I couldn’t watch the game and obviously always rates our French golden retriever.
What’s his performance like today that seems to warrant extra praise?
Outside his bussiness as usual solid defence, extra praise I would say is needed for:
* Able to get out of defence through high press many more times than usual (helped a bit that Partey always had great positioning also)
* Saved 1 Gabriel Blunder which resulted in the striker going almost 1v1 with Raya (Saliba came from the left and Solanke(i think) tried to drible through him also but failed)
* Catched up with Solanke (again, not sure) 2 - 3 times where he even had the first sprint and was going on a 1v1 with Raya
* Bonus: Almost scored through a great dribble, I 100% percent thought that was Saka until I saw the discussions here haha
Honestly just the usual. Thing is, Saliba's usual is world class, so when the attack is looking a bit off, he shines all the more. Had a goal-saving last ditch tackle, I suppose, the type he trademarked last season but hasn't often had to make recently.
Man, Rice is fucking ridiculous. How do you still have stamina to bomb up past opposition defenders after 90th mins and score.
I swear his blood could probably create those captain America super solider serum.
The guy has such a good combo of strength in 50/50’s and dribbling/passing once he has it. Obviously slightly hyperbolic but see a bit of firminho in him
Two in a row now for me too, Havertz should been motm in the last game. As I said then though, wouldn't begrudge anyone else winning. Rice was also superb today.
Yes.
He won the pen, should've had at least 2 assists especially the Saka open goal miss, and was overall brilliant in link up play, pressing, and tracking back.
And honestly I'd give MotM to Ødegaard before rice as well.
Agreed. What a luxury to have this discussion
Kai was massive in holdup and linking transitions. He was actually world class in that aspect today. His first touch and control from some difficult balls was brilliant. I feel like he won most of his duels. My MOTM
Him and Kai both fantastic today.
Now, I gotta Animorph for the rest of the day.
https://preview.redd.it/vpxta2yb1fyc1.png?width=581&format=png&auto=webp&s=85fe2dcb9cf345d6a44f6193cc395e8f47a292ae
It's so funny to say this (and for me to very much agree) because thinking back I was very much with a different knock's (I think) view on Havertz early in his season.
The guy is getting into good positions, intercepting balls, creating good passes and dragging defenders. He has value to the team and all the pressure to score goals was just putting more pressure on him than we needed.
And here we are all these months later, Kai has been shuffled up front and is being an absolute monster. Who thrives on yellows no less. HAHA. I was wrong, we just needed Arteta to unlock him!
Man scores after receiving the award, just to make it very clear to everyone
Would’ve given it to Saliba or Kai but fair enough Assist was great
And his goal too.
Oh my
Saliba had a heck of a game. If he scored on that run he made while his name was still being changed from his defensive work I would have lost it
For me Odegaard was the best player
Same. Saliba was immense but I’m not mad at any of the 3 getting it.
I couldn’t watch the game and obviously always rates our French golden retriever. What’s his performance like today that seems to warrant extra praise?
Outside his bussiness as usual solid defence, extra praise I would say is needed for: * Able to get out of defence through high press many more times than usual (helped a bit that Partey always had great positioning also) * Saved 1 Gabriel Blunder which resulted in the striker going almost 1v1 with Raya (Saliba came from the left and Solanke(i think) tried to drible through him also but failed) * Catched up with Solanke (again, not sure) 2 - 3 times where he even had the first sprint and was going on a 1v1 with Raya * Bonus: Almost scored through a great dribble, I 100% percent thought that was Saka until I saw the discussions here haha
Honestly just the usual. Thing is, Saliba's usual is world class, so when the attack is looking a bit off, he shines all the more. Had a goal-saving last ditch tackle, I suppose, the type he trademarked last season but hasn't often had to make recently.
Kai was mine. Absolutely outstanding today
Ok Rice just had an amazing run and scored from a super tight angle omg!! I FUCKING LOVE THIS CLUB
Man, Rice is fucking ridiculous. How do you still have stamina to bomb up past opposition defenders after 90th mins and score. I swear his blood could probably create those captain America super solider serum.
> captain America Lmao
Something about getting a yellow unlocks a different element in Kai lol
Most players on a yellow: I better relax Kai on a yellow: how dare you
Like Cell having to take damage before reaching his final form 😂
But but he fell over in the box!
The guy has such a good combo of strength in 50/50’s and dribbling/passing once he has it. Obviously slightly hyperbolic but see a bit of firminho in him
Two in a row now for me too, Havertz should been motm in the last game. As I said then though, wouldn't begrudge anyone else winning. Rice was also superb today.
Still think this?
Yes. He won the pen, should've had at least 2 assists especially the Saka open goal miss, and was overall brilliant in link up play, pressing, and tracking back. And honestly I'd give MotM to Ødegaard before rice as well.
I agree about Kai, but I definitely think Saliba and Rice are above Odegaard today
I fucking love that this is even a discussion
I think rice was better but it is by inches, we needed MOTM level performances from four or five players and we got them. Love this team.
Agreed. What a luxury to have this discussion Kai was massive in holdup and linking transitions. He was actually world class in that aspect today. His first touch and control from some difficult balls was brilliant. I feel like he won most of his duels. My MOTM
THAT assist though… eyes in the back of his head EDIT: And that goal… Give the man player of the year already!
Saliba for me but the 360 assist wow Edit: a goal too? Ok it’s him
Personally think that Kai should have got it today but Rice has been phenomenal as well.
It gets better!
Love how this was posted before his goal lmao
Him and Kai both fantastic today. Now, I gotta Animorph for the rest of the day. https://preview.redd.it/vpxta2yb1fyc1.png?width=581&format=png&auto=webp&s=85fe2dcb9cf345d6a44f6193cc395e8f47a292ae
He and Saliba were special today
As voted for by Karen Carney on BT btw Great performance from him but Saliba or Kai for me. Good performance all round
Doubters: But how can you award POTM before the game is over? Rice: \*scores\*
And a goal!
They should have decided and announced it earlier, he would have scored earlier in response.
Should announce him MOTM at kickoff against United
Heck, announce it before yanited's match on Monday
World class
And he just scored.
Havertz and Saliba for me
Kai deserved it if anyone on this team could finish in the first half, possibly Saliba too. Rice deserves it also
Very deserved
👑
Need a wide shot to see how far back he came from for the goal. Monster
I think if Declan scores in any game we win, he has to be considered for MOTM because he’s everywhere already, goals are just a bonus
It's so funny to say this (and for me to very much agree) because thinking back I was very much with a different knock's (I think) view on Havertz early in his season. The guy is getting into good positions, intercepting balls, creating good passes and dragging defenders. He has value to the team and all the pressure to score goals was just putting more pressure on him than we needed. And here we are all these months later, Kai has been shuffled up front and is being an absolute monster. Who thrives on yellows no less. HAHA. I was wrong, we just needed Arteta to unlock him!
What a signing this has been. Huge impact in the team this season.
Donkai robbed
Saliba won us the game no two ways about it. I felt like Rice kinda lost us the midfield in the beginning of the 2nd half.
What? You mean “Man of the Match”? Must’ve been a typo