[Fillipo Simone]

So, not a bad match allover, but for me there are two clear groups of players who played well and those who haven't.

Our fullbacks were top on today. Especially De Sciglio made a few very good passes and runs. Abate - needless to say - was good as well but had minor defensive problems. Alex and Bonaventura did also very well, Menez was okay. It's a bit hard to tell who's MoM because IMO no one was that outstanding. So my vote goes to MDS.

The bad group - starts with Muntari, who would be flop if he hadn't score that great goal that saved him. But my pick will be Rami; too many individual mistakes - unbelievable errors in passing and positioning.

Torres could have done also much more. Honda was okay, but his finishing leaves much to be desired. Nevermind the good free-kick, but he wasted 2 good chances with a bad miss. Nevertheless, a good game.

[Jack Sparrow]

I think we're all struggling with unrealistic expectations.

So far I'm very satisfied with how the team has performed.

I mentioned in the prediction thread that if Torres scores 15-20 goals this season we will end up chasing CL, else the expectation is that we end up in Europe.

Currently Torres isn't scoring at that rate, and we are 5th in the table. With the squad we have, this is very very respectable. I have hopes that Montolivo, Lopez and MvG returning would improve our steam. Hopefully a CB addition in the winter market as well. Someone talented and exciting. Though no hopes on that.


All in all, I give this team 7.5 on 10. So we are pretty much meeting expecations. On the flip side that we are top scorers in the league is an added filip.

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Just one point on how we pick on players like Muntari and Bonera. They're average players. When we say we wish them to give their best every match, it doesn't make sense. At their best they're good players. But day in and day out, if they showed that kind of performance they would be a level higher than where they're at now.

The fact that they have mediocre games with the occasional good display is what ensures they will remain average. This is all you get for what you pay. Simple as.

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