Hail to the chief!

[King of Otters]

Shame we couldn't add Mouts but agree

Mouts in centre mid with Dembele further forward would just be delish darling.

Here's hoping we can pull it off in Jan.

 

[parklane_n17]

Where are the AVB bashers?

its only reading calm down

 

[talkshowhost86]

its only reading calm down

As has been pointed out, a Reading team that caused Chelsea a lot of problems. Fair enough we shouldn't be getting over-excited based on one performance, but even a clear AVB hater like you can see that was a good performance today.

Or are you one of those posters who would prefer to be right than for Spurs to do well?

 

[worcestersauce]

I thought we looked lacking in carrying the ball out, last season Modric would be there to collect it from defence and carry it forward, today that job was done by Sandro, Siggi and to a lesser extent Dembele not to mention Vertonghen who did it with some style. Why I thought we looked lacking is because last season it was basically always Modric so everyone knew what to do to give it to him and what to do once he'd got it but this season with the variations the players, I think, have to almost run through the options to make their move.
Ok so it introduced an element if not of confusion then certainly of delay and we lost the ball a few times because of it however, the upside of this is that they will soon get in the swing of it and become much smoother with the enormous benefit of the different options and without the total loss of creativity if one player is out of the team unlike the way we were when without Modric at any time.
It'll take a while longer but it improved through the game and is even now looking pretty good so surely it must be better in the long run.

 

[parklane_n17]

As has been pointed out, a Reading team that caused Chelsea a lot of problems. Fair enough we shouldn't be getting over-excited based on one performance, but even a clear AVB hater like you can see that was a good performance today.

Or are you one of those posters who would prefer to be right than for Spurs to do well?

I just worry that we are set up perfectly to play one way and away from home that is a good system at home it could be a struggle if he sacrificed a midfielder for a striker at home then fine.

 

[StartingPrice]

I thought we looked lacking in carrying the ball out, last season Modric would be there to collect it from defence and carry it forward, today that job was done by Sandro, Siggi and to a lesser extent Dembele not to mention Vertonghen who did it with some style. Why I thought we looked lacking is because last season it was basically always Modric so everyone knew what to do to give it to him and what to do once he'd got it but this season with the variations the players, I think, have to almost run through the options to make their move.
Ok so it introduced an element if not of confusion then certainly of delay and we lost the ball a few times because of it however, the upside of this is that they will soon get in the swing of it and become much smoother with the enormous benefit of the different options and without the total loss of creativity if one player is out of the team unlike the way we were when without Modric at any time.
It'll take a while longer but it improved through the game and is even now looking pretty good so surely it must be better in the long run.

Not to mention less predictable for the oppos...hopefully

 

[talkshowhost86]

I just worry that we are set up perfectly to play one way and away from home that is a good system at home it could be a struggle if he sacrificed a midfielder for a striker at home then fine.

We played a different way today than in our previous games and that itself shows we have more than one way to play. Also keep in mind we had attacking players in Adebayor, Dempsey and Huddlestone on the bench (as well as Townsend) so we're more than capable of being more attacking when needed.

That said, the best teams in Europe play one striker so I'm happy if that's how AVB wants to continue.

All I'm saying is that we're all far too quick to criticise managers when things go badly. So how about we praise AVB when he gets it right?

 

[Roberts84]

Things just need time. Things that stood out for me is that JV isn't just a good defender but he is very positive in starting attacks. He really could become a legend if he stays with his initial hunger to play for us. Hoddle said demebele could be better for us than Modric and I agree. Not meaning he's abetter player but might fit the system better. we'd be fecking stupid if we don't buy in to AvB and say wereally don't give a shit what happens in the next three years, have the time, don't build a team, build an empire.

 

[Joycer]

Where are the AVB bashers?

The press will be out in force tomorrow blaming him for something stupid which isn't his fault , Most likely the 3rd shirt which everyone seems to hate.......

 

[StartingPrice]

Things just need time. Things that stood out for me is that JV isn't just a good defender but he is very positive in starting attacks. He really could become a legend if he stays with his initial hunger to play for us. Hoddle said demebele could be better for us than Modric and I agree. Not meaning he's abetter player but might fit the system better. we'd be fecking stupid if we don't buy in to AvB and say wereally don't give a shit what happens in the next three years, have the time, don't build a team, build an empire.

I think the important thing is that We bought Modric in his early 20s and sold him just as he was coming into his peak; we are buying Dembele at 25, on the verge of his peak years...and he views us as his step up (for a while, at least), unlike Modric, who was viewing us as holding him back.

 

[talkshowhost86]

The press will be out in force tomorrow blaming him for something stupid which isn't his fault , Most likely the 3rd shirt which everyone seems to hate.......

As an 'AVB apologist' I must say that his personal design and creation of the third shirt has clearly paid off.

 

[StartingPrice]

The press will be out in force tomorrow blaming him for something stupid which isn't his fault , Most likely the 3rd shirt which everyone seems to hate.......

Didn't he cause a major natural disaster...or summit

 

[wallyjakeman]

The press will be out in force tomorrow blaming him for something stupid which isn't his fault , Most likely the 3rd shirt which everyone seems to hate.......

"Adebayor falling out with AVB about lack of playing", "Lloris regrets move to Spurs", "Bale unhappy with substitution", "Caulker wants Swansea move" and so on.

 

[StartingPrice]

its only reading calm down

Literacy is very important

 

[Dan Ashcroft]

Was very pleased, especially with the midfield trio.

Only small downsides for me:
- thought the front 3 lacked a bit of incision - I don't think two wingers an no inside forward is ideal; but then we have Ade and Dempsey to be eased in
- i wasn't convinced by Naughton - a million times better than Rose, but looked a bit shaky

 

[Kingstheman]

The press will be out in force tomorrow blaming him for something stupid which isn't his fault , Most likely the 3rd shirt which everyone seems to hate.......

A hybrid Newcastle United/Blackburn Rovers ensemble.

AVB out! Call the fashion police.

 

[THOWIG]

I don't care how Reading played. Let's be honest we were fearing the worse today. We were well coached, played to a system and could have scored 2 or 3 more goals. Yes we have 3 or 4 weak links, but there is a lot of positives in that team.

 

[Dan Ashcroft]

I want AVB to do well also but I was a touch worried when we were 1 0 up and about to bring on Hud - not because it was the wrong move but if it had then gone to 1 1 then the bashers would have been out in force! luckily Bale's miskick put paid to that and on such matters are managerial careers made!

I don't especially understand that. For me the sub to make at that point was Ade for Defoe, to give us an outlet to relieve pressure.

 

[RichSpur58]

A good performance against the worst team in the league doesnt mean much. I'll reserve judgement till after the Man U game.

 

[KILLA_SIN]

Siggy is going to be a really good player, he is quick of mind and quick with his feet and he gets into the box. This is my pet peeve about our team with people not supporting the striker but the lad does this