Palermo’s Class Not Enough in La Plata

By: Brett | September 28th, 2009

Estudiantes 2-1 Boca Juniors

In the preview for this match I mentioned that our poor form this month had us in a place delightfully termed “Struggletown.”

Well, after witnessing what was an average performance which culminated in a 2-1 loss at Estudiantes, I am beginning to think that instead of simply passing through Struggletown, perhaps stopping for a super pancho and a mate’, the lads at Boca seem hell bent on settling down there and looking for a good school for their kids.

Coco sent out an understandably defensive 4-5-1 lineup, with Palermo the lone front man. Given the service, or lack there of, he received, one can only assume he was told pre-match to do the best with whatever may come his away during the match.

And he did just that. Say what you like about his penalty taking troubles, his inability to fashion a career for himself in Europe and his peroxide-blonde tips, El Loco is still one the deadliest finishers from open play to ever pull on the Boca jersey.

After going behind in 12th minute, courtesy of same truly average defending at a set play (defending which is becoming less and less surprising by the week), the big number 9 pulled as level two minutes after changing ends.

A poor header from an Estudiantes defender, after a hopeful-at-best hoof downfield from Pato Abbondanzieri, fell delightfully into Martin’s path. The big man turned, swiveled and volleyed it home with his left. He really is a class act. One has to wonder where the goals will come from when he finally calls it a day.

Unfortunately, the glow-basking and optimism which followed Palermo’s stunning effort lasted all of three minutes. Enzo Perez slotted home after a half hit cross somehow eluded three of our defenders and one of their strikers.

And that’s how it ended. The only pleasure I received for the remainder of the match was listening to the Argentine commentator whenever Seba Veron was on the ball. Which was often. The match was pretty tight and tense overall, and the fact that Veron was on the pitch, having an impact, and Riquelme was in the stands, having a burger, says a lot really. Anyway, whenever Seba was on the ball, the commentator would begin to, somewhat lovingly, chant his name. “Veron…Veron…Verooooon…” and so on…

Fair play, Quilmes’ Stadium is never an easy place to go. But, come one – five shots for a match, plus a solitary corner, is unacceptable. Not good enough. Especially for a team of our quality. Neither was some of our defending, especially from Luciano Monzon. The kid may have a bright future ahead of him, but he was woefully out of position for both of their goals. And when he was on the ball, he mindlessly heaped it forward it every opportunity.

He wasn’t alone, though. It was pretty clear that without Riquelme, we lack a decent plan B. But, this is an issue which warrants proper discussion at a later date. I look forward to your suggestions on that one.

Where does the defeat leave us? 15th. One win, two draws and three losses. 7 points behind fifth placed Argentinos Juniors. The top five will qualify for the Copa Libertadores next year….

At least September is finished. Finally. I don’t know the last time we went winless for a whole month, and quite frankly, I don’t want to know. . Next weekend we welcome Clausura champions, and currently second placed, Velez Sarsfield to La Bombonera.

October can only be better, right?

Right?

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