Judging by Bruno’s post-match comments about the shortcomings of our squad, he must feel like the golden tit after again being sold short by Fosun.
With the hierarchy continuing to weaken the squad, Bruno can’t be expected to turn water into wine forever.
A bang average Norwich side were there for the taking, but Bruno was inexplicably forced to deploy a negative 352 system with just one wide fit senior player to call upon.
Regardless of the contract situation, letting Adama go when Hwang and Neto are still a few weeks away from returning – and many more from getting back to up to speed – is unforgivable.
What makes it worse is a not-fit-for-purpose Donk chasing shadows between the lines. Expecting the Belgian to do the job of a technically gifted number 10 was excruciating to witness. Equally, playing balls over the top for Donk to chase seemed futile when he has no pace.
Neves and Moutinho were perfectly in control of the midfield for much of the afternoon. Bruno must be fuming that he had to stick an anonymous third man in there because of a lack of wide forward options.
However, there’s this nagging concern, that for all our possession, there’s a lack of clearcut chances being created. Is that down to the lack of quality movement in the final third? Silva, Raul, Podence and Trincao are probably all guilty in that department. It’s as if panic sets in of how to fashion a chance once the 18-yard box is in sight. Mind you, enough inviting balls were sent across the face of goal without being punished.
It’s performances like today and a depleted squad needing investment that makes me think we’re kidding ourselves about cup runs and any European aspirations.
Let’s face it, Bruno said as much post-match.