No Arnautovic…no problem – a nice little 3-2 win!
And as our blogger Allen Cummings points out on the CandH Facebook page when you consider it was achieved without him, Lanzini, Yarmolenko, Reid, Wilshere, Sanchez and Fredericks all unavailable we have something to start feeling pretty happy about.
It’s been mentioned many times in the past but the manager’s early words that he is building a squad not a team is showing itself in a big way with everybody fighting for a place.
Much has been said of individual players but essentially we are beginning to see top management in action for the first time in many years at this club.
Not only are those some may have considered ‘fringey’ making their presence felt – Perez and Chicharito are good examples – but we have seen Grady Diangana arrive at the top level and not look out of place.
That the manager has the best of the youngsters training with the first team squad at Rush Green is another major development which should be applauded.
The critics had a field day over Anderson’s arrival, and his less than average early form, but once again the manager has proved himself spot on in insisting the board dug deep for his choice of players.
There was so much to admire in the Brazilian’s game yesterday apart from the magnificent goal. One that sticks in the memory is an entirely deceptive back heel away from a cluster of players around him as he set up an attack from inside our half.
Can’t leave this piece without mentioning the staggering turn around in Robert Snodgrass form and that has to be down to the boss again along with tremendous application from the player.
Mark Noble – discussing things on www.whufc.com said: “The manager’s philosophy is that, ‘Yes I can change the team and we’re still going to win’. That kind of management does so much for the players.
Yes, if you’re not in the team, you’re going to be upset but if you know the manager has faith in you when the chance comes, that’s so important.”
Sums itl up perfectly and all of this progress has been achieved inside 16 games and let’s not forget it’s about the manager AND a very switched on back up team!
COYI
