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Tension in Vallekas, and Jordi Gómez (6th March, 2017)

Pictures of Luis Yáñez, the general manager, and a fan, David Arranz, having a heated discussion during the game, in which Luis accused David of calling him a "fucking fascist", a claim that has been denied. Fans chanting "Presa, hijo de puta, Bukaneros te saluda" once David was evicted by security, which doesn't even need translation (for the record, it's "Presa, you son of a bitch, Bukaneros greets you"). Presa banning 20 fans who undertook a peaceful protest with Presa Vete Ya banners.

Also, the verb Presa translates to Stress, or Force. The noun translates to journalism. It's just so ironic and perfect....

But today's post is about tactics. In a 4-2-3-1, Jordi Gómez's introduction for Baena was what I previously called "the death warrant of any defensive protection" (Read it here). I must confess, having seen Trashorras and Jordi Gómez work together against the sturdy defense of Reus Deportiu, I need to salute Míchel for making it work. Two La Masia graduates, reared as pass-masters, worked together to destroy Reus' defense, who were extremely lucky not to have conceded.

What I would say though is that Rayo did look susceptible at times, so this may not always work, but initial signs look promising.

Even if the run-in looks hard.

Even though this board has got a lot of stick, I must say that keeping the entire squad together (bar Jozabed, and even he was sold for four million euros) was impressive, and so was signing Ernesto Galán over the summer to replace Tito. But Jordi Gómez's signing stands out for me. He is a top-flight quality player and I was pleasantly surprised when he signed.

His first season in England with Swansea was a resounding success, with 12 goals in 44 games in the 2008-09 Championship. In fact, there were scouting reports that sung his praises, such as him having "a lovely ability to receive the ball in space or if he is marked tightly, find space after his first touch".

Since then, he became a legend at Wigan, winning the 2013 FA Cup against Manchester City in a historic 1-0 victory. His lack of use at subsequent clubs, including Sunderland, Blackburn and Wigan again, may have led him to play for a club where he would play regularly.

Not that I'm complaining.

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