I watched whole game and it just reinforced how w@nk the football is in the Premier League compared to old 1st division days. Edit: in terms of expectations and entertainment.
Ie. No VAR, loads of meaty tackles, ref not hugely involved in game, much less pointless passing backwards from decent attacking positions all the way back to GK, loads of chances created. Both teams actually trying to get forward and score goals. Some great defending on show, centre backs who win headers, full backs who support the attack but recognise their primary job is to try and stop wingers. And no haranguing ref after diving. The quality of the football was very decent too.
But my biggest takeaway was from Mansfields midfield. Who can remember the days when midfielders had to do everything ie be where the ball is, attack, get back, tackle and pass. Made me yearn for a Neil Webb in our team.
Youngsters- imagine MGW on a good day combined with Mangalas ability to get out of a tight spot, goal scoring prowess of Elanga/ Taiwo combined with energy of Ryan Yates(though not tackling ability). Passing wise we have no one comparable so it would have to be passing ability of kevin De Brunye.
Oh well back to dreaming of a point at Bournemouth and a low block, good breaks, and Dominic Solanki not humiliating Murillo again.
Ie. No VAR, loads of meaty tackles, ref not hugely involved in game, much less pointless passing backwards from decent attacking positions all the way back to GK, loads of chances created. Both teams actually trying to get forward and score goals. Some great defending on show, centre backs who win headers, full backs who support the attack but recognise their primary job is to try and stop wingers. And no haranguing ref after diving. The quality of the football was very decent too.
But my biggest takeaway was from Mansfields midfield. Who can remember the days when midfielders had to do everything ie be where the ball is, attack, get back, tackle and pass. Made me yearn for a Neil Webb in our team.
Youngsters- imagine MGW on a good day combined with Mangalas ability to get out of a tight spot, goal scoring prowess of Elanga/ Taiwo combined with energy of Ryan Yates(though not tackling ability). Passing wise we have no one comparable so it would have to be passing ability of kevin De Brunye.
Oh well back to dreaming of a point at Bournemouth and a low block, good breaks, and Dominic Solanki not humiliating Murillo again.