1: We’ve been much better defensively these past two matches. Like, night and couches better. We’re blocking shots and cutting off crosses and key passes before they can tune into real chances. Moreover we look comfortable and more aware and switched on. It’s been nice to see less last ditch emergency defending. 

2: Berry is the most peculiar player. I don’t think he’s completely incapable. Truly if he was just more dialed in, and proactive instead of reactive, I think he would be serviceable as a back up 9. He’s slow as fuck, no denying that but good grief he just doesn’t make up for that lack of speed in any other facet of his game. Where Georgios goes out and makes chances for himself, Berry waits for chances to be created for him and those chances have to be carried in on a silver platter for him and even then, he might still bottle it. 

3: Thiago was not at his best in the first 45 and we really need him to be. There were a few interception opportunities that would’ve tuned into big chances and his touch and control was just not good enough. BUT, he’s Thiago so all he really needs is one chance from 12-30 yards. I don’t have the stats right in front of me but of all the “in range” set pieces he’s taken, I’d wager over half of them have resulted in a goal and that is absurd. 

4: Sosa was outstanding. This is a tough game to come in and give near 90 on given the current circumstances. He did the job and then some. He didn’t really put a foot wrong against de foot all night and he had a chance on goal as well. 

5: There’s been a lot of criticisms and questions of the FO and of Gonzo, especially in the last few weeks. The team just got it’s best two wins of the season back to back. 🤷‍♂️ Feels like the team finally has a good understanding of what’s being asked of them and of each other. This was another very professional, organized and disciplined performance. It needs to keep going but it does feel like things are trending in the right direction.