This was a Burnley with the worst away record after 14 games in Premier League history. One point. One measly point, and we were made to sweat. I'd said before the game that this was one game where we would need to take the opportunity for a 7-0 drubbing. If Bent Nick had taken his four crystal clear chances, we would have something close to that. Sure, Burnley eventually did not make us pay, but they were mighty close, and against any other team with a semblance of a defence, we would have been made like real idiots after 90 minutes. Any team with aspirations of the title, and any proper striker should really begin to take their chances. One chance, one goal. At worst, two chances, one goal. But no...on this day, with Burnley being as generous with their defence as I've seen of any team in recent years, we fail to take any of our best chances. Our three goals, in fact, probably came from the three least clear-cut chances.
And it wasn't just Bent Nick. I'd add Eduardo too, who looks slower and slower with every bit appearance. Right up till his goal, Arsh looked lost as well.
If we're going to get anything against Porto on Tuesday, we're really going to have to work on that finishing. Burnley never had it in them to bite us in the butt, but I don't there're any other teams in all of Europe who would be as generous.
Player ratings:
Almunia 6 - Just as dodgy on his crosses. Sheesh.
Clichy 6.5 - Some good runs, and a few good defensive displays, but at times still let them by him too easily.
Silvestre 6.5 - Convincing, but this was Burnley. Even then, still had a few suspect moments.
Vermaelen 7 - Thank god for him in the middle.
Eboue 7.5 - A typical (g00d) Ebouesque performance. Nice runs, and a better percentage of good crosses than Theo.
Denilson 5.5 - Lazy and anonymous. Yes, he does have a few neat touches, but he needs to work on the fact that having an opposing player waltz past you isn't quite Premier League stuff.
Cesc 7 - For his first half contribution, was probably our best bet for a goal, any goal.
Diaby 5.5 - On for Cesc, and sadly, not one of his better recent performances.
Nasri 7.5 - Excellent. Excellent assist for Cesc's goal, and seemed our best bet for a goal at the worst of times.
Theo 7 - A worthy showing from the boy. Put a few good crosses in, mixed in with the mediocre. The best were wasted, and it was a good thing he decided to save Nick the bother after he'd missed enough chances.
Bent Nick 4.5 - It was just one of those days. 4 chances that would've been put away by the the most mediocre of strikers. He'd better get over this funk on Tuesday. Got himself in good positions, but...absolutely shocking finishing.
Our defending was pathetic v Porto. Last night was our finishing. Porto on Tuesday, and let's make sure we get both right. Even the goal we let in was crap. Diaby was absent. Not sure Sol or Billy would've let that past. Or even Song.
All in all, just as Stoke was a struggle, I suppose we were due for a struggle at home. Good thing we had Burnley. It could've been embarassing, so thank god we got away unscathed.
More later.
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