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Still hasn't lost his pace, having been clocked with the second-fastest speed in the PL so far this season: https://www.balls.ie/football/list-p...prising-422327
Now, if only he could settle down when the ball comes to him (or if it ever does, given how bad Southampton have been)
He wasn’t great against West Ham IMO. From my selfish standpoint, I’d prefer the younger Obafemi to be given a chance to see if he can take it. Che Adams came on in front of Obafemi again. He is in dire need of first team football anywhere in January
I like the guy but he just never looks like scoring. Given goalscoring is one of our biggest issues, the clamour for Long's inclusion and the slamming of Mick over it baffles me.
Well, of our forward options, he's the only one who's played more than 20 Premier League games (301), scored more than 2 Premier League goals (53) and more than one international goal (17), so there is definitely reason why he should be in Mick's plans but, yes, when he was injured/just back from injury/out of the Southampton squad, I think Mick was justified in looking at other options.Quote:
Originally Posted by irishfan86
Look, his speed is definitely still a potent weapon - even if he's not scoring himself, it may open opportunities for others, so if he's playing regularly up to March ahead of Obafemi (particularly if Parrott hasn't broken through), I think Mick should use him, even if he isn't banging in the goals. The question would be whether to start him to give the Slovak defence a runaround and then bring on Connolly if we need to nick a late goal or to start McGoldrick and Connolly, bringing on Long to run at tired backs.
I also think he’s the best option to spring from the bench from a defensive point of view if we’re trying to hang on for a draw, which, let’s face it, is basically what we’re doing all the time (other than the times that we’re trying to equalise).
And Scott Hogan does look like scoring when he appears for us?Quote:
Originally Posted by irishfan86
That rests the case for me. Long should be included if he’s still playing regularlyQuote:
Originally Posted by Olé Olé
If McCarthy wasn't examining alternatives, he'd be crucified here for it too. Damned if you do, damned if you don't.Quote:
Originally Posted by Olé Olé
Shane Long not a goalscoring forward. But he helps everyone else score with his off the ball movement, positioning and link-up play. Top player. But not the kind of player that your average bandwagon fan or stone age manager understands.
In fairness he's been appreciated by several stoneage managers.
We'd take stone-age goals these days or probably any days .Quote:
Originally Posted by Stuttgart88
In fairness he's generally a 1 goal in 4-5 games forward, which isn't too bad at Premier League level. But he did have two bad campaigns before last season. And up to 2017 he was also scoring internationally at a rate of 1 in 4. If he can at least get back to his regular rate, there may be an important goal or two in him yet.
Yeah I miss our storage goals.Quote:
Originally Posted by seanfhear
An ad for a footy podcast (OTB?) made me laugh the other day. I can't remember who the sponsor was but their slogan was "as part of Irish football as lumping it up to Jonny Walters".
A gambling company. You can guess which one.
One of their others is "us and off the ball. The greatest partnership since shearer and Owen"
Starts again today, Obafemi on bench, with Adams as well who is probably ahead of him
Good win today vs Aston Villa. No goals for long again. Nice vote of confidence for Obafemi to come on ahead of Adams once game was over at 82 minutes, clearly they want to develop him. He literally did not touch the ball though, just watched his cameo....Quote:
Originally Posted by tommy_c12000
Sorry, meant Stone Age above but it was autocorrected. Can't edit today.
No sign of him, Obafemi or Connolly on their respective benches today
Hasenhuttl singing Long's praises - https://www.irishexaminer.com/breaki...te-976040.html
Isn't he out of contract at season's end? Will be curious to see if he gets a new deal. At 32 this will probably be his last big pay day.