by AkydefGoldberg » Jan 28, '14, 4:01 pm
It's another grinding out sort of win but points are in the bag.
Mata did well for his debut; had a few balls in the first off not come off but nice and tidy. RVP took his goal well but the period just before we scored and the period after we scored the second goal was more like it. Quicker tempo and a drive to get forward but Rafael/Evra went forward too hastily which left spaces at the back. Speaking of the back, have alot more confidence in Smalling at CB than Jones. Former has got more composure on the ball to bring it out for me and I hope Moyes sticks with him again but decides to either play Vidic/Evans alongside him. Need to solidify a CB partnership of sorts that might help us stop leaking goals and create some harmony.
Young tbf to him has responded well in the last 2-3 months, scored some peaches of goals but still think he should leave in the summer. Valencia's lack of confidence showed when he had that chance (which he eventually hit the post) but had to cut it back. It's like he was saying to someone "**** IDK what to do here, someone help!" but took it on at least.
I'd say Fletcher/Jones in the next game with
Januzaj, Mata, Rooney,
RVP
But with it being Stoke, think Valencia will get the nod. But Stoke's midfield is hardly filled with pace so maybe that foursome line up might not require so much work behind.
I would be amazed if we were to get another signing - maybe Coentrao but that seems unlikely as its gone quiet. But think Mata signing and Moyes trying to patch up our midfield temporarily till the summer will be the aim but whether that gets us fourth is hard to say. Rooney/RVP will get us goals but midfield is an never ending issue atm.