11 March 2018

After losing away on Monday night to Celta Vigo 2-1 in the last min, LP needed to get back to winning ways after Levante won away at Getafe on Saturday night and opening a 4 point gap between the 2 sides fighting for the survival spot.

A lively start by both teams, LP have the first attempt at goal, but Calleri’s shot is blocked. Then at the other end, Villarreal play a long ball over the top but Chichizola makes a good save. Good chance there.

18 minutes gone, and very open game with both teams on the attack but still no score.

Then on 19 minutes the first big chance for Las Palmas, with the ball played into the box after good work by Michel finds Calleri but a save by the away keeper keeps LP out.

28th minute and another good chance for LP with Halilovic cutting in from the left, he strikes a good shot but again a good save by the keeper.

The game seems to slow down in the last 15mins of the first half with the only highlight, LP wasting a couple of corners.

HT LP 0 Villarreal 0

The Verdict of The Saint – very lively start to the game with both sides playing attacking football but only creating 1/2 chances. It’s been good to see LP play with 2 upfront and they are putting pressure on the away defence. They just need to find that final ball.

2 forced substitutions for LP at half time due to injury with both Etebo and Exposito going off. So now they have gone back to playing just one upfront. This is a shame as both players were playing well in the first half.

The first 15 mins of the second half Villarreal are looking the stronger side and are coming back into this game. LP need to start looking to move the ball forward quicker and start to create some chances.

On 66 mins, LP still haven’t create a good chance since the half time break. Giving the ball away by Mono, the visitors play a good ball over the top of the home defence which puts the Villarreal striker in on goal, but with still a lot to do, Bacca puts the ball in the top corner leaving the home keeper with no chance. That was an excellent finish. LP 0 – Villarreal 1

In the 68th minute again the home team give the ball away from a corner, a very quick break away puts Villarreal in on goal. But luckily for the home team, their shot goes into the side netting where they should have scored.

Then on 70 mins same again, LP lose the ball upfield, Villarreal break quick, the dangerous Bacca goes around the keeper and again hits his shot in the side netting!! LP should be 3 down now!

LP can’t keep giving the ball away cheaply like they are doing or they will concede another!!

We are still waiting for a good chance for the home team when on 81mins Nacho takes a tame shot which is easily saved.

Then 5mins later, LP win a corner, from which Galvez goes close with a header but he should have done better.

Then, disaster strikes, LP pushing forward in injury time, leave a big space in their defence, Villarreal play the ball over the top and Sansone is in on goal. Galvez tries to get back but only brings Sansone down. Penalty and a red card to Galvez. He has really impressed me so far and will be a massive loss in the next few games.

Sansone picks himself up and slots the ball home.

Final score = Las Palmas 0 Villarreal 2

The Saint’s Verdict – After an even first half, LP were a different side in the second. The loss of the 2 injured players made a big different and with only Calleri upfront, they struggled to create any real good chances.

If you look at who we had last season – Boateng, Jese and Viera leading, we are lacking 3 good players upfront and today this really showed in the second half.

The crowd of only 18,907 went home disappointed and they must be very worried about if LP can turn things around before it’s too late.

Next home game – Real Madrid 31/3/18 17.30 KO. Easy 3 points there !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! PIO PIO