20 May 2018 18:46:29
Once the dust settles and the disappointment subsides we can reflect on the game in a more rational manner.

The game panned out more or less as I expected. A tense, cagey, unexciting spectacle which was always destined to be won by the odd goal or a penalty shoot out.

In terms of our defensive play I thought we handled them pretty well. I was surprised when they played an extra midfielder which effectively meant we only had Hazard to deal with. De Gea was a spectator for most of the game and they carried very little threat. Such games are often decided by the big players or mistakes and whilst Jones was culpable of some pretty awful defending I'd also have to question the shape of the team that allowed their only attacking treat to the receive the ball on the counter with acres of space to run into. Herrera's positioning must be questioned especially as he was tasked with the job of man marking Hazard or certainly being close to him in the transitions in order to stop the counter attack. Ultimately Hazard produced the games one moment of quality, leaving Jones for dead and expertly converting the penalty.

It's easy to label Jones as the fall guy but after returning from a long injury he didn't quite look match fit in either body or mind. The way Hazard effortlessly accelerated past him was embarrassing and he should never have been afforded so much space to run into. I think Jones is a decent defender but he's still prone to individual mistakes and I've never been convinced that the Jones/ Smalling axis is our best defensive partnership.

Since Sanchez arrived we have lacked penetration and he has played far too deep. He has often congested the midfield occupying Pogba's space and without runners in front of him he's been relatively anonymous. Yesterday was no exception.

What we desperately lack is width, somebody to make the pitch bigger, somebody that can dribble the ball with pace, commit and beat defenders and supply quality crosses into the box for Lukaku. To be honest Martial provides this threat and was our brightest attacking outlet when he came on but he's been marginalised, maligned and cast aside by a manager that seemingly has little patience for young players still learning the game and searching for consistency.

I've read press speculation linking us with a move for William but I think this would be a mistake. He's plays a very similar role to Sanchez, he likes to play inside, often dropping deep to receive the ball, this would congest the midfield even further and complicate Pogba's role in the team even more.

I'm not sure which direction Mourinho is taking us. I don't see an evolution in our style of play and whilst I think his signings have been good in terms of quality there appears to be no forward thinking about how they all fit together.

In hindsight I think Sanchez may turn out to be a poor acquisition, especially if it's at the expense of Martial. What we really needed is a right winger to complete our attack. That's been the problem position all season. If we'd have looked to recruit a really top class right winger, one capable of scoring goals and assisting Lukaku then that would have relieved the burden on the likes of Martial and Rashford, allowed them time to develop meaning their off days would less important as others take up the slack.

I expect more of the same next season. The only way we can judge Mourinho is by his results. We can be encouraged by a better league campaign but finishing 20 points behind City whilst playing some pretty dire stuff certainly isn't enough for the swelling anti Jose brigade to be placated. The success of our season ultimately came down to one game and the means didn't justify the ends. Jose failed to deliver and I think our season can be best described in these three words "must do better".

Wishing you all a great summer, hopefully England can provide us with some much need entertainment (although I won't hold my breath) and we'll see what the summer transfer window and next season brings. All the best.


1.) 21 May 2018
21 May 2018 06:12:26
DLIB - I agree, as a team we look lost with no obvious plan to our game, we have so much possession but it's all in safe positions.
For the goal I thought Jones's starting position was poor and once he was squared up it was no contest, Hazard was through.
I think your judgement on Jose's signings is spot on, how many of them can be classed as a success.
With José at the helm I think we can sum up next season now, 'more of the same'. Will it be enough to see him as our manager by the end of the season, only time will tell.