I think you need to read Ange’s comments after the game. He knew it was going to shit but he decided not to solve the problem because the players went against the basic principles of the system. Go back and watch the first 2 goals for Brighton. Forget about Udogie’s error. Look at the the front 5, they’re all retreating, jogging backwards failing to press. This is why the goals came. You would think that straight after half time our players would come out of the blocks with the foot on Brighton’s throat and killed the game just like at Man Utd. Instead they were too busy thinking about their national teams or suffering fatigue. Maddison came out and said that the half time team talk was about not getting complacent so I think it sounds like Ange did warn them…
I’m not saying I necessarily agree with what Ange did but I think he was trying to make a point to the players by not changing things. Now he has 2 videos that he can show the players. Video 1, Man Utd 3-0 away. This is what happens when we stick to our principles. Video 2, Brighton 2-3 away. This what happens when we go away from our game plan. He did say at the fan forum that he would not be changing and parking the bus. He’s not stupid, he know he can grind out a result by changing thing up but he doesn’t want to.
Now I’m ok if you want to call me an Ange Fan boy for the second time but please note that I did criticise him for his selection and in another thread I mentioned that Spence and Bissouma should have featured more. I also criticised our build up play after the Woolwich game and said we needed to be more direct when we win the ball from the press.
As for Werner, we need to remember that he’s been signed as Bryan Gil’s replacement. He’s 3rd or 4th choice. It’s just unfortunate that Son, Odobert and Richarlison are all injured at the same time. I think most fans would agree that he’s a better back up than Gil.
Anyway I liked your post, it made me think…