QUOTE (X-Offender @ Mar 7 2021, 05:00 PM)
Massive indeed. Never dreamt we'd win considering the injury list. Perhaps this goes to show that maybe some starters have been slacking off lately.
Great to get the 3 points and stay clear of that 5th spot. Ironically we'd be better off if Inter wins tomorrow vs Atalanta but I want the f*ckers to lose.
I think the fact that there were fresher legs in there is what helped rather than players slacking off. It's clear some players are being run into the ground at this point. Kessie seems to be the only on who can physically handle it. The muscle injuries and muscle fatigue issues which have been cropping up since October/November are testament to this. Pioli tried to start off the season with rotation but injuries and Covid forced his hand.
Heads have been dropping since we returned from the winter break. And subsequently the performances have also dropped. It doesn't help that every time we thing we're getting some semblance of a full squad back we lose important players again.
It was great seeing the confidence back in our play, we pressed effectively rather than chasing shadows that contributed to even more fatigue. We moved the ball better and we defended better. Sometimes a bit of a shake up helps to freshen things up, even if it was forced upon us.
Re inter, I'd rather they lose as well. Atalanta are a very choppy side, so they'll continue to lose points, just like Roma and Lazio will also do. Inter need to get a bit of a kick in the teeth. They're flying high atm, a good demoralising loss would be just what the doctor ordered Plus we'd be back to within 3 points of them with Napoli next.