aggression and bravery with the high-line from the outset till the end, right in our faces.
Made that match awfully difficult and awkward, exacerbated by deplorable pitch condition (caused by waterloggage).
Barnsley had two weeks to prepare for this match, which most definitely helped with energising their intensity levels.
We weathered the storm to secure a hard-fought win.
Tuchel has done very well up this point...including the timely subs yesterday (putting Tino on in a pressure situation), and change of formation at HT when things weren't going to plan
No surprise the best pieces of quality and breakthrough from the match came directly from academy...
Academy lot (and Kepa) are the only ones to come out of the game with any credit...particularly Tammy who lead the line and ran the channels well, was a constant moving threat. Not to forget the heroic goal-line clearance.
Let's hope this is the watershed moment where it dawns on Tuchel that Tammy is the best suited option up top or even as a split striker making the channel movements. Mobility & dynamism is key.
Gilmour was at the heart of most good attacks we had in that match (which admittedly wasn't many), but quality and intelligence showed.
Look forward to seeing him feature more in upcoming matches.
Reece doing what Reece does best.
Tino Anjorin sub made a small impact, we were able to play between the lines more freely with him on...which wasn't happening with Pulisic & Ziyech on the pitch. Almost every touch or move involving them was calamitous.
Tuchel has quickly recognised that Callum is our most productive attacking & playmaking outlet by a long way. Skillset is unique, can effectively play in a variety of forward positions.
Hence you've seen him play wide right & left, number 10 and (split) striker adapting seamlessly in the space of three weeks, harks back to academy days...joy to watch and football IQ is off the charts.
Talent hasn't scratched the surface or even began to be maximised yet...which is ominous for the opposition.
Germans know a piece of advanced technology when they see it. Cal Hudson-Odoi is a supreme piece of technology!
Kudos to Barnsley' unrelenting pressure...
posted on 12/2/21
On we move onto the next...
Lovely home tie against Sheffield United in the next round, means league match against Liverpool which was set to be played three days after what will be a grueling Atletico match been postponed.
posted on 12/2/21
Comment Deleted by Article Creator
posted on 12/2/21
Ziyech and Pulisic’s poor form is a concern now. I guess we’ll be sticking with a front 3 of Mount, Werner and one of Tammy/Giroo for the Newcastle game.
posted on 12/2/21
Comment Deleted by Site Moderator
posted on 13/2/21
"Ziyech and Pulisic’s poor form is a concern now."
It is, but willing to give them a chance to regain their strength.
Especially Ziyech who was perhaps rushed back from injury, learning about the rough and tumble of this league.
Still coming to terms with the physical elements that the league demands.
Seems to have a good head on his shoulders, maybe this league is a bit of a shock to the system for him at the minute.
Will have to improve quickly, heading into the important stage of the season.
posted on 14/2/21
comment by Sideshow (U11809)
posted 1 day, 17 hours ago
Tammy’s always a menace against lower-league opposition. It’s frustrating that he doesn’t put himself out there every game. He’s perfectly capable of causing any defender problems, but he lets some games just pass him.
I hope we aren’t too insistent on Werner making it that Tammy gets cast aside, because it is the academy players that have carried us this season.
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He still never gambles. Too static in the box. Has to gamble, has to make better runs and get on the end of crosses into our the box..... Otherwise he won't make it at Chelsea.
posted on 14/2/21
Comment Deleted by Article Creator