Frenchaigle
Member
- Country
France
So UEFA execs can get together have some prawn sandwiches.I don't understand the point of having a draw, if its seeded why wouldn't they just do 9th vs 24th, 10th vs 23rd etc
France
So UEFA execs can get together have some prawn sandwiches.I don't understand the point of having a draw, if its seeded why wouldn't they just do 9th vs 24th, 10th vs 23rd etc
England
England
Just had a quick look and both play in grounds with a 13,000 ish capacity . Very few tickets again . For most of us that looked forward to a European adventure this has all been a bit of a flop .From the BBC:
Finishing in 10th place means Crystal Palace will now go into the play-off draw on Friday 16 January, 2026.
Because the draw is seeded, the Eagles will be drawn against one of the sides who finished 23rd or 24th.
That means they will face Bosnia and Herzegovina's HSK Zrinjski Mostar or Czech side SK Sigma Olomouc.
Palace will be playing the second leg of their play-off at home.
England
Scotland
Not as nearly as the inside.Outside of his right foot is nearly his left foot 😀
France
At the end of the day it’s the finishing that’s hurt us .I hoped I was wrong, but fielding so many young players in a decisive match in a competition where experience is most important was reckless. The Finns weren't better, not even on the same level, but they knew how to handle the game. Just cause a bit of trouble for a few minutes, score two goals and then defend without panicking, even when you're down to ten men – that's experience. I don't know what Ollie was thinking when he picked that starting 11, it's not the first time he's competed in Europe. OK, a great chance to easily qualify for the round of 16 is gone, painful but not the end of the world.
England
I think its something to do with keeping teams apart that have already played each other , gives them a bit of wriggle room to keep those teams apartI don't understand the point of having a draw, if its seeded why wouldn't they just do 9th vs 24th, 10th vs 23rd etc
England
Completely agree about Sosa. Esse has yet to impress me. Devenny had his moments tbf and Canvot's a youngster himself. I'm not sure what Benitez was supposed to do better - particularly with their second where Uche's failed attempt to put it behinf left him without a chance.Devenny, Esse, Canvot, Sosa, Benitez. None good enough tonight. These are the guys that needed to carry the youngsters but it was sadly the opposite.
Ah good point. I hadn't thought of that.I think its something to do with keeping teams apart that have already played each other , gives them a bit of wriggle room to keep those teams apart
Scotland
England
England
You may have missed the fact that Esse is actually younger than some of the Kids that were making their debuts tonight and Devenny (not much older )I thought did OK seeing as he had to move position a couple of times to cover substitutions . Its good that Ollie trusts him to do a job around the pitch . OK he is not going to be a superstar but is proving to be a decent squad player .Don't be to harsh on them .To play an hour and rest the first team was the bonus. I was hoping to win this game without bringing on anyone, but that would be disrespectful to the Finnish champions who took their chances when they got them.
Negatives- I thought Sosa, Esse and Devenny were very poor. The kids outshone them. Drakes-Thomas and Benemar I tell you what we need to keep them and involve them because they are the future. JDT in particular, can't believe he's only 16. I read before the game we've pulled out all the stops for this kid and we could see why.
So that's 2 more games and it means forget the Carabao Cup. Doesn't matter I only want a top 10 finish and to win in Europe. Those are still achievable. However Oli needs to be backed in January and it's going to be critical how well he is backed (or not).
Up the Palace!
England
England
England
Based on the first half performance, I will disagree. I thought they played so well in the first half based on it being a team thrown together. But it was like they left their legs and brain in the changing room after half time!You can't make 11 changes and expect everyone to gel, we did ok. I'm pleased with King and Drakes-thomas, Sosa and Esse could have done better. We should do the business in the play-offs.
Get a result against Leeds and spurs and I'll be happy, it would be nice to get a result against Arsenal but I can't see that happening.
SP needs to splash the cash in January to get in 3 or 4 reinforcements.
England
England
England
Esse needs to be sold. Just not good enough. Sosa i thought werent too bad. I must have missed something with him. Devenny Im fuming about as I really like the look of him, not as good as wharton but feel like he is similar and have hated where glasner has played him in games. He did not seize his opportunity today. I wanted him subbed long before his goal so glad i am not the manager lol.Just back and out of context that was quite an enjoyable game of football. The fact we couldn't expect too much given the line up made it an interesting watch. In context very disappointing we didn't grab 3 points to qualify automatically.
What was interesting when compared to my concerns when reading the team sheet, though not that unexpected, was how well the debutants played and actually the disappointment came from the fringe first team players.
So I'll have a quick moan at Sosa, Esse and Devenny. Until Devenny scored which I swear was only about 2 minutes after I had shouted out to those who would care to listen. which was no one, that he'd begin to annoy me.
Also the unnecessary punch from Benitez before the second goal. Just catch it. Or punch it to the half way line.
While George King was very solid first half, Drakes-Thomas a very exciting prospect - well played - , Rodney very steady in midfield. I never stressed once when he had the ball. And Benemar a tough full back though, not really his fault, the game changed on his decision not to shoot one on one at the beginning of the second half and rather try an unlikely pull back.
A truly fantastic goal from Uche which we were right behind in the Arthur Wait. A great cross from Mitchell for Devenny's goal. And a completely switch off 10-15 minutes at the beginning of the second half that cost us the win that frankly looked in the bag at half time given the resources on the bench.