- Jul 28, 2004
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I think that’s fair, and yes we should have been able to see out those final minutes given the commanding lead even if we’d brought on White, Clarke and Bennet. I’m not saying I think Son coming off caused the issue, and I might be guilty of some hindsight goggles as you put it, but I did genuinely think it was odd to hook Son at the time as he was providing our best outlet at that point, I thought that before we conceded three goals.I can't see why people are criticising the subs. At 3-0 those players that come on are more than experienced enough, and of sufficient quality to see out the last 20 minutes. Our players need to rest when we can afford it, and yesterday was definitely a point where that should have been possible.
Bale is slightly different because he needs match minutes, but Winks and Lucas were starters for us until a few weeks ago. Playing in exactly the same roles they came into yesterday.
We can part sone of the blame to Jose as far as the mentality is concerned, but as far as the subs? I'm not sure I'd have done too much differently. Considering the stage of the game and what the score line was.
A lot of people bemoaning the subs and tactics with their hindsight goggles on imo.
Ultimately there’s no excuse for the players to have been leading the match for 92 minutes, and by 3 goals for 66 of those minutes, but not win.