Agreed!
I was primarily happy for us, but also happy for him. He deserves a break, is amidst a genuine injury crisis, and has come through a tough wek unbeaten. A moment for us all to rally and enjoy.
Maybe we can add more depth and sign another attacker to replace Johnson. proud/encourage by how the attacking players are trying to step up. Simons has. He’s playing with pomp, he’s in his zone. Odobert also getting confidence
from his ability.
Solanke helps with a focal point, but we are not a polished attacking unit still. The coordination between players, decisive passes to setup a shot etc are still developing. Our fullbacks and midfielders need to sync-in more in attack, our crosses are often behind players. But there’s more speed, movement and direct intent!
After lamenting the stadium this season and the negativity, I thought the fans (and Xavi) were instrumental in the come back! Maybe we need more planed walk outs
It’s a curious stadium. I loved watching it being built, attended all the first games there. But it’s extreme - when it’s rocking there aren’t many stadia like it. Refs, opposition teams, even our own team, can’t handle the intensity. And then it can go eerily quiet: the contrast in volume makes it feel like noon at the ok coral. Certain games I felt the stadium atmosphere push our team too far - Chelsea game under Ange, where we didn’t need pumping up, but focus. The longer this team play there and get used to the atmosphere the more they can feed off it. Once we got a goal back, the noise energy-commitment-harmony was in full swing. Refs are sucked in. We play better with insane commitment fuelled by fans. The showman like Xavi and Odobert rise to the occasion. Those who are more shy still feel the weight of pressure.
I hope the manager is coaching them on how to vibe off (and handle) the intensity of the stadium. For a meek side it will just add pressure, but for those brave enough and ready to ride it, it can help the team massively. This side need to get over that hump and create the unity with fans at home. Maybe today was a turning point.
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