Slaven Bilic had only bad news and frustration to report after the defeat at home against Leicester City.
Talking immediately after the game he said: “It is very frustrating for us to lose the game. We didn’t start well and what is really disappointing is the way we conceded three goals.
“The first goal was very sloppy. Two goals from set-pieces. We know they are good at those. We need to defend them.
“We deserved something from the game. We created lots of chances. In this league you can’t afford to be 3-1 down and try to turn the game around. But they showed character. Last 20 minutes the ball just didn’t want to go in.
“You can call it poor finishing but we have to give huge credit to Kasper Schmeichel , especially for the save to the last chance from Andy Carroll.
“What gives us hope is our performance in the second half. We were good with and without the ball. All we need to add is goals.”
On the injury front he said: “It doesn’t look good with Winston [Reid] and now it looks like Michail [Antonio] won’t be able to go with the England squad.
He felt a hammy [hamstring]. We have to assess them next couple of days. Hopefully, they will be fit after the international break.”
Well that was a terrible performance with glimpses of exciting attacking football and numerous chances created. On another day it could of been 5-4 to us! There’s definitely an obvious pattern now at home that the football we’re supposed to be playing only kicks in when the crowd gets restless.
As frustrating as the 2nd half was, we just dominated and did everything we could but score enough goals, I’m still in shock how we didn’t.
I really do like Bilic’s style of football, It’s mixed up with working through the middle, crossing from wide and having numbers in attack.
But we’ve lost, again, and at the end of the day it’s not good enough, especially not at home. I don’t want Bilic sacked, but something’s wrong and needs to change. Does anyone else think that we looked better with short quick passes on attack compared to getting it wide just to cross it into Carroll? I’m a Carroll fan but I honestly think we need a runner like vardy to feed off players like lanzini, Ayew and Antonio.
I dont think those three have started together before. Give them a few games and with Carroll they should produce something.
My big concern is how do we let in so many goals this season. I can always mention Tonks going to Palace, as I’m a fan of his, but that can’t be the only answer. I suppose using a right back for a few games might help. Now we have 3 major games, and 3 major injuries. At least Byram and Fernandes give some hope, and also starting Ayew.
Well Slavin, you are in charge !!! We are now looking at the teams below us – with fear, are you ?
Every thing seemed to be clicking into place a few weeks back and now it looks totally shambolic.Defence is all over the place and Slavs new tactic appears to be standing toe to toe and slugging it out with every team ie you score 3 and we will get 4.Unfortunately we are not good enough to do that.Major overhaul in the Summer with huge investment and total rethink in the defending department.I just wish this season would finish as I cannot see any structure here at the moment.
I was disappointed with Snodgrass, who I generally rate highly and am glad he’s with us. He constantly fed it to Byram and let him take responsibility for the end product, rather than taking responsibility himself. Together, I think they would make a great combination, but only if Snodgrass takes his fair share of the workload.
Also, Leicester came out of the blocks quickly, and yet again we didn’t. It’s proving a frustrating pattern, where we wait until we’re up against it before we play with any sense of intensity. Perhaps Bilic told the side to soak up the pressure – coming off the back of their Sevilla win, they were sure to start brightly and fade – but if we can’t defend that bright start, we make it harder for ourselves later. It must be getting very frustrating for the players too, not being able to boss games.
I too like the style and in Bilic I trust. I don’t think he’s found the right first 11 yet, but I’m glad Byram started and Kouyate found his place in the middle. Sadly (as I’m a Noble fan), I can’t see how Noble would’ve added anything better…
Well after that rant earlier I have calmed down a bit now.Just consolidate this season and come the Summer we definitely need a striker who scores 20 a season and plays all season.Byram deserves a run of games and unfortunately Fonte fills me with no confidence at all.I think we all know that its the defence that needs a major overhaul and you would think that having Bilic and Dicks on the staff they can sort it out properly as we have not had any security there all season.Build your foundations on sand and this is what you get.
I am still fed up with all the short pass to another player when taking a free kick which then goes sideways or backwards is it Bilic instructions ? I thought Masauku was doing really well running down the wing then during a injury break Bilic called him over & after that he was mark noble 2 passing sideways & putting us in trouble so is it down to Bilic this crap style of play. He needs to get his act together again we only started playing when he was forced to make substitutions we are the home team & are expected to attack.