Clayton Beerman ponders the weekend’s win against Bournemouth and casts an eye towards the end of the season…
It’s not often that you read about Oscar Wilde (see what I did there) being quoted in a football blog but he said there is only one thing worse than being talked about and that is not being talked about. What a perfect summary of where we are this season.
In some respects it is great to be off the back pages. So we were last yet again on MOTD and barely getting a mention anywhere in the media. Only the re-emergence of Eden causing a slight ripple of interest and that to be honest was only his comments about the game against THem. When the season finishes and the transfer rumours are again swirling we will re-appear. We all know the crap will begin in earnest when Conte is in place. So perhaps we should enjoy the anonymity after all the end of this season is a combination between boredom and frustration
So we had a fine away win against Bournemouth which ironically and quite usefully was played near the beach which both teams are now actively occupying. I was fairly hacked of when I saw the team. A game that barely mattered and yet no youth players in sight. The sight of Obi Wan in defence and poor old Matt on the bench. We were playing against a poor team yet the American was deemed unsuitable to make an appearance. These are for all intense and purposes practice matches. It seems obvious therefore that Matt has no future at the club. His non-appearance on Saturday makes the forthcoming loan inevitable.
The lack of RLC was perhaps more understandable and it was good to see Matic back. At 3-1 up with 20 minutes plus to go why no Kenedy or Traore? What are we saving them for. Berty had built up a nice head of steam and now he barely gets a look in. It’s completely unacceptable in my book. I wasn’t there and didn’t see the pattern of play but IT DIDN’T MATTER WHAT HAPPENED so what was the rationale Guus?
I have defended Eden this season. The low point being the boos and the derision when he left the field of play at Palace and Leicester. I have always said he was not fit. Initially match fitness was not really acceptable but the injuries were real. Call me deluded but his joy was obvious to see and he was just glad to be fully fit and playing football again. I sincerely hope he doesn’t leave.
Pedro is a funny player. Not in the belly laugh sense but I cannot place him in terms of team structure. He is a great finisher. I like his effort and commitment but is he what we need? Perhaps as a squad player but it will be interesting to see if Conte wants to use him going forward.
The same could be said of Cesc. Will he become Conte’s Pirlo? When he is left alone, not harassed nor called into defensive duties he is a maestro. Pulling the 
strings and frankly ripping Bournemouth to shreds as he produced an absolute masterclass. If he can be protected by a couple of enforcers I have a feeling we will be a team full of speed next season and someone providing those defence splitting passes will be essential.
So where is Oscar? Not feeling well last week and nowhere to be seen yesterday. What is happening? I am a big fan but he does himself no favours. Has he received assurances he is a big part of next season so he has the time off or the opposite? He will be at the Copa America in the summer and yet only Willian’s plans are being talked about. Many have scratched their head because of the money we allegedly turned down for him but I perhaps naively am hoping that he does finally emerge. Some have speculated that because Conte is a harsh task master Oscar won’t fancy it. Time will tell.
Watching the FA Cup semi final yesterday was a tough ask. To see Everton’s inept first half display (their injuries notwithstanding) I felt a sense of deep frustration at our meek surrender at Goodison Park. Even though I detest Wembley as a semi final venue I wanted it to be us there. Neither team looked anything to fear but I appreciate that is rich in our current position and I could only just imagine what if.
I was extremely amused at the Twitter meltdown against poor old Romelu. Poor chap. Playing in a team where attack and midfield were disconnected he ran his heart out. He missed a couple of presentable chances and of course there was the penalty. It will come as no surprise that I call it a penalty save and not a penalty miss. A simply superb save but these chances have to be taken.
Do I want him back at the club? Well it depends on so many different factors. I would rather have Costa if we intend to labour on with a sole striker but are we about to change our formations? He is still quite young, but personally I would like us to end the lone striker formation and ultimately that would mean he may not be what we are looking for. All that being said whilst he didn’t have a good game in the semi final his goal scoring ratio is very good. We got good money and maybe he genuinely wants to come back. I’m not convinced.
I do however hope we go back for Stones. A fine prospect, English and just imagine how he would be if he was properly coached by an Italian with perhaps some chiselled old pro next to him. You do have to wonder what Mythinez has done to him this season or maybe the young man believed the hype. Yes he’s made mistakes but as I have said about or own young players, that is what they do. They have to learn and it’s inevitable errors will occur.
So THey are upset by Eden Hazard saying what everyone in football feels, we all want Leicester rather than THem to win the league. Small question, would THem beating Leicester at home not have saved their angst?
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