Leighton Baines

[davek]

Nice try.

Koeman said he was fit to play. What other explanation could there be then?

 

[Connor]

Koeman said he was fit to play. What other explanation could there be then?

Or, he didn't look the same on Friday and had to be tested ahead of the game in which he failed and needs another week?

 

[ChrisEFC]

Out for a further month I've heard

 

[davek]

Or, he didn't look the same on Friday and had to be tested ahead of the game in which he failed and needs another week?

I suppose we'll find out. It explains Oviedo being involved in the final team talk photo yesterday.

 

[BlueToff]

Did think he'd play. Oviedo did fine in his absence though they did hammer us down that side.

Can only think that Koeman didn't want to throw him in against the best side in the league after a few weeks out.

 

[BlueToff]

I suppose we'll find out. It explains Oviedo being involved in the final team talk photo yesterday.

It would, except Baines was also in that photo - as was Barkley - so it means little actually.

 

[Neiler]

Whats going on with Baines, Koeman said he was fit on Thurs yet wasnt in the squad on Sat, anyone know what the problem is?

 

[Nil Satis Niasse Optimum]

Oviedo had an absolutely nightmare opening 20 minutes and we're lucky we didn't concede the amount of times he was roasted by Sane. He did grow into the game though, thankfully.

 

[Gerbs]

We desperately need Bainers back. Oviedo is not a Premier League quality defender and it was obvious as City targeted him throughout the match. Also, is Cleverly nailed on to start every match Oviedo does?

 

[Tel001]

That's simply untrue. We could play either possession based and colonise the opposition half for large parts of the game, or we could counter from deep.

We could also throw away a two goal lead in ten minutes to lose a match.. this colonising tactic with players that can't keep the ball , results in losing the in dangerous areas and shipping goals like wigan

 

[BlueToff]

Whats going on with Baines, Koeman said he was fit on Thurs yet wasnt in the squad on Sat, anyone know what the problem is?

I'd imagine that after four weeks out he didn't fancy throwing him straight back in against the best team (with two of the quickest wingers) in the league.

 

[davek]

I'd imagine that after four weeks out he didn't fancy throwing him straight back in against the best team (with two of the quickest wingers) in the league.

Or he could just be dropped...which is the more obvious answer. Koeman is supposed to be ruthless, is he not?

 

[BlueToff]

Or he could just be dropped...which is the more obvious answer. Koeman is supposed to be ruthless, is he not?

We haven't won a game without Baines and while Oviedo isn't entirely to blame for that, Baines will be back in as soon as he's fully fit.

 

[JonS]

our left back problem - so many of them but so few there when we really need them

 

[mkrudden]

Or he could just be dropped...which is the more obvious answer. Koeman is supposed to be ruthless, is he not?

He didn't even travel.
Had he been dropped from the 18, he would have still been at the game.
or are you now insinuating Koeman or Baines said he didn't want to travel because he hadn't made the 18?