The Manchester United defeat was tough to take, not just because their our arch rivals but because we had hyped the game up so much in terms of we all felt we would walk it at Anfield. I think that may have filtered through to the players as well as for the first 45 minutes we were dreadful. We allowed them too much space to play in and we didn't get anywhere near close to the levels of intensity we have shown in recent weeks. As well as this when we did have the ball we didn't use it well enough at all, and obviously the sending off at the start of the second half killed us a bit, as it was always going to be an uphill battle from there. United deserved the three points on the day. But we have had a long international break and
Opposition View
Newcastle United (a) Opposition View: “The club is a sinking ship at the minute”
The excitement of Pardew leaving didn't last long after being told Carver will be the man to take the helm, a man which most NUFC fans wanted gone with Pardew. It has only gotten worse since then. No signings in January which we desperately needed and it’s epitomised by the state of our squad right now, Players have given up once again - they only seem to put a shift in for half a season and even that’s debatable, there’s just no prospect to get excited about for NUFC. Fans are almost adamant Carver will get the job full-time resulting in more cancellation of season tickets. Another summer will come along where Ashley promises to spend ‘big’ but nothing materialises come the 1st of September. At present its painful being an NUFC fan, there’s no ambition so there’s nothing to get excited about - cups are out of the question and finishing tenth is a good season in the clubs eyes who continue to feed us lies and excuses. Sometimes I wonder what is the point anymore?
Monaco (a) Opposition View: “Arsenal is going to score so we will certainly see goals”
This year Monaco is the better defensive team in Champion's League AND in our championship (Ligue 1) with twenty goals against. I can explain that, because in the start of the season 14-15, Leonardo Jardim try to play mostly in the attack. But we grant many goals (4 against Bordeaux, 3 against Lorient...) so he changes completely strategy and he put the defensive line below. Gradually, recruits and "old" of the team began to work together and it makes the strong of the team. The middle of the team is very important too, with Toulalan, Kondogbia or Bakayoko and also Fabinho, who makes formidable work of recovery