It is quite interesting that this boy draws extreme emotion in opposite direction. I guess at least some of it has to do with what people are inclined to value more: effort vs result, promise (potential) vs (errr..) result, etc.
Anyway - this looks like a great opportunity to win hearts. A goal, or even a performance that helps us win, and I'm sure he'll get people on his side more easily. Much as it was frustrating to be on his side all this time, and though I do agree he was made a whipping boy more than i think he deserved/s, I don't think this is a case of unfair treatment, and I don't think people will continue to batter him when he starts providing the goods.
For now I'm not really expecting fireworks: I'm happy with Rosicky's nice surprise, and I don't miss Aaron's AM contribution, or even fussed about his finishes. I'm not that worried about his passing either. But he does have to improve the possession aspect, and general sense of confidence around him. He can't be robbed that frequently or easily, or pressed into bad passing/panic mode - he's been better at that in the past.
The CM role in that is both good and risky: it should help calm him down, give more pass options, and maybe help him play a more measured game. For a while now I thought he needed that - needs to find his rhythm, get in his natural groove of things, play his natural football. He looks so mechanical at times, so forced - un cool, can't help generate the sense of confidence of playing entirely by intuition. So that may be good ( though - big doubt if the timing is right).
But on the other hand, it's risky: if he's now robbed in our own half regularly (think how chelsea can punish there) - we've gone worse.
Anyway - fingers crossed for a tide changing performance. (from VP, at least 🙂 ).
