Some of my non Gooner buddies sometimes ask me why I am pessimistic when it comes to AFC - last night summed up exactly why I am the way I am. I get the argument that was made about bayern not being sheffield utd, but this is a shite bayern team having a horrendous season, and managed by a bluffer who is basically serving out his notice until they bring in a proper manager - I literally couldnt foresee anything other than a home win last night, but yet in reality we were lucky to get a draw
The problems that have been under the surface for large parts of the season were again brought to the fore as they were against porto, and the chief failing is that when the pressure comes on, this manager and most of these players shit the bed
1. The first goal last night was 100% on raya - where the absolute fcuk was he going ??? People can question gabriel's pass or kiwor's reaction to it, but basically our keeper had an almighty brain fart and was caught in the middle of nowhere to the extent that gabriel couldnt even pass it back to him
2. What exactly did the cone boy see in the first half that made him think that bringing in zinchenko for kiwor was going to fix all ?? It is like he shone a spotlight on kiwor and said he is at fault for our inept first half performance, and that wasnt the case at all. I used to say that zinchenko is a good footballer but a shit defender, but he isnt even a good footballer anymore - he lost so much possession last night that it defies belief and backs up the theory that the cone boy has his substitutions decided in advance of the game.
3. This was partey's third substitute appearance lately, and it is no exaggeration to say that he has been dogshite in all 3 appearances - I have been a fan of the guy in the past but the reality is that he has been out injured for a long time and clearly isnt up to speed, so why bring him on ??
4. Along with the two players I have already mentioned, I also thought that odeargod was dogshite (far too many touches before releasing the ball), white was dogshite and rice was absolutely anonymous - I dont buy this clap trap about rice being concerned about being a yellow card away from suspension, cos proper leaders focus on the result (as that manu c.unt keane did against juve many moons ago). Of the 3 midfielders last night, Jorginho was by far the most influencial and yet he again was subbed - like I said already, it seems the subs are planned in advance and take no consideration of how individual players are performing. Between fcuking up for the first goal and lying down for their penalty, I would have been tempted to sub raya at half time - people annointed him as a success on the back of penalty saves against porto and I urged caution cos I still dont see a quality keeper in him.
5. Two players that I have given out a fair bit about this season, really stood up last night when others wilted - havertz worked his nuts off and jesus did the same when he came on, and sometimes all you need to lift a team and fans is a bit of hard work and they embodied that last night. I dont agree with the criticism of martinelli (partially cos of the shit service from an ineffective midfield), but I also was delighted for trossard who again showed what an absolute bargain he has been for us. Its comical that two weeks ago smith-rowe got motm against luton and he hasnt got as much as one second on the pitch since
The dispensing of away goals rule means that last night wasnt must win as such, but I would have brought him on ahead of partey and actually gone for it, but no matter what he does he will always be on fringes with the cone boy
Getting the draw last night was important - I was seriously worried that a defeat last night would lead to a collapse in the league so hopefully that is staved off for now. We def need much bigger performances in munich from the 3 rocks on which this team is built (saliba, gabriel and rice) cos none can be pleased with last nights showing