I think that is a big part of it. Prior to PV's firing these were the squads they had played since the New Year: Tottenham, Southampton, Chelsea, ManU, Newcastle, ManU again, Brighton, Brentford, Liverpool, AV, Man City, Brighton, Arsenal. Then after Roy came on they played Leicester, Leeds, and Southampton; of course they're going to look better. That being said, they've gone from a very defensive style (they hadn't had a goal in open play in some wildly stupid amount of time) to a much more balanced style which has definitely helped, so I will choose to be optimistic!I was very much against them firing Vieira. What I’ve seen from this team since then has been unreal. Eze is a new man, Olise has been better. When they fired PV and brought in RH, my thought was “the defense is fine, why Hodgson?” Roy apparently has more tricks up his sleeve with a better roster.
That said, I wonder if it is the level of competition from then to now. But I’m really happy from what I’ve seen. Roy for 2023-24?
Edit: last three games without Wilf for the most part as well…
Without a doubt Atleti are much improved since the World Cup break. Far and away the best team in Spain over that span. It also coincides with Griezmann becoming a full time player. I hesitate to put too much blame on Joao Felix who I think was a poor fit for Simeone and more of a symbol of a power struggle (real or imagined) within Atletico. There seemed to be conflict between the coach and parts of the board over how the team should play, with certain people wanting a less defensive, more flowing style that Felix represents. Put differently, Griezmann is a Simeone player and Felix is not.Atlético has not lost since Joao Felix left while Chelsea has been garbage during this time. I sure hope Chelsea thinks spending more money on Felix is the right move this summer.
You’d figure that City’s experience would win out in the end, but it’s still fascinating to watch it happen. They pretty much put Leicester out of their misery in the first 25 minutes, just ruthless, then coasted and saved their energy. Arsenal have a bit of tension about them all the time now, even though they play great football they’re waiting for the trapdoor to open at any moment.I think Arsenal have officially shit the bed. Citeh have found a new gear while the Gunners are running out of gas.
Have you ever seen the Martin Tyler Liverpool goal reaction guy?is Martin Tyler rooting against Liverpool? No reaction to the Gakpo goal
opposite of Peter Drury guyHave you ever seen the Martin Tyler Liverpool goal reaction guy?
View: https://twitter.com/AndyCantwell/status/1536677603305787392/mediaViewer?currentTweet=1536677603305787392¤tTweetUser=AndyCantwell