21 Feb 2021 23:03:35
Thought we were very poor again tonight, Maguire was again very bad, once put under any pressure he either passes to a player being marked closely or hits a long wasteful ball. We don't have the players to play out from the back when a high press come on, but we just persist, putting ourselves under pressure. Bright note again tonight was Shaw, really pushing forward and offering options on the left. If Ole has to play Matic, l would suggest, when in possession, we alter to a back three with Matic dropping into the centre and pushing the full backs right up to stay wide when our wide men are cutting in constantly. It's the only way to stretch the defensive teams, if Ole insists on playing two holding midfielders.


1.) 22 Feb 2021
22 Feb 2021 08:33:30
I thought Matic was excellent last night, particularly in the first half when there wasn’t much to talk about. Shaw again was very good, he’s probably been our best player this year so far.


2.) 22 Feb 2021
22 Feb 2021 10:13:03
Saw a great start the other day for the top ten players in the EPL for xA (expected Assists), Shaw was 9th in the league and the only defender in the top ten.

The list was: KDB, Grealish, Bruno, Raphinha, Mahrez, Rodriguez, Foden, Kane, Shaw and Mount.


3.) 22 Feb 2021
22 Feb 2021 11:20:55
Must agree on Matic wazza. He was the only one recognising the quick switch was on to James all game. Still plenty to offer if he’s managed well.


4.) 22 Feb 2021
22 Feb 2021 11:54:54
We looked disjointed for almost the entire match. Martial was disinterested to make any runs.

Weekend's game against Chelsea is a crucial one for us.


5.) 22 Feb 2021
22 Feb 2021 12:23:06
Dublin and Shearer picked up on these points on MOTD, particularly praising Matic and tackling the Martial debate. His player map and the numerous examples highlighted showed that for a player who deems CF to be his best position, he always reverts out the wing, even when there were 2-3 other players there and there was no-one in the box. Seems like such basic positional awareness is lacking and his demeanor never gives the impression he is even interested let alone motivated. Compare him to a proper CF like Cavani and it highlights the need to look ahead for when he moves on. People will point at Hugill and Shoretire who will be physically stronger by next summer, and Greenwood, but I still don't see him in that position.


6.) 22 Feb 2021
22 Feb 2021 13:11:02
Martial works in a front 3 of Rashford, him and Greenwood if they can rotate positions. However not sure how they manage that in game when not in possession as who has the responsibility for covering?