Reply To: Villa at home – Friday night

#1907408
roygbiv
roygbiv
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Another somewhat “ugly” win but a win nonetheless. We’re looking more confident than we’ve done in years and even though we’re far from perfect we have a few players who can make a real difference. Martial and Fernandes got the goals although neither of them were at their best. Bruno always influences games, no matter how well he plays, but Martial’s form and application are a real worry – yet again – especially with Cavani suspended.

De Gea made a few very good saves against Villa, just as he did against Wolves and Maguire and especially Bailly were pretty solid. I just hope Bailly can stay fit for once because his pace means we can hold a higher line. Wan-Bissaka got a long-awaited assist but was at fault for Villa’s goal but both he and Shaw were shaky at the back and (mostly) ineffective going forward.

McT and Fred both had games to forget and despite all their endeavors, neither are good enough, really. Fernandes drifted in and out of the game but is so important on and off the ball, as is Rashford although he had another one of these games where nothing comes off for him. Martial was also anonymous but I was pleased with Pogba’s effort. He worked hard and tried to influence the game whenever he could, which is what he should be doing all the time.

I think Ole will be thinking this is his strongest line-up, possibly with Cavani coming in for Martial and Shaw and Telles rotating. Rashford is obviously better on the left but with Greenwood needing to find his feet again, I don’t really see a better option for the right wing at the moment. Diallo and Pellistri won’t be ready for a while although I hope Diallo can at least get a few cameos to show his worth.

Being joint top at this point in the season is definitely not something I expected but we’re doing well at the moment and this is indeed a strange season. I don’t see us lasting the course but some momentum and positivity is what it’s all about while we continue to rebuild.