08 Aug 2026 15:28:28
Overall a strong performance against an AC Milan side that didn't seem too bothered. Josh looked much better and although Leao hasn't put in a shift for a number of years now, Josh still did very well against a world renowned winger. Palestra had his best performance and the runs behind the defense were very similar to Cucu last season. We also were much better at passing through the lines, as well as long balls over the top.
I thought Lavia and Caicedo looked very strong together. Cole did great always offering an option and Quenda looked dangerous when he came on. You can also see that Danny's signing will allow us to play Joao behind the striker and those two look like they enjoy playing off each other, even if it didn't come off often tonight.
Negatives remain Sanchez's ability to play out. Although he played one good long ball for Pedro early, quite often he had an option short and opted to blast it to nobody, which clearly annoys the rest of the lads on the pitch. I will give him credit that he played more balls along the pitch and into teammates, but we all know how that turns out when he's under pressure.
Hopefully a few of the boys get a rest for tomorrow's game before returning to London.
08 Aug 2026 17:31:04
Melbourne, thanks for your report. However, I pay no more attention to the result than I did for the previous two defeats. The real business starts in just over two weeks' time. This is the problem, not the only one, with Sanchez; invariably, he resorts to long balls which give away possession. I really can't see Alsonso wanting to resort to that style of play.
08 Aug 2026 20:01:13
Melbourne, Sanchez went through a period under Maresca when he had a mixture of long and short balls. To my sad old eyes, it was the tactics of LR that took him out of his comfort zone.
It will be interesting to see if Alonso starts him as our No1 and how he asks him to play.
08 Aug 2026 20:08:02
Sanchez has been poor since he joined: that's one thing LR can't be blamed for.
08 Aug 2026 20:16:24
While he wouldn't be my choice to start as our No1, I have to remember how much he looked to have improved under Maresca.
Mind you, I only rate two premiership keepers. I think this is generally the worst crop of premiership keepers that I can remember.