[Albion] Japan pre season

[Winker]

Do we have any fullbacks?

 

[Simster]

My MOTM second half

Welbeck in the first.

I missed that he set up the third so that obviously clouds my judgement. I just find that while he can be influential, he often runs into trouble and doesn't play the right ball. Can't really argue with two assists though.

And if Fab is happy then I am.

 

[W3 BHA]

Weir was pretty solid with a number of good blocks - quite the Jenson Interceptor!

 

[chickens]

Lots to like about both performances, though I feel like FH will have more debrief work to do re: defensive positioning after this match.

The new boys impressed, I liked Sarmiento but felt like there was a touch of the early Enciso’s about his decision-making.

I thought Ayari had incredible vision and awareness of where his teammates were, a couple of great longer passes from him.

Our attack has teeth, there’s a lot to like.

 

[nickbrighton]

quite an enjoyable watch, think some of our passing was sharp, one touch stuff. nice to see us look threatening at set pieces. They are friendlies but have to be happy with what Ive seen so far, the lack of jeopardy always takes the edge off , but very promising

 

[BLOCK F]

I think we will pepper defences with Minteh spearheading our attack.

He’s looking extra strong is Minteh.

 

[Flounce]

Hard to believe that we can now change all 11 players and nothing changes on the pitch. FH has some tough decisions to make as quite a few players will have to go out on loan/ be sold given that we still have quite a few senior players to come back?

 

[Eric the meek]

Lots to like about both performances, though I feel like FH will have more debrief work to do re: defensive positioning after this match.

The new boys impressed, I liked Sarmiento but felt like there was a touch of the early Enciso’s about his decision-making.

I thought Ayari had incredible vision and awareness of where his teammates were, a couple of great longer passes from him.

Our attack has teeth, there’s a lot to like.

That's an interesting, astute observation. It is exactly what someone said about him before he joined us.

 

[Sid and the Sharknados]

Listen closely and you will hear 50000 Geordies gently weep

Flood alerts in Jarrow and South Shields from all the tears.

 

[Mr deez]

Looking good.

As well as being only a friendly, let's not forget it's still 32 degrees in Tokyo and humid. I half expected these matches to be a slow kick about so I'm pleased, and I think we can all forgive any defensive flaws given these are very alien circumstances.

 

[severnside gull]

Wow! We have no defence!

Jensen Weir playing centre back (as far as I know for the first time in his life) easily the best defender second half

 

[zefarelly]

He’s looking extra strong is Minteh.

No apparent hole in his game.

 

[METALMICKY]

Weir was pretty solid with a number of good blocks - quite the Jenson Interceptor!

See what you did there but they were prone to breaking down whilst looking lovely!

 

[Littlemo]

It’s going to be interesting to see how this translates to playing in the Pl but it certainly has been looking attacking and fun to watch. Defence is a bit missing but we have a lot of players to come back for that so I don’t doubt it’ll improve.

 

[Mancgull]

Baleba‘s pace will be important if we’re going to play a high line in the PL.
I think Moran is doing well and am glad to see him start both these games.

Absolutely agree re Baleba’s pace. Going to be vital in providing cover for the wing backs.

 

[Tom Hark Preston Park]

Wow! We have no defence!

Maybe not, but will still be an instantly improved defence if we a) keep the same keeper from match to match and b) stop playing pretty bloody risky passing triangles in our own eighteen yard box. Talk about low-hanging fruit...

 

[GT49er]

Nice that we now sometimes cross the ball into the box rather than turning back and recycling it out to the opposite wing, rinse and repeat.

Interesting to see young players returning from unsuccessful loans in the Championship and League1 coming in and playing quite well. Looks like Hurzeler really means to have a midfielder playing at CB - has Weir ever played CB before in his life?

 

[Pevenseagull]

audacious bit of pushing in

 

[Mancgull]

When you play with wing backs they have to track back and we need a mobile/ fast midfielder to provide cover.
ACD didn’t seem to be doing his tracking back early in the second half but then seemed to get the message and did. He looks to be a very good player and I’m sure will be a first teamer in time. We’ll also have Jack H in that position.
If we are going to strengthen anywhere I think a fast centre back is where I’d target, as it looks like we will play a high defensive line.

 

[miffy6]

1-0 Van Hecke

1-1

2-1 Minteh

3-1 Adingra

3-2

4-2 Sarmiento