DISQUS

AtlantaPompey · 1 year ago

We were outplayed. If our strategy this year is to send in long crosses to Crouchie, who isn't that good with his head, or to Defoe, who is 5'7", then we're in for a long season. We didn't win many midfield battles, and weren't able to advance the ball on the ground against ManU. We can beat the lesser teams in the league, but we won't do that well in the UEFA Cup, nor can we aspire to finish higher than 8th if this is how our offense tries to move the ball up the field. I was disappointed, even though they were essentially doing this two weeks ago in Nigeria.

SWP: Were you watching? We need you in the midfield. Not just for depth, but to push some of the current players to do better than they are doing now.

In order to end Chelsea's home points streak, we'll have to do better than this.

Phil McThomas · 1 year ago

I didn't watch the game - my FIOS still doesn't seem to carry Setanta - so I feel I dodged a bullet.

Whoever decided that the Community Shield should be decided on penalties is nuts.

Karthik Balasubramanian · 1 year ago

Though Portsmouth were outplayed, I have to say their defense looked impressive. The back 4 maintained shape well and Distin was especially impressive. On another day if Ronaldo and Rooney had played the result might have been very different.

That said, Portsmouth have some serious problems with creativity. They seem to rely too much on Kranjcar for creativity a more creative replacement for Muntari seems to be a priority. There was a time when Defoe actually dropped down to midfield and collected a pass and made quite a run. If Pompey cant find an attacking mid who can supply the Crouch-Defoe partnership it might deny them the serious chance they seem to have to kick the big ones off the ladder.

AtlantaPompey · 1 year ago

I agree Kartik. Long passes to Defoe and Crouch won't work against the better teams. Defoe or Crouch have to get the ball upfield themselves, or Niko needs to be involved in the game more.

Redknapp showed his big game inexperience when he kept substituting and ended up with several players on the pitch for penalty kicks that had no business taking them. When your kick is so far off that the goalie doesn't even flinch but simply throws his hands up in celebration, you shouldn't have taken the kick.

In all honesty, the defense was great at times, and not at others. ManU missed two easy goals because of defensive mistakes and David James made spectacular saves. Tevez was pulled down in the box which should have been a penalty.

It will be interesting to see how Redknapp handles this setback.

JLay · 1 year ago

James played out of his skin - it amazes me that the guy has reflexes like that at 38.

Otherwise, Pompey looked horrible - 3/4of the game had to have taken place in their half.

You're spot on about the long balls to Crouchie, everyone seems to assume that he's strong in the air because he's so tall, but the guy weighs nothing - it's all too easy to knock him off of the ball - while it's in the air or after he settles it.

United started the last season off terribly, and I hope that we don't see a repeat this year. Chelsea are legitimately stronger, and we can't afford to spot them any points in August.

With Rooney and Ronaldo out, United are in desparate need of a target man. Pay whatever Tottenham asks - just get Berba in here fast!

Nani was a pleasant surprise - he seems to have matured a bit, was making better decisions with the ball, and looks quite capable of stepping into CR's shoes next year or the year after. Neville looked OK too, which surprised me - but neityher he or Wes Brown are the long term answer.

I want a striker and a right back - make it happen, Ferg!

ahmedunitedfan · 1 year ago

man united need a striker and berbatov wants to play for man united too.