|
|
NO FEAR, NO SURRENDER 17-8-04
I am disappointed after Saturday's opening day match with Newcastle. Not with Boro though. In fact, I thoroughly enjoyed the after match celebrations.
These celebrations were not for the result but rather the performance of the Boro. We were solid in defence, apart from three mistakes, two of which cost us goals. We'll tighten up on that quickly. Jimmy was 'all over the place' and really stamped his presence on the match. Maybe the ball did hit his hand on the way in but it all evens itself out in the end, reference our first minute penalty that was not given. Stewart Downing was magnificent and I could talk your ears off about many other fantastic Boro performances on Saturday evening. The optimism for the season is burning even brighter than it was last week after seeing the new team in action for the first time.
My disappointment started this afternoon when I read the fans' match comments in The Gazette. For example;
'Jimmy FH was unimpressive'
'The team just looked like it did last season'
'I thought Reiziger and Parlour did all right but to me Hasselbaink looks like he's going to be the new Alen Boksic for us'
'Fair enough he scored but you expect more from somebody like that'
'I didn't really think much of that 'new look' Boro side'
'I thought it was pretty scrappy from Boro and I wasn't impressed at all with Hasselbaink'
'I was disappointed with our performance on the whole and was not impressed with Hasselbaink at all'
'We did nothing to suggest we would win that game'
Bloody rubbish! Jimmy was impressive and pissed on the bonfires of those who claimed that he was a lazy striker. I would wager that Jimmy was involved in more of the game than anyone else on the pitch and the way that he put himself about demonstrated his commitment in a huge way. The new look Boro side were hungrier, more committed and much better to watch than last season. What about the little through balls from midfield that will produce extra goals for us when the team gels? What about the 'never say die' spirit that was evident throughout the action and what about the way we started? That was a team in action who wanted to win more than anything and alright, we didn't quite pull it off but in no way was that down to lack of effort or ability. The passion was there and a team with that level of passion will win trophies.
Yes, there were negatives in Saturday's performance but why can't we focus on the positives for once. This constant criticism of our team does nobody any favours at all and if you were expecting Jimmy to get a hat trick on Saturday, then don't you think that your expectation level was a little unrealistic? We were playing the 5th best team in England and last year's UEFA Cup semi finalists and we proved that we could match them in most departments. So stop knocking the Boro and for God's sake, get behind them!
What a shame about Gareth Soutgate's latest injury. At the moment, there is no set return date for our skipper and without a doubt, we are already missing him. He was probably the difference between drawing and winning on Saturday and I wish him a speedy return to action. But why do we keep picking up so many serious injuries in training and practice matches? This is now turning into a real concern and I hope that the situation is being addressed at the highest level because for the sake of results, it must not be allowed to continue.
We have Arsenal away this weekend and we have nothing to fear. Yes, they are the champions and have not lost a Premier League match since the season before last and we have taken more than our fair share of thrashings from them in recent seasons. However, we should be going into this match full of confidence and with our heads held high because this season, we are one of the teams that everyone wants to beat. We are not seen as mere also-rans any more. We are an upper middle sized club now and our star is rapidly rising. I honestly believe that we could well pull off a surprise at Highbury on Sunday and with the whole country watching, we will continue to be the talk of the nation. No fear, No surrender.
Until next week.
Steve
BACK TO STEVE G INDEX
|
|
|
|
