I can't blame him too much for our offensive performance. We were bad individually and Moscow parked the bus from the first minute. But man, was our defense bad. Every time they had the ball it looked like they would score. If we were up against Lewandowski and Gnabry we woud've lost 7-2 like Spurs. Sarri needs to sort this shit out ASAP.
He's been getting lucky that the stars of the team are taking turns to bail him out. First it was Dybala then Ronaldo and now Costa. The football we've played under him has been far from impressive.
I will take this result but performance was utter crap. Slow and letargic in attack, without clear idea how to attack and leaving our forwards isolated and frustrated, defense in all sorts of trouble. We couldnt cope with mediocre players like Eder and Joao Mario all night. This shit just wont fly against better teams. Fortunately we can focus on Serie A now and hopefully improve our game by spring, when it will matter.
If we play like this you are right, but this team has so much more potential, and I think they will rise to the occasion, when facing better teams. Our best games this season was vs Atletico, Napoli, Leverkusen and Merda, which was probably the 4 best teams we meet.
We need to get some key players back and/ or in shape. I never seen Ronaldo this bad before. Pjanic had an of night and we need to get Costa fully fit. Hopefully Chiellini will be back fir the second part of the season.
Well he receives the ball on the left touch line, so Moscow stretches their defence laterally. That creates space for Higuain to actually receive a ball and then space for Costa to exploit because the CBs actually have more than 2 metres between them.
We wait for the ball instead of moving around to create some passing options. Should switch more often to the opposing flank from time to time to make the other club run a bit. With our little lateral passes they only have to wait for us. Also, Alex Sandro by playing all the time can't/won't make a run without the ball so he can receive a lofted ball once in a while. Would love to see our fullbacks do that more often. In conclusion, no more 2 guys on the corners, Have one go close to the half line instead in case we get countered.
He is very smart tactically. We have seen him play left, right and centre, and stick to what managers want from him. The part where he isn't smart is the desicion making in the final ball usually. Saved us big time.