Holmes_and_Watson

None of the defences he was in were that good, especially that Norwich one.

I hadn't even got round to mentioning that Russ could go as soon as an exec kicks a chair at 5-0 down. And here we are...

They got beat 7-1 off of Liverpool once. So, it could be worse? Oh, that's 5 and it's a horrible night for them.

4 as he stands there shaking his head. 4 going on 10. A rout.

He could really go at any point. It's as much about how much face they want to save now. As the third goes in.

Breaking news.... Rangers sign the bar as their new top defender. A bit of an onslaught here. And it's not as though Russ has any other tactic to use.

Bravely defending down to that last passing triangle. As Butland and their bar keeps them form being further behind. Spoke too soon... that's two now.

Oh, he's been working out then? Much fitter looking. 🙂

For balance, Tom English puts the boot into Celtic as they drop out of the CL too. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c8denljlv64o Same delivery style, same pet peeves, some relevance, much moaning and a Daily Record substitute. 🙂

With them having Meghoma, they can put Tavanier as a KWP figure, roaming, sweeping up and supporting as needed.

Aarons was one of two very attacking fullbacks that Farke used to play out from the 'keeper to. It worked really well, getting them promoted. By that time there was not only the quality step up needed, but also everyone knew how they would play. So Norwich got beaten a lot. Aarons went from attacking full back that clubs fall over themselves for, to defensively suspect in a losing team. Bayern were linked with him at one point. Years later, he's a shadow of himself. It took me a long while to not think he'd be good for us, based on his earlier form.

And now Aarons off

Brugge passing it about effortlessly around the half way point, to launch their attacks. RussBall lumbers around their own penalty area. Brugge passing pings it into the full back gap that Martin deliberately leaves vacant. They cross and score. Martin will blame the Rangers player for playing it long, giving possession to Brugge for them to pass it about and score from. And the defender for not marking properly. But the root of that goal is the system.

Humour

A lot quieter after the subs came on. We snuffed Norwich out, but didn;t see that much from either Downs or BBD. They both looked a little less than sharp. But both (yes, even BBD) probably have more to give. Of the other subs, Matsuki's goal was a screamer, and we controlled the game. Sesay gets a debut and Taylor looked fine, which he mostly always has. No idea what's gone on behind the scenes in his time here. But this was against a much changed, and very poor Norwich side, and we worked hard to give them chances in that first half, before getting ahead. So, this is a confidence booster, but with the knowledge that a lot more is needed across a whole 90 mins than we saw here. Still will be pleased that the midfield of Downes and Charles found some roles and managed to link up. Albeit, Norwich gave them a lot of space. Having three forwards, all capable of coming into the centre to finish made a difference. Archer finished, as did Fraser, with Stewart being very close on a few occassions. We could still do with someone a lot more physical and pacy on one of the flanks. Although Charles did well as the game went on, we also really need an out and out attacking midfielder and someone specialised in breaking play up, rather than relying on Downes in that role all the time. It took time for us to take control, and better sides could really have punished our defending in that first half. A nice win in the end, and we got to see more of the squad get a run out tonight.

Where you can be shot for questioning official party pedantry. A dream move. 🙂

Both Downs and BBD showing rust there. Not controlling it with confidence.

Not far away from Downs there.

oooooft!!!!

When we hired the South American recruitment expert from Norwich, rumour is that she said "But what do you need me for? You have the pinnacle of South American football already in Brereton-Diaz."

BBD comes on!!!

Nearly from Charles. We sort of stopped there as we realised Stewart and Archer weren;t in striking positions. But got a chance out of it.

We do have cover if he needs to see some Doctors.

Fraser!!!!!!! Good reward for his hard work.

You're right. Back to watching to see if our lot can become a Dream Team.