Just rewatched the game. We really controlled this game even when it was 0 -0. They had a couple of forays forward but it isn't a state crime for a team to have a shot on goal against us. We created far more but couldn't get the decisive finish. Diaz came close, Tsimikas had a bad miss, Sadio, Mo and Ox all missed decent chances.
Then they scored a very fortunate goal. Ox was closing down the shooter, it hits Matip and completely wrongfoots Alisson. Again, it happens.
Seems like when the subs came on we stretched the field better and that's what led directly to the equalizer. Hendo hits it out wide for Tsimikas who finds Sadio in a dangerous and then an acrobatic finish. The 2nd, one moment the ball is in Ali's hands and the next Mo has the ball in front of their goal. What a spectacular effort on Mo's part to sustain the chance and finish it off. World class. By the time of the third they were all over the place defensively and Lucho makes a great run - "He's been brilliant since he's come in" Hendo said afterward - and Hendo plays a great ball. Looks like our new signing can finish alright!
Just one other thing re our personnel today. Playing games ever 3-4 days and rotation will be required. Thiago's only drawback since he's been here is being a little fragile, so he CANNOT start every match just because some of us want him to. Of course there's no doubting his quality but Jürgen has to be smart about it.
That Ox isn't Thiago or JoeGo isn't Trent doesn't mean they have no role to play in this team and I guarantee you Jürgen will still be backing them to be an important part of the team as we pursue what now seems a very plausible fightback for the Premier League title (plus three other trophies).
Looking forward to the next one.
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