't nearly clinical nor composed enough.
Jesus did a lot of running and it amounted to not very much. Honestly, he needs to take his game to the next level or he'll be left behind.
Zinchenko wasn't good enough either, along with Kiwior who didn't do anything egregious, just could've been better.
Benjamin was also incredibly sloppy.
Midfield missed Rice.
Considering both Nelson and Nketiah are looking for moves, neither did enough to put themselves in the shop window.
Bright points? Martinelli looked good.
Happy about Martinelli, his dip last season coincided with his injury, so it's good to see him regaining some form. Zinchenko, Nelson, and Nketiah probably all move, so it would have been nice if they'd had better performances but it's also Liverpool, it was never going to be easy.
Liverpool is never an easy match, but with our first team, we would've won. We definitely need to sort left back though.
Especially since they seemed to mostly be playing kids. But one thing you can always say about Liverpool, they are fantastic at plug-and-playing academy kids for cup matches and friendlies.
Credit where it's due, it feels like Arteta was really trying to give the kids opportunities this year.
It's true - part of it was having his hand forced by the Euros and Copa, of course, but I think some people forget that he is still learning and adapting. Remember the first season when everyone complained that he made subs like 10 minutes too late? Inshallah we get some easy cup draws and we field an academy team.
Sometimes, his subs are still too late, but I'll settle for the 64th minute subs. You're right though, he is learning and finding the balance and ensuring success is worth losing a few million from a generation of our youngsters.
Also, there's not much we can do about Chelsea and United being Chelsea and United. This is always how they've operated, and they're not going to start. Sales from their academy is pretty much the only thing bringing in revenue for Chelsea, and United are convinced that anyone they buy can immediately become a Ballon D'or winner.
Also, how was Havertz? I know he scored, but I saw mixed feedback on Insta.
To be honest he had a world class moment (that wasn't his goal) and was otherwise on the periphery of our attack. Which makes sense, he was playing as the left eight and there was no anchor for our midfield behind him and no focal point to our attack ahead of him.
That's a shame... I was hoping Jesus would be back to his best but it sounds like Havertz up front might still be our best option.
You and me both. He needs to want to be the best and I don't get that from him presently.