Donatello

It was all a bit of a co*k-up between VVD, Bertrand, and Juanmi. Juanmi had tracked back well, and Bertrand, rather than standing on Valencia, decided to go with whoever Juanmi was tracking, at which point VVD probably thinks it's 2 on 2 so retreats, but Juanmi was in no man's land because of his earlier tracking (which he can't be blamed for). Ultimately, VVD shouldn't depart the scene, but I don't like the way Bertrand leaves the wide players with too much to do. He did something similar to Mane away at Liverpool. Forcing the wide players to close two players which they don't have a realistic chance of achieving.

Is it too critical to be critical of Jose for their first? Martina nods the ball on for Antonio, obviously, but I think Jose should be facing him up immediately, rather than backing off and creating all manner of angles for Antonio. He (Antonio) picks the ball up outside the area, and isn't challenged until he's parallel with the 6 yard box. All within seconds, so it's instinctive, but I'd have thought it more instinctive to keep a player away from the goal mouth.

Their first goal was nothing short of ridiculous - which seems to be a theme this year.

Tadic needs bringing off because he's not tracking like he was in the first. Possibly Clasie for Romeu too. Fresh legs a must.

Was Jose going to backpedal all the way to the other side of the pitch?

Set pieces. It ain't pretty, but VVD (in particular) attacking JWP crosses (from corners/free kicks) seems to be effectual.

Just to add to this, I swear I remember a clip of someone (it may even have been Koeman) saying that Koeman called up Barcelona to ask after the personality/character of Romeu. So, as you imply, clearly his signing. And I definitely recall Reed saying that Koeman has final say/preference on transfers (which probably applies to the majority of activity - although whether ended up with his first choice targets is up for debate/will never be known).

From memory, Clasie won that ball. It just kinda pinged off whoever it was he was tackling (I forget). Bit unfortunate really.

I feel it's a tad unfair to hold Cedric responsible for the first. A number of players just went nuts - Fonte, VVD, Davis, and yes, Cedric with a weakish challenge. Davis in particular - he precipitates their counter-attack by losing the ball in their third under little pressure (i.e. he should've popped it off to Clasie easily). The defence should've dealt with it of course, but we don't need to be inviting pressure at a time when we have them deep in their half. As for the second, yes, Cedric. But also Tadic. I know Bertrand was out of position, but he was on his man at the very least. Tadic is always going to lose a foot race with Walker, but I'd like to see him at least try and sprint back. Edit: spelling

This

Were Spurs just booed there?

Reported where? Please and thank yous.

In what way? Didn't we spend as much as we made? (genuine questions) I guess from your paragraphs I can infer that you would rather the club spent the fees we received for Schneiderlin and Clyne, on replacements for Schneiderlin and Clyne, but what with the Europa League (and the fixtures we anticipated), we did need to improve the squad (in terms of numbers - I make no comment about the quality). Plus we were down a CM because of Cork. Would you have preferred we spent ~£10m on a RB, ~£20m on a CM, and then padded the matchday squad with Harrison Reed, Seager, and Stephens/Turnbull? And that's without finding the money to fund VVD's transfer, obviously - I don't know enough about the financial health of the club to comment on whether we could've done that without incoming transfer fees.

Where have you read this? From what I've read, this simply isn't true.

That's about the sum of it. Certainly how I see it. P.S Although I would add that his corners are the best in the team (imo), so that's 'outstanding' to an extent.

You think him responsible for their first goal? Two words, 'man-marking'

I suggest you re-watch the goal. As for it being a corner, what does that have to do with the value of an assist? Ramirez was lauded by many for a 5 yard tap on the 40-yard line a few weeks back.

His Premier League goal return ratio (i.e. mins per goal) isn't far off of Pele's. Ergo, his goal return, in a wide position, should probably be considered decent enough.

What would you call that assist on Saturday? I'm not hyping a single assist, but that's exactly the sort of 'repayment' I'd be looking for.

Of course it was. As it was when Mane nodded over from 4 yards out. As it was when Fonte had an effort blocked on the line. His corners, and crossing is general, are generally of a very good standard.

Whichever way you slice it, his set pieces led to two great scoring opportunities yesterday, one of which was converted. Not to mention Fonte's effort, and VVD's header near the end. Anyway. Juanmi certainly appears to be a direct football player. Someone who can run with the ball at his feet, like Mane I guess.

I agree with everything you've said I was just taking the opportunity (your talking of forgiveness) to recall that Wanyama put him in a bind/didn't make it any easier for us, and I don't think he should be forgiven for that either (not that you necessarily needed reminding...I was just thinking about that period).

It's probably easier to stick with the beer