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Very frustrating game as we deserved the win imo. Our biggest fault today was 2 of our key creative players were terrible and the third is playing his first match in this side. The result is a lack of pressure in wide areas and in front of the Bologna defence, which was deep as it was. Even then we must admit we had bad luck on our side as we hit the bar twice and could have had a penalty.
The first half was particularly poor as none of our creative trio behind Borriello were in the match. Even then Pirlo played a great through ball which Borriello should have converted (if only he could use his right foot). We controlled the game, but when none of the creative talent besides Pirlo on the field do anything, then chances are hard to come by.
The second half started better, we were quicker on the ball and spread play better. Dinho and Seedorf actually looked like they wanted to actually play and it immediately improved our play as we nearly scored off a corner when Dinho hit the bar. Then Huntelaar coming on for Seedorf further added a body up front and he did improve the link up play in the side. Beckham for Dinho improved things further as we played a 4-4-2 (though at this point Ambro was essentially a third forward), which allowed us to use the wide areas to better effect. Again Pirlo played a great through ball which Huntelaar should have scored. Mancini could have scored soon after in a scramble and to sum up our day, Ambro hit the bar a second time in stoppage time.
Players...
Dida - one save but otherwise a spectator
Abate - Excellent, he was a constant threat down the right and was a good option. Very solid too.
Bonera - Great comeback with impeccable positioning.
Thiago - Very solid, looks more comfortable with Bonera than Favalli
Antonini - Struggled to get into the game at times as he had no one to pass to when trying to get forward, given Dinho's terrible performance.
Ambro - Unlucky not to score, but a very solid performance
Pirlo - Superb, it's a shame that he didn't have anyone else performing around him
Seedorf - Pathetic. Since his return our creative play has been atrocious and I don't think it's unrelated. Going off in a strop when subbed was ridiculous.
Dinho - Another terrible game. We really need an alternative to him next season as when he's poor he's just a waste of space.
Mancini - Struggled to make any real impact. I will give the benefit of the doubt as he's just joined.
Borriello - Could have scored a couple imo and he wasn't great. I don't blame him as the players behind him were crap.
Huntelaar - Not bad link up play, he was ok but not great
Beckham - Made an impact after coming on. Not great, but better than Dinho and Seedorf
We weren't good enough, but we could have scored a couple. We should have won, but the draw is due to our own ineptitude. Essentially, the contrast of the last two statements outlines our performance today, as we weren't good but we should have won.
We really need to get our act together as our creative talents aren't working at the moment. For the next match I'd seriously consider dropping Seedorf and pushing Pirlo back up to start with.
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