Post by rickyqpr on Nov 10, 2019 9:47:43 GMT
Another International break, another chance to reflect.
Headline has to be that we would have readily accepted a top half position back in July, so happy with that.
The trend though is not so encouraging. Two points from the last 12 (3 of the games at home) with two very difficult game waiting when we return. It could easily be 2 from 18, but hopefully not.
So, what has changed?
1) A few things, but for my money, the biggest change in the last 4 games has been that teams are now setting up in a different way against us. From the outset, the opposition are playing a very high press game that stops us playing out successfully from the back. When we try to hit it long, we lose the ball. Play out, we end up playing hospital balls. So we are starting on the back foot in every game. Against teams like Luton we started very much on the front foot. The outcome has been that we do not look good enough to play out from the back and we no longer have Furlong or Wszolek winning the long punt to the touch line. It was interesting yesterday that as soon as Middlesborough went one up, they dropped back and stopped the high press. Teams find it hard to maintain, but not so hard to keep it going until they score or break our spirit. But it has had an impact on our confidence and our fluidity.
2) We seem unable to play the high press ourselves. Our opponents are not under the same pressure as our defence. In the last 4 games we have been happy to sit back.
3) Teams are walking through the centre of our midfield. We have some great ball players making us exciting going forward, but not many ball winners in there. In the holding position, I do not think there is much to choose between Ball, Cameron or Scowen. All 3 drop back to receive the ball from the keeper, all 3 seem to play us into trouble. I miss Luongo in there winning the ball and playing through balls.
4) Our defence is being punished. We have also make a lot of individual errors. We have had injuries. But I am unsure who Warburton thinks is our best back four, and neither do I.
But 2 goals a game is relegation form.
5) Not sure we have a leader out there……
So as expected we are a work in progress and we have issues that need addressing and a fresh approach.
However, on the positive side:
1) A squad built on no money at all is doing really well.
2) We are developing some of our young talent, I love watching Chair, Eze and BOS.
3) Nakhi Wells continues to score goals
4) We have had quite a few injuries, but there is depth in the squad despite the Summer churn.
5) If we are able to add to the squad in January, we do not need major surgery, but wise expenditure could make a substantial improvement
6) Yesterday I was absolutely drenched, it was a disappointing game, the journeys took forever, but I am still grateful to be able to get to the games. I still love it!
7) That chap who sits next to me has not had a coronary watching our team (yet), even if concern is growing in R Block that his verbal outbursts are getting more and more explosive – or do I mean expressive.
Headline has to be that we would have readily accepted a top half position back in July, so happy with that.
The trend though is not so encouraging. Two points from the last 12 (3 of the games at home) with two very difficult game waiting when we return. It could easily be 2 from 18, but hopefully not.
So, what has changed?
1) A few things, but for my money, the biggest change in the last 4 games has been that teams are now setting up in a different way against us. From the outset, the opposition are playing a very high press game that stops us playing out successfully from the back. When we try to hit it long, we lose the ball. Play out, we end up playing hospital balls. So we are starting on the back foot in every game. Against teams like Luton we started very much on the front foot. The outcome has been that we do not look good enough to play out from the back and we no longer have Furlong or Wszolek winning the long punt to the touch line. It was interesting yesterday that as soon as Middlesborough went one up, they dropped back and stopped the high press. Teams find it hard to maintain, but not so hard to keep it going until they score or break our spirit. But it has had an impact on our confidence and our fluidity.
2) We seem unable to play the high press ourselves. Our opponents are not under the same pressure as our defence. In the last 4 games we have been happy to sit back.
3) Teams are walking through the centre of our midfield. We have some great ball players making us exciting going forward, but not many ball winners in there. In the holding position, I do not think there is much to choose between Ball, Cameron or Scowen. All 3 drop back to receive the ball from the keeper, all 3 seem to play us into trouble. I miss Luongo in there winning the ball and playing through balls.
4) Our defence is being punished. We have also make a lot of individual errors. We have had injuries. But I am unsure who Warburton thinks is our best back four, and neither do I.
But 2 goals a game is relegation form.
5) Not sure we have a leader out there……
So as expected we are a work in progress and we have issues that need addressing and a fresh approach.
However, on the positive side:
1) A squad built on no money at all is doing really well.
2) We are developing some of our young talent, I love watching Chair, Eze and BOS.
3) Nakhi Wells continues to score goals
4) We have had quite a few injuries, but there is depth in the squad despite the Summer churn.
5) If we are able to add to the squad in January, we do not need major surgery, but wise expenditure could make a substantial improvement
6) Yesterday I was absolutely drenched, it was a disappointing game, the journeys took forever, but I am still grateful to be able to get to the games. I still love it!
7) That chap who sits next to me has not had a coronary watching our team (yet), even if concern is growing in R Block that his verbal outbursts are getting more and more explosive – or do I mean expressive.