Salech again.

[BLUEAWAY TOO]

I watched the podcast with BMB, Rob Phillips and Nathan Blake yesterday and was really interested in what was said about Salech and his inclination to grapple with defenders which often results in him being penalised even when it’s 50 50.
For those that haven’t seen it, it suggested that he could improve his game by putting more space between himself and defenders and avoiding the arm wrestles. Also that our players should try to play him into space more than playing the ball to his feet when heavily marked.
I thought I saw some of that today from both him and them although it didn’t always work. I have read another comment that he looked slow today but that might have been because of the above.

He did have more chances to score than usual and “could have scored 4”.

He gave away less free kicks and most certainly should have had one in his favour in the second half.

[RichardM]

I was wondering if those comments had an effect. I thought he was involved in fewer wrestling matches today.

[B. Oddie]

I was wondering if those comments had an effect. I thought he was involved in fewer wrestling matches today.

I noticed, too.

I also noticed that he was going for the ball just outside the penalty area and their defender had his arms wrapped around his chest and play continued.

He likes to throw himself to the floor but yesterday, he didn't.