The performances thus far have been impressive in a number of ways. We seem to be building up some sort of organisation between the defence, players seem more disciplined in their roles than they did previously, we have a bit more physical presence throughout the side, and in Adebayor a terrific outlet for play both on the ground and in the air. The first team also looks as settled as i can remember it being in a long while, and the work ethic raised. In years gone by we might well have contrived to throw away any of the games we've played so far.
I'm sure the pickier amongst us, or at least those in the media, could point out faults with any of the wins. They've all involved their fair share of last-ditch defending, but us not playing to our absolute best and having a perfect record at the end of the first month of the season is perhaps even more promising than if we'd bolted out of the blocks and starting dishing out tonkings. We know there's more to come, and that this set of players with even more time on the pitch together should only get better.
Since signing from Newcastle in February, Shay Given has done nothing wrong at all. He slotted right into the side and has never looked back. In my opinion he's the best piece of business Hughes has done here, and although i was sorry to see Joe Hart out of the team and then move to Birmingham, i don't think anyone could argue that it's been a positive move. Joe is already one of the better goalkeepers in the division, certainly of the English candidates, and i hope he'll go on to have a long and glorious career here, but Given's unfaultable. He rarely flaps, he gets to more efforts than Hart did, his experience is vital and he's more vocal. In all four competitive fixtures so far he's been relied upon to play his part, especially at Palace and Blackburn where he made several vital stops.
Kolo Toure looks to have brought immediate organisation to the defence. He seems to combine pace with a good footballing brain and sound positional sense and again the early signs are very positive. It's also a relief to have a couple of centre-halves on the books who are a bit more comfortable in possession (though a couple of Lescott's passes have been a bit wild, but we'll turn a blind eye!). One of my main bugbears with Dunne was that his distribution was so poor. On winning the ball at the back we'd inevitably end up with an aimless punt towards the strikers and then be on the retreat once more. Toure has a knack of seeing things unfolding before they actually do. We shouldn't forget that we've yet to face opposition with real top-drawer forwards, but so far he's done very well.
A player i've not been a big fan of since signing but who has clearly improved a notch since last term is Wayne Bridge. He might not ever be tough in the tackle, but he appears to have improved in other ways over the summer. He looks fitter for one, his passing more accurate, and most importantly, his chin's up again. The addition of Gareth Barry may well have something to do with Bridge's improved form, helping him out defensively when possible and proving a good outlet for balls on the give-and-go. Against Palace in particular i thought he was superb.
Two who haven't really had chance to get into top gear yet but who've both been solid, Carlos Tevez & Stevie Ireland. Both have great engines and always want the ball. Tevez, still perhaps not 100% fit, must be a nightmare to mark. He stretches defences all over the show, and his technique, even in these early days, has surprised me a little. He's spiky, and a nuisance, and though he's unlikely to get us twenty goals a season he'll probably make as many as anyone else. He's a very competent passer of the ball and always looking to be proactive with it at his feet, i didn't see him as that sort of player when over the road.
Ireland appears to be playing a slightly more disciplined role in the middle. He doesn't seem to be as offensive as last season, at least not as often, perhaps he doesn't need to be with the new signings around. Without what could be deemed a proper defensive-midfielder behind him he's certainly been getting involved more in the middle, staying a bit deeper, doing the simple things well. It's maybe just a case of him having a proper role now instead of having to do the work of two or three. Shaun Wright-Phillips has been lively, too, setting up both goals at Blackburn, really putting in a great shift in the second-half at Palace and being his typical 'at your ankles' self.
Two players have stood out particularly, however. Emmanuel Adebayor could prove to be the attacking figurehead we so needed. He's been working his socks off since joining from Arsenal, and the £25m fee, largely mocked at the time, is beginning to look like it might not be so crazy after all. Three goals in three league games can't be sniffed at, but his all-round play has impressed as much as his return. He seems to have fire in his belly again, a hunger that made him such a danger during his first couple of seasons in England but which had perhaps gone last year. He's superb in possession, rapid over a few yards, able to win and spread the ball around well, a handful physically, and most importantly he's aware of where the net is. He's not only the main point to our attacks, but capable of so much more. He's another one who has looked a better technical player than i'd anticipated he might.
Our best player this month, though, just pipping him, in my opinion has been Gareth Barry, i think he's been exceptional. We all knew he was a good player, he's an England regular and Liverpool wanted him, etc, etc, but even with that in mind he's surprised me. He's the complete midfielder. At Blackburn he sat quite deep, sucked up all the kicks and went on to completely control the game, yet he's also always looking to push on. He's a ball-winner, extremely comfortable in possession, an elegant passer, a danger from set-pieces and he never stops, he's all over the pitch. Depending on the opposition i think we'll see his role change slightly, but i've no doubts about him at all. He's a special player.
August: Gareth Barry
Posts
Good analysis and summary. I think I would have to go with Gareth Barry too but its nice to be spoilt for choice. All we want now is for Robinho to up a gear regularly. Ideally starting against Arsenal who were unlucky not to get something from Stretford.
ReplyDelete