Diego Comes Good

By: Daryl | March 4th, 2009

Remember how I was sort of regretting the Diego purchase? Yes, I got the lad cheap from Man City, but I was starting to think that six months in their reserves had rotted his skills.

I’ve gotten him match fit and started him in plenty of games, but he never really sparked. Until today.

Europa League 2nd Knockout Rnd vs Olympiacos (home) 1st leg
- – - – - – - – Krul – - – - – - -
Jiranek – Rusol – Coloccini – N’Zogbia
- – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - –
Marq – - Belletti – Mascio – Fleck
- – - – - – - Diego – - – - – - –
- – - – - – - Lewandowski – - – - – -

4-4-1-1 normal mentality, normal defensive line, playing offside, bit of widthm reasonably direct, reasonably quick passing

So, yes. I picked a weakened team for Europe. But not because I don’t care. More because I thought I could win it while resting a few guys. But decided to be an extra bit cautious and go 4-4-1-1 to start. That was a mistake. Also started Lewandowski over Bendtner for the second game running (possibly out of guilt that Lew didn’t get on the field for the Carling Cup final). That was a mistake too.

After 30 drab minutes, Belletti bodychecked one of their guys in the area, and Olympiacos were 1-0 ip at St James’ through a pen. I was about to join Martin O’Neill and Harry Redknapp in the ranks of Euro surrender monkeys. So I did a Mourinho and immediately got more attacking, going 4-2-3-1.

The result was Diego drilling it into the bottom right corner just before halftime. His first goal for Newcaste, apparently. About time mate.

Halftime I have all the lads a pat on the back and told them we could win this. Except Belletti. I told him he was too old and too clumsy and he was coming off for Camacho.

I waited 15 minutes into the second half and Lewandowski had still done next to nothing, so Bendtner made his entrance and three minutes later had the ball in the net. Bendtner headed a cross down to Diego, who played Bendtner through to go around the keeper and score. Looks like we might have found an effective partnership.

Ten minutes later Digeo did it again, this time tapping home a Jonas (on as sub) cross from close range. He finished with an 8.7, two goals and an assist.

Result: W 3-1

So, job done, mostly. Next up, a big big league game away to Liverpool. And a big decision to make before that game. Do I go with the cowardly 4-2-3-1 and Marquinhos’ pace up front for counter attacks? Or the attaching 4-2-3-1 with the in-form Bendtner up front?