19 Feb 2013 23:57:50
Well 3-1 lose there is just no hiding place at this level. Bayern are a class outfit no doubt. They have no real star players like a Barca. or a Madrid have but top players that work so well as a complete unit, efficent well drilled and ruthless when their chances come, very German infact.

I have to say though we helped them a lot in the 1st half with starting so sloppy and the 2nd goal in particular was a gift and real killer blow. The players simply do not get Zonal marking you have to attack the ball for gods sake.

Why does it take us to fall too far behind for us to really get with it and start having a impact on the game. The team selection was wrong Ramsey is just not starter in games such as this, not good enough. Walcott can't play as lone striker in the centre he needs to either stay out wide or partner Giroud in a 4-4-2. We also paid for not having a natural LB available and Bayern exploited this weakness.

This 4-3-3 yet again against the better sides proves so ineffective and gives little control in midfield. We have not got enough physicality and power in there to make 4-3-3 work well for us.

Marks:-

Sczenzy 5:- Seems to be going backwards slowly. Flapped at a few corners and has to do much better for 2nd goal even though the defenders did not attack the ball he can't just palm it straight to Muller like that.

Sagna 5:- Not much of a clue going forward, usual poor deliveries from out wide often got crowded out. Little unlucky with 3rd goal.

Kos 6:- Pace got him out of trouble a few times but looked nervous on the ball.

PM 5:- As the older more experienced CB partner needs to show more leadership. Needs to marshall the back line from his lead. Again looks clumsy on the ball. Not suited to a high line pressing game when we need to push the back 4 up to support the midfielders pressuring in 2nd half.

TV 6:- Did his best but looks uncomfortable as LB. Defended O. k with some good interceptions but not much clue going forward. Really missing Gibbs.

Arteta 5:- Neat and tidy But he is just not being utilised well playing so deeply. Little impact on game going forward. Game passed him by at times.

Ramsey 5:- Just not up to standard at this level for me. Works hard but offers little going forward. Gave some free kicks away in dodgy positions aswell.

Wilshire 8:- Easily our best player yet again. The only one driving forward with any real purpose. Some good slalomesque runs that caused problems to Bayern in 2nd half. Need
a few more like him.

Cazorla 6:- In and out of game. did not get on the ball enough often tried to force it too much.

Podolski 6:- can't fault effort and gets stuck in, but apart from goal little impact really. Misses Gibbs on the overlap.

Walcott 5:- lsolated figure up front in he just can't play on his own up there against any sort of decent side. He needs a partner in a 4-4-2 our 4-3-3 does not get best out of him. Very little impact apart from that cross to Giroud when he came on.


Subs, Rosicky 6:- Short cameo but proved much more comfortable at this level than Ramsey does good ball to Walcott for Giroud chance.

Giroud 6:- Little time but gave the Bayern defence something to think about physically and unlucky with that vital chance to make it 2-2, almost hit it too clean in a way.

1.) 20 Feb 2013
I just want to say that Bayern have a team full of star players. Ribery is one of the best wingers/wide forwards in the world. Muller has been consistently star quality at the highest level for club and country his entire career. Scweinsteiger's nickname the Brain is justified. Javi Martinez had us on lockers all night, star of the Europa League and spanish league last year along with some other players, moved to Bayern for a fortune. Philip Lahm the most consistent wing back in the world. Germany captain too I think (don't quote me but pretty sure he is/was), then you have one of the top 5 if not 3 keepers in the world in Neuer, you have Robben who we all know is one of the best players in the world. Their team is full of star players - the problem is these days you don't hear anything about players if they aren't in the uber ridiculous category (Messi/RVP/Ronaldo) or the going-to-be-uber-ridiculous category e. g. Hazard. Bayern is a team absolutely littered with stars!

Sorry, I just needed to get that off my chest!

2.) 20 Feb 2013
A five for Schez? He was woeful. Not good enough to be number 1 at this stage.