Today, I was actually pleased with the performance, although the same old story of not being able to finish when it matters....and in all fairness we SHOULD be beating Blackburn at home.
We can try and try and try, but it's go to the point where, we need to do, do, do. I still feel that its VERY knee jerk to say that we need strikers in January, because I feel we have players capable, here, now, who can do it. We don't need Darren Bent, We don't need Jermain Defoe.
However, I honestly don't think we will get top four this season, because we don't want it enough. It's all about translating that WANT into DOING.
Andy Carroll has come under even more criticism today, and whilst I agree to a certain point with certain aspects. Today I thought he played well, if only he finished the chances he had. He SHOULD have put them away, but what can we do now? After his last chance right at the end of the game, (when the keeper pulled of a worldy) It was almost like, what does he have to do?
and this is where I think this criticism is unfair. He COULD have scored 3 today, but didn't. We cannot change that, only he can. Time will tell.
Downing also had his best game for me (who was beating the last man and getting good crosses in for once)
I'll probably get shot down or hung for saying this.
But it's my opinion, whether you agree with it or not, is up to you.
....and this is coming from me will surprise, because I'm one for never criticizing players simply because they didn't perform once, in a game. That's not me, so please don't make it out to be. This is my observation of the player, since we have had him.
Suarez is nowhere near as good as people make out. I admire his effort and work rate, I admire his will and want, I admire his determination and self belief.
But I don't think he is as good as people are making out. I really don't. I think he CAN be as good as people are making out now, but he isn't quite there yet, for me.
Obviously the best strikers need to be selfish in front of goal and I like the fact that he does try all the time, even when logic and position says different. He is very awkward and unorthodox and at times he will only have one thing in his sights.
But it's about putting it all together and finishing it. At the moment he is doing every thing from start, through the middle, but not the end.
It's obvious that he drives his own team mates up the wall, Downing was really annoyed in the Wigan game. Mainly because when the time was right, for once, he wouldn't play the easy ball, and would either try and do it all himself, give possession away or try and shoot from a stupid angle.
He is still young and he can improve a lot on his end product, but I honestly feel, he is nowhere near as good as people are making out....at the moment.