Classic matches
Heartless Renaissance hit with eight of the best
Renaissance 1 - 8 S.W.18
23rd April 2005
Chidi Umeh
The curtains have been raised for the start of a new season but after this groggy performance Renaissance will wish they were firmly drawn as they recover from a footballing hangover. Slow off the blocks and not at the races, to mix sporting metaphors, Renaissance played like a team introduced to each other on the way to south London.
The opening half began with an onslaught as SW18 found space and time at will. In a spectacular move consisting of one touch passes they moved the ball rapidly out to the wing where the resulting cross was met with a dashing volley. Only the sharp reflexes of Xawfrus keeping the scores level at that point.
The inevitable opener arrived for SW18 and a second swiftly followed. But Renaissance hit back like a punch drunk fighter and landed a lucky blow when The Realist's low drive was deflected into the net. Onlookers were wondering how the score was only 2-1 at half-time. The second half witnessed a flurry of goals as Renaissance abandoned their discipline and let individual errors seep in to their game.
Renaissance's tactic of giving the ball away after every second pass was not paying dividens. Neither was switching personnel across the field in a cack handed attempt to stem the flow of goals. An inventive SW18 made light work of the scant remains of Renaissance's defence. Their cut and thrust attack plundered and punished at every given opportunity and they must be among the favourites to win the title in July.
It is difficult to recall at which point a voice from the crowd roared the opinion that Renaissance had no heart. Perhaps it came after the sixth or seventh goal. It was all a sorry blur by then.
Line Up:
Xawfrus; Col (Brunelleschi), Da Vinci; Rembrandt, The Artist, The Realist; Michelangelo
Match Ratings by Aaron Lear
Xawfrus: Probably our man of the match. He made some truly stunning saves which prevented the score-line hitting double figures. His goal kicks had good height and distance and he was commanding in his box. His general handling of the ball was also very good. My only concern is his tendency to come scampering out of goal which can resemble Bruce Grobbelar on an off-day. However, if his defence protects him better there will be no need for him to attempt such forays. 7/10
Col: Was not on the pitch long enough to warrant an analysis but seemed to be coping well before his injury. No rating
Da Vinci: I personally accept all tactical responsibility for the result. With the score-line delicately poised at half time I made a 'Ranieri' like decision to change the formation and positions thus leaving gaping gaps all over the pitch which were mercilessly exploited. Furthermore, instead of protecting the defense I chose to wander up-front leaving us horribly exposed at the back. I offered very little quality and was slow to release the ball. When the score-line went to 4-1 I gave up on tracking back altogether and I apologize to the whole team for this appalling attitude. 4/10
Rembrandt: Played as if he didn't mind losing. Looked uncomfortable and uncertain on the ball. Lacked aggression and purpose. Showed far too much respect to the opposition by putting in soft challenges. Towards the end of the game Rembrandt didn't know who to mark or where to position himself. His general body language suggested that he was more interested in going to meet his partner rather than keeping the damage to our goals against column at a minimum. 4/10
The Artist: Along with The Realist he was probably our best outfield player but that doesn't mean that he displayed the standard that we are looking for. He set an example for the rest of the team with his tackling which nobody chose to emulate. He was one of the few players to make intelligent runs and his commitment was unquestionable. However, he was guilty of losing the ball in some dangerous positions and his finishing was less than clinical. 6/10
The Realist: Continues to believe that by putting in average performances as opposed to shit ones, he can be excused from any criticism. His work rate was very good and his passing was better than most but yet again he failed to ask any questions of the opposition in terms of running at them in a purposeful and penetrative way. We need one of our midfielders to beat players so as to open up space but safe/square passes will not provide us with any incision. 6/10
Michelangelo: Hugely disappointing and he knows it. Failed to lead the line. Didn't put any pressure on the opposition defenders, didn't chase any loose balls, didn't hold the ball up and didn't use his strength to impose himself on the game. He missed all his chances but this can happen to the best of strikers. The goals will come for him but he should at least look to show more desire and commitment. I am confident he will do this in honoring his P.M.A.F.S.R. 4/10
Brunelleschi: His lack of match practice/fitness severely hindered his game resulting in a lack of mobility, slow running, laboured touches and inaccurate passing. In fairness he was playing in an unnatural position and he didn't give up which is more than can be said about myself and a few others. It was devastating to see such a naturally positive man looking so dejected and shell shocked at the end of the game. 5/10
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Renaissance glossary
fizz
a type of pass designed to encourage a more urgent and deliberate passage of play.
dossier
1. a blueprint of plans for an intense training session.
2. a highly detailed and thorough critique of an opponents strengths and weaknesses.
Check out more definitions from the Renaissance Glossary.