kirsikka
UTC Legend
After the home matches against strugglers not quite having the performances or results we wanted there was a little extra pressure on this match than there should have been. Parkers starting team seemed obvious enough that I could name it a few days ago, despite all the options available to him.
In the first period, both teams struggled when the other team was putting the press on. I almost wanted us to give them possession at their back as they looked so vulnerable!
The way the confidence grew the more the match went on was something to behold. We absolutely had them on toast in that second half. It was exhibition stuff at times.
The first goal was a fantastic team effort. A perfect ball from Christie, great vision from Solanke (so often those crosses just get pinged off the first or covering man) and nice late run and finish from Anthony.
Beautiful play as well for the second and Lerma with the instincts of a striker... That Hudders defenders clearance though? Oh dear!
Ref started as lenient but got stricter the longer the match went on, particularly against us. I'm glad there wasn't a real match going on as in a competitive situation I could have seen a bad decision going against us.
The energy of the press was been something to behold. Zemura and Billing in particular. And when PB is excelling at the press then you know you have a committed XI out there!
The third goal was pure quality again. Lerma at the heart of things as he often was today. Then good play from Anthony to delay and wait for the Billing run and Solanke's finish was delicate and delicious in equal measure.
The second half possession play to kill the game was how this system should be done. Drag them back and forth, left and right. Don't worry, keep hold of it and work the opening. Very different to knocking it between the back four at a snails pace followed by a hoof.
Today we saw exactly what Parker has been trying desperately to get from his players all season. Guess what? It was good to watch. Let's implement his system like that some more please.
Positive performances:
There were a lot out there so I'm picking out a few but I could list most of them here.
Lerma - Reinvented himself as Glenn Hoddle today with some of his passing and vision. Unexpected but a joy to see. Sharp finish. Shame about the brainless yellow card.
Smith - Was all over this game, at both ends. We may have been less effective attacking down the right but that was in no way due to him.
Kelly - After the recent criticism, he was utterly dominant out there as well as good on the ball. Welcome back!
Could easily mention Billing, Zemura, Anthony, Solanke and L Cook here.
Room for improvement:
Christie - Still kept his work rate up but gave away a couple of chances early on and never quite had the same on the ball quality we usually get from him. Of course, there was still that beautiful pass for the first goal so... not terrible! Picking holes as there's always room for improvement.
In the first period, both teams struggled when the other team was putting the press on. I almost wanted us to give them possession at their back as they looked so vulnerable!
The way the confidence grew the more the match went on was something to behold. We absolutely had them on toast in that second half. It was exhibition stuff at times.
The first goal was a fantastic team effort. A perfect ball from Christie, great vision from Solanke (so often those crosses just get pinged off the first or covering man) and nice late run and finish from Anthony.
Beautiful play as well for the second and Lerma with the instincts of a striker... That Hudders defenders clearance though? Oh dear!
Ref started as lenient but got stricter the longer the match went on, particularly against us. I'm glad there wasn't a real match going on as in a competitive situation I could have seen a bad decision going against us.
The energy of the press was been something to behold. Zemura and Billing in particular. And when PB is excelling at the press then you know you have a committed XI out there!
The third goal was pure quality again. Lerma at the heart of things as he often was today. Then good play from Anthony to delay and wait for the Billing run and Solanke's finish was delicate and delicious in equal measure.
The second half possession play to kill the game was how this system should be done. Drag them back and forth, left and right. Don't worry, keep hold of it and work the opening. Very different to knocking it between the back four at a snails pace followed by a hoof.
Today we saw exactly what Parker has been trying desperately to get from his players all season. Guess what? It was good to watch. Let's implement his system like that some more please.
Positive performances:
There were a lot out there so I'm picking out a few but I could list most of them here.
Lerma - Reinvented himself as Glenn Hoddle today with some of his passing and vision. Unexpected but a joy to see. Sharp finish. Shame about the brainless yellow card.
Smith - Was all over this game, at both ends. We may have been less effective attacking down the right but that was in no way due to him.
Kelly - After the recent criticism, he was utterly dominant out there as well as good on the ball. Welcome back!
Could easily mention Billing, Zemura, Anthony, Solanke and L Cook here.
Room for improvement:
Christie - Still kept his work rate up but gave away a couple of chances early on and never quite had the same on the ball quality we usually get from him. Of course, there was still that beautiful pass for the first goal so... not terrible! Picking holes as there's always room for improvement.
