Observations from today

1. Krul must start next week. I was a Fährmann man but after today it is evident Krul is better at distribution and coming out for corners. Also our new man was caught on the ball three times

2. We must get back into position in our press far more quickly than today when we play Liverpool otherwise I fear a salah and mané counter attacking festival. A better team would have exploited our reluctance to get back into shape.

3. Cantwell. Wow! If we had paid £8m for him this summer everybody would be bragging about getting a bargain on our hands. He had really upped his game when it comes to strength on the ball.

4. Pukki needs to find his shooting boots soon or I fear a drought and drop of confidence. He missed a lot of chances today that he should have buried. With a tough run of opening games I hope he gets a goal or two and doesn’t feel negative pressure early on

5. Our passing was at times farkeball again. Not quite as fluid as last year as it’s early season, but it’s coming again.

OTBC

Posted By: Tony Martin, Aug 3, 18:46:55