Should've played these guys instead:
Kinsky
Porro - Romero - Danso - Udogie
Kudus - Bentancour - Bergvall - Maddison - Odobert
Kulusevski
Oh, wait, they're not available.
No excuse for the inept performances today, of course, but I believe that with more of our best players available we could've taken the game to them. With a more balanced defensive unit I also don't think we would've made as many mistakes as we did at the back - errors that are costly when you play one of the best teams in the country.
For what it's worth, I think the 3-1 goal flattened us completely, especially after having had our equalizer cancelled. It was soft, but probably correct, but never in a million years had it been ruled out for a team in red.
Which was a big shame, for had it stood, we would've managed to come back from being a goal down twice. Yes, we were second best and lost deservedly, but up until that 3-1 goal I thought there was enough fight in us and enough sloppiness from them for us to actually manage to get something from the game. In short spells we showed that we were able to push them back and create half chances.
In the end, the difference in quality showed, unfortunately. We got what we deserved. A lot of our players had sub par games. I was especially disappointed in Xavi, who was poor. Gray fell of a cliff after being decent, Dragusin made too many errors, Spence was just too flakey, Sarr invisible and Solanke and Richarlison offered little when they came on. Kolo Muani was thw one bright spot, IMO. I also believe subbing Gallagher was a mistake, as he was one who actually worked hard.
We are in trouble, that's for sure. But it's still in our own hands, and this game was never going to be decisive.
The next few months will be nerve wrecking, and we absolutely have to start to gain points soon. Starting next weekend would be good. Hopefully we can also start to see players back, and not suffer any more injuries too.
