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Comments
Random observations
Defence did well and in the absence of Antonio it was the two centre backs who got the first two goals, I think we would struggle without Antonio and If we are going well in this tournament and the league by January I would like to think the club may throw a bit of caution to the wind and ensure we have someone else to really have a go.
I think we lack a bit of depth aside from our first eleven and I was hopeful that the likes of Lanzini, Vlasik and yarmalenko could have made more of their opportunity against weaker opposition. Chesters could have had more minutes as Lanzini was doing very little.
We appear fortunate in that two key players in Rice and Bowen appeared to be able to take games in close succession, Moyes is clearly convinced of this as rarely rests either of them.
The huge Genk centre forward was very disappointing as posed no threat and was closest to both Dawson and Diop when they scored from the set pieces, he really should have been dominant in the air and wasn't.
...not sure Chesters ''Abraham Libcoln'' look will catch on
I knew there was someone he reminded me of.
Areola was a bit 🤔 last night but I get the feeling the defence know where they stand with him. They know when that ball comes in, he’s going to be coming for it, whether he makes it or not will have no impact on the next time he comes for it. He also clearly fancies himself as a bit of a passer from the back which often leads to ropey distribution as he seems to do those chipped passes as opposed to just launching the ball up field. Half the time they ended up going straight to Genk players halfway in our half. But no doubt, next game, he’ll be trying the same.
We have time to let him get up to speed organically. I have no doubt he’ll be a real player for us.
Fornals and Benrahma took time, too. Playing in this Moyes team is demanding both going forward and in terms of defensive work rate and shape, so it’s no surprise there’s a natural period of adjustment.
None of this yesterday. I think I remember something like 3 passes back to Areola all match. This also shows how confident the players have become that they take on responsability for the game on the ball.
Areola looked suspect to me last night, but again won’t judge him on that game alone…
They both need major improvement to get into first 11 as stands, but for sure , early days.
Vlasic shows for it but I do think he doesn't try to do enough, especially in these Europa games. He's letting games pass him by like Lanzini does. Fornals and Benrahma may have also had slow starts but they were more involved, I think. This isn't to say that I don't think he'll come good, just that if he is going to he needs to be more proactive.
Maybe that's Moyes's plan, have a selection of players who can play in any of the four attacking positions