Good point on MOTD on how close Lucas, Lamela and Kane all were in the first half, made it very narrow and easy to defend for Villa, while our midfielders struggled to find space to pass into. Eriksen came on and did really well for us, somehow opened up the game, but we had a momentum when he came on, and although he had the cross that eventually lead to Ndombele scoring, he wasn't directly involved in any of our goals.
How good was Ndombele though? Goddamn. So new, obviously not fully integrated or up to speed yet, but what a footballer that is, just the silky touch and the agility on him, awareness of team mates, always looking for the offensive pass. Very nearly played Kane through on goal in the first half. He will be tremendous for us.
Impressed with how we pressed in the second half, and good performances all around from our boys. Alderweireld was excellent in his pressing, same with Lamela and Sissoko. KWP doing ever so well on the right back, showing that he can definitely do a job for us if given the chance.
Disappointing first half, but overall a good performance and a much deserved win. I actually didn't think of it before I saw it on MOTD just now that those were Kane's first goals at the new stadium. Very pleased for him. His second goal was excellent.
Lots of reports of Vertonghen being injured before the game, but then Poch says he wasn't, he had just been left out. Weird one, but no point reading too much into it. I also find it quite strange that N'Koudou is on the bench, when we've tried to get rid of him for so long, instead of having Parrot there, who's been so much involved in preseason. But oh well, minor niggles.
