It was a tense game at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. Lazio started the game with an impressive home game record not having lost at home all season … till now. It was an odd game to say the least, Keeping true to the duality of black and white, the game was end to end, yet lacking clear chances from both teams. Despite lacking the clear chances, it was a game you couldn't take your eyes off as a goal felt imminent from both sides with every passing minute. In this match (Szczesny: 6) had very little to do, actually the most pressure he felt all game was when Locatelli put him under pressure with a horrific back pass that could have changed the game with a goal in the first half. From there on out it was in one other instance when the giant Slav Milinkovic-Savic shot a rifle shot of a distance shot only to have it parried. De Ligt: 6.5, Kept good concentration all game and kept Milinkovic-Savic under control when he took on the ST role. Danilo: N/A, Subbed off early due to injury; (15′Sub - Kulusevski: 5) was largely invisible all match, provided very little attacking outlet, he did less for the remainder of the game than what Cuadrado had done in the opening 15'. Rabiot: 5, another player who did nothing all game and you could hardly tell was on the pitch. a game to forget, i would have loved to see Arthur instead. Locatelli: 5.5, good passing distribution throughout the game, did his job well, .. well except for that one play where he dangerously back passed to Szczesny, it didn’t cause a goal, but in any other game it could off, still an error that shouldn't happen; (89′Sub - Bentancur: N/A), not enough time on the pitch to do anything really. McKennie: 6, McKennie looked much improved defensively this game, spent most of it harassing lazio midfielders in the middle, did his job well in gelling oftentimes with Cuadrado/Kulu on the front foot. Cuadrado 6.5, A Classic performance from Cuadrado, defensively solid, and great on the attacking front with his trickery and directness, was more of a threat than Kulu even after having moved to RB. Morata: 5.5, Outside from being the chosen one to eat the tackle that led to a penalty, he didn't do much. Juventus actually looked far more dangerous in the final 18min of the game when Morata got subbed off; (74′Sub - Kean 6), in 18 minutes he managed to do more than Morata all game, why Morata keeps starting ahead of Kean is beyond me, Kean showed pace and strength, and earned himself to scoring opportunities his finishing was off, but that's another story. Chiesa: 6, didn’t play badly, but didn’t play necessarily well either, he more so than not looked frustrated and out of sorts. While Chiesa couldn't influence the game he did come close to something special in the first half where he was alone against the world with 5 defenders around him, and Chiesa looking to pull the trigger towards goal.
Danilo
Much can be taken from this Juve victory, quite a few positives as we awaken from the grim nightmare that was the last three games prior to the international break. But like the duality of our black and white hearts, we face the duality of joy and worry as we see one of our squad's most consistent players force an early substitution and be carried out in a stretcher. Danilo is often a player that most of our game goes through, a player who oftentimes has the most touches per game, should his injury be grave, we will surely miss his presence in jelling the defense and midfield. May the Physio gods smile upon him so he may have a speedy recovery. Player Rating: N/A
Pellegrini
Pellegrini is a player who has often found game time hard to come by at Juve, But this game! This game should surely put him on the radar for games to come. Earning promotion from a bit part sporadic player, only playing to provide Alex Sandro some respite, to a player who can challenge Alex Sandro for the starting LB spot based on form. A few matches ago De Sciglio was having the career of his life at Juve only to have it abruptly end by an injury, Pellegrini must have caught whiffs of inspiration because he almost picked up from where De Sciglio left off. Pellegrini looked truly revitalized and was a key player in this match! Pellegrini had 2 dangerous crosses in the first half, one of which was shot at Morata’s feet thereby winning us a penalty to open the scoring. But it wasn't just Pellegrini’s attacking game that was on point but his defensive game too! Pellegrini had a real knack for getting under the skin of Manuel Lazzari while keeping both him and Felipe Anderson in check all game. Player Rating: 7
Bonucci
Bonucci putting in a real Captains contribution! 2 goals sniped from the penalty spot against a sitting duck in Lazio. Both teams showed a lot of grinta and fight throughout the game but had little creativity in the final pass towards goal. Luckily the Lazio defense and Pepe Reina himself were kind enough to give us two penalties. Bonucci took both of them with expert technique! aiming both of them hard and wide to where it was unreachable for any keeper! Following his two goals both Bonucci, De Ligt and co put in an impressive shift when it came to setting up shop and locking out Lazio. Player Rating: 8 (MOTM).
