Jablonec are not a great team, but we faced a few who fall into that category since our last away win in February without scoring four goals and creating enough chances to easily double that. Ange Postecoglou continues to learn about his squad and unlike away to Mitjylland a week earlier, we were well prepared.
Yesterday I asked to “see more of [Liel Abada’s] timed runs into the box”. The evidence continues to arrive; Liel is a player who will score and create goals at a rate we have missed in recent seasons. This knack of arriving in the box and the right time, in the right place, before a cross arrives is golden. Think Alan Thompson at his lethal best.
Kyogo Furuhashi made the most of his full debut. The movement of the front three caused Joblonec problems and it was Kyogo’s movement that created the goal opportunity. Nir Bitton picked him out with a 30-yard pass, a pristine first touch and the deftest dink did the rest. As I heard from a teenager at the time, “That goal is a solid 9 out of 10”.
As anyone who watched the game, or caught John Hartson’s remarkable reaction, will know, the defence is still not right. We lost two dreadful goals. You will have noticed Carl Starfelt was the closest defender to both goalscorers when the ball went into the net. He did not start that way when the key forward passes were made.
For the first, Bitton was on his heels, body shape was wrong and Starfelt was left the impossible task of making up ground. The second goal was more of a structural problem.
Starfelt and Bitton were both marking strikers in the middle of the field and the full backs were in advanced positions when Celtic lost the ball. Ismaila Soro has covering duties but he was ball watching when the scorer made a run from deep.
We cannot leave two at the back against two attackers or we will see a lot more damage from similar deep runs. Although we can blame Soro for ball watching, we need to shape the team to accommodate what will inevitably happen during a game. Ismaila’s starting position was all wrong, he cannot get drawn into the role of supporting the player in possession at the cost of loitering deep.
It was great to see Joe Hart between the sticks and John Hartson was right, if a little hysterical, we still need defenders. Perhaps a few.
Would we have won so comfortably if Odsonne Edouard started? I’m not convinced.
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Just as I wrote that, Moreorless nutmegs Charlie and would have been clean through, but for Charlie hauling him down. Tavernier ( pen ) almost scores from resultant free kick.
Lundstram ‘ we’ve had a few Covid cases…’ eh?
Up the Arab peninsula, DUFC are taking it right to what we read are Stevie Gee’s worldbeaters.
Agree watching big Chaz; lot of experience showing.
The Tangerine fans hate Alfie as much as any.
I had this as a Superbru draw tae!!
SETTING FREE THE BEARS FOR RES. 12 & OSCAR KNOX on 7TH AUGUST 2021 11:32 AM
That was exactly what I thought too👍👏
Its to our enteral shame and embarrassment that this group of journeymen stopped the 10
NOTTHEBUS
Journeymen, yes, no superstars. But they are dangerous, and organized. Watch their spacing when they do not have the ball – they have a perceptible shape and make it difficult for the opposition. They start attacks by zigzagging up either wing, or having Barisic or Tavernier cross to Morelos, who provides an outball. I hope I am wring, but Morelos looks likeliest to win this.
Wrong obviously! DOH.
United under siege now.
Hateley back on shortbread is like a new pundit…
Morelos diving at every opportunity. MIB Don Robertson happy to award free kicks.
Yesssssssssssss!
1-0 United yaaassss
C’Mon the Arabs!
The penalty must be due now.
Hail Hail
Robertson books United player for claiming a throw.
United pass to scorer was deflected into his path, but he reacted like lightning and took it well.
Tavernier trips Robson from behind. No booking.
I would love Charlie to score.
Scouser puts Wright on for Lundstram.
Bada Bing
Get well soon mate nothing to serious I hope.
Goldson just misses, even with Charlie marking him.
MIB subtle dark arts to the fore. Ball was well over the line, but not called by linesman.
United playing well, trying to play football. Quite impressed with them. Scouser putting on third forward, Itten.
Undead now attacking with 7-8 players, and Itten, Morelos and Wright up front. Water break in sunny Dundee. Watching game with no commentary. Just noticed Shankland is missing. Pawlett now off.
10 to go. Praying for United to hang on. Surprise – Defoe on for Morelos. Crowd give him big jeer.
Mulgrew outstanding
Corner to United not given.
Defoe blatantly fouls Chaz.
Game now very stretched. Occasional opportunity for United counter attacks.
Whatever the result, this is a very gutsy performance from Dundee Utd. Calm, no panic, trying to play football, and passing their way out of trouble. Big Chaz excelling.
Wish you a speedy recovery Bada.
Boaby Midden would not have allowed this to get so far.
5 mins added on no surprise there.
5 minutes extra time. That is outrageous.
fekn 5 mins injury time :O(
Wtf 5 mins? Cheating bandits.
Some Utd players out on their feet, slowly limping around.
Hope they don’t do a Malmo. 90 seconds.
huns beat 1-0