We have to play the 4-3-3 formation next season, midfield looks much relaxed and more options to pass. I don't mind putting wright phillips out the team to sacrifice for this formation he definetly isn't a winger in my eyes.
your right, I pritch is a wonderfull box to box midfielder .I am a massive fan of his. the squad feels strong, but as afka says we shouldnt read too much in to this. Very positive though!
The youngsters were all good, bover looked very composed and tidy, very confident, cousins was totally comfortable and looks a good athlete, and mambo was very good too.
Records will say 1-0 but we all know it was really 3-0....and 3-0 a totally fair reflection of our performance for me. Obviously early days and Sporting didn't offer too much but you can only play whats put in front of you. I thought we looked sharp, confident and very lively particularly on the counter attack....impressive stuff.
Irrespective of the significance of the match, bottom line is we beat a top European club tonight and that is no mean feat.
I'm curious to hear whether the Sporting team fielded a strong team having not so much knowledge of their players. All I know is that the Portuguese TV people referred to them as s "Sporting XI".
I'm curious to hear whether the Sporting team fielded a strong team having not so much knowledge of their players. All I know is that the Portuguese TV people referred to them as s "Sporting XI".
It was a very strong Sporting squad.
Compare tonights team..
Marcelo Boeck; Bruno Pereirinha (Cedric Soares 46), Daniel Carriço (Onyewu 59), Xandão (Nuno Reis 59), Insúa (Pranjic 59); Rinaudo (Gelson Fernandes 46); Elias (André Martins 45), Adrien Silva (Schaars, 59); Jeffrén (Wilson Eduardo, 45), Diego Capel (André Carrillo 59), Ricky van Wolfswinkel (Diego Rubio 59).
Could only watch the first half. Good win but it's only pre-season, concerns about certain players stepping up don't go away after a win in a friendly...
Interesting Powell again played 4-3-3. When he first came in he tried it but we didn't have the players. Get the feeling it might be the way he wants to play longer term. Did we play with Green in the front 3 and Waggy in the middle, or the other way around?
Pleased to see Smith impressed again, if he can step up this season it'll save us bringing in cover for Yann.
Oh have I missed all our other pre season friendlies? Ahem sorry we've only had one game against welling ffs. Enjoy the moment a win is a win friendly or not.
Comments
"England captain Jackson" has a nice ring to it.
I don't mind putting wright phillips out the team to sacrifice for this formation he definetly isn't a winger in my eyes.
The youngsters were all good, bover looked very composed and tidy, very confident, cousins was totally comfortable and looks a good athlete, and mambo was very good too.
Obviously early days and Sporting didn't offer too much but you can only play whats put in front of you. I thought we looked sharp, confident and very lively particularly on the counter attack....impressive stuff.
Irrespective of the significance of the match, bottom line is we beat a top European club tonight and that is no mean feat.
I hope Baldock takes note of this result....
`to create danger in multiple bids'
Can you imagine CP explaining this instruction to Danny Green ;P
Compare tonights team..
Marcelo Boeck; Bruno Pereirinha (Cedric Soares 46), Daniel Carriço (Onyewu 59), Xandão (Nuno Reis 59), Insúa (Pranjic 59); Rinaudo (Gelson Fernandes 46); Elias (André Martins 45), Adrien Silva (Schaars, 59); Jeffrén (Wilson Eduardo, 45), Diego Capel (André Carrillo 59), Ricky van Wolfswinkel (Diego Rubio 59).
to last seasons stats..
http://uk.soccerway.com/teams/portugal/sporting-clube-de-portugal/squad/
Tonights team made a lot of appearances for them.
When you add the new signings - Pranjic (Bayern Munich/Croatia) and Fernandes (ex Man City) to that, it was a decent lineup we beat.
Interesting Powell again played 4-3-3. When he first came in he tried it but we didn't have the players. Get the feeling it might be the way he wants to play longer term. Did we play with Green in the front 3 and Waggy in the middle, or the other way around?
Pleased to see Smith impressed again, if he can step up this season it'll save us bringing in cover for Yann.
We are in no way getting ahead of ourselves.
Sporting made the UEFA Cup Semi Finals last year. We should be very proud of this result.
An alternative match report if anyone is interested.
people say the oppo only just back in training but we have not exactly been playing week in week out.
Be interesting to see the result against The Massive.
Also can't believe AFKA hedged his under 2.5 goals bet, by nobbling the lino.
hamer
solly
morrison
cort
wiggins
jackson
hollands
cook
kermorgant
wagstaff
BWP
and that still leaves wilson, green, smith, stephens, pritchard..
such a good squad imo