About the Creator
Gery Quin
Ever want a place where you can read Insane Rambles and Incoherent Thoughts? I may be absent of all sanity. Currently blogging about Crypto Currency, Futurism, Serie A and Fight Tips. Short Stories are in the Fantasy/Cosmic Horror genre.
Angels on the pitch.
In the heart of a bustling city, where the rhythm of life pulses through the streets like a steady heartbeat, there existed a small soccer field tucked away from the chaos. This field wasn't just any ordinary patch of grass; it was a sanctuary, a place where dreams took flight on the wings of determination and passion. It was here that the story of the angels of the pitch unfolded.At the crack of dawn, when the world was still cloaked in darkness, a group of young boys and girls would gather at the field, their cleats clicking against the pavement as they made their way to the hallowed ground. Among them was Alex, a talented midfielder with a heart of gold and feet that danced with grace across the turf.On one particular morning, as the sun began to peek over the horizon, Alex noticed something peculiar. A pair of worn-out cleats lay abandoned near the goalpost, as if waiting to be discovered. Intrigued, Alex approached the cleats and picked them up, examining them with curiosity. Despite their battered appearance, there was an air of magic about them, as if they held a story waiting to be told."Hey, check these out!" Alex called out to the others, holding up the cleats for all to see.The group gathered around, their eyes widening in wonder as they beheld the mysterious footwear. They had heard tales of legendary players who had once graced the field, but never had they come across such a tangible relic of the past."Maybe they belong to one of the angels," whispered Mia, the team's star striker, her voice barely above a breath."Angels?" scoffed Diego, the goalkeeper, a skeptic to the core. "There's no such thing."But Alex knew better. There was a magic in the air that morning, a sense of possibility that transcended the boundaries of belief. With a determined gleam in his eye, he slipped on the cleats, feeling a surge of energy course through his veins like electricity.As the team began their training session, something extraordinary happened. Alex moved with a newfound agility, his every step infused with the spirit of those who had come before him. With each pass and shot, he felt as if he were channeling the skill and wisdom of the angels of the pitch.As the days turned into weeks, Alex's teammates couldn't help but notice the change in him. His once tentative touches had been replaced by a confidence that bordered on the divine. It was as if he had been touched by an unseen hand, guided by forces beyond mortal comprehension.But with great power came great responsibility, and Alex knew that he couldn't keep the secret of the cleats to himself forever. So one evening, as the sun dipped below the skyline and the field was bathed in the soft glow of twilight, he gathered his teammates around him and revealed the truth."These cleats," he began, his voice steady with conviction, "they're not just ordinary shoes. They're a reminder of all those who have played on this field before us, of the angels who watch over us even now."The others listened in rapt silence as Alex recounted the legend of the angels of the pitch, of how they had once roamed the earth spreading joy and inspiration through the beautiful game of soccer. And as he spoke, they felt a sense of awe wash over them, as if they were being blessed by unseen hands.From that day forward, the cleats became more than just a pair of shoes; they became a symbol of hope and unity for the team. With each passing game, they would lace up their boots and take to the field with a renewed sense of purpose, knowing that they were not alone in their quest for victory.And so, the angels of the pitch continued to weave their magic, their presence felt in every pass, every tackle, every goal. For on that sacred ground, where dreams took flight and legends were born, they watched over their earthly counterparts with pride and affection, forever guiding them towards greatness.
By Eric anexis 8 days ago in Cleats
5 UK states with no football pitche
There's a key point to address before we delve into the idea of UK states with no football pitches. The United Kingdom (UK) isn't divided into states. It's a constitutional monarchy made up of four countries: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
By Moharif Yulianto5 days ago in Cleats
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