Originally Posted by
Niall_Quinn
Bit perplexed as to the general reaction following Coquelin's and Campbell's performances.
Coquelin was okay, solid enough but certainly nothing out of the ordinary. I think we've reached the stage where we're confusing good play with what a player should be doing by default. We make so many mistakes we think it's a good performance when we make less mistakes. The fact Coquelin dived in like a maniac and should have been sent off, which maybe would have put us under pressure, is enough to mark his performance down. That was a leg breaking lunge and we have been suitably horrified when dirty bastards like Taylor and Shawcross have done the same. That moment shouldn't be overlooked so easily. It shows we currently have more of a liability than an asset on our hands. That could change as he plays more, if he plays more.
As for Campbell. This was his first game in ages. His biggest sin was not quite being on the same wavelength as his team mates - very understandable. Otherwise he linked the play well, was solid with his passing and displayed an encouraging tendency to want to go forwards rather than backwards. It was another solid if not spectacular performance.
The real weak link was Bellerin. Good going forwards, a skilful player. But he can't defend. He was caught out of position several times and that would have cost us against a better team.
Cazorla and Alexis were the two best players on the pitch, but even they put in hot and cold performances. Some very good stuff from them, but also a fair bit of sloppy passing and wasted possession. Again, it would have been harder for them against a decent team.
Fact is, we did what we needed to do but against a very poor and unambitious opponent. If we can keep the ball and distribute it as well against a better team then that will be progress.
