Completely agree - in rugby tackling a man in the air is considered straight red, neck threatening play with multiple match bans. Why is it basically deemed ok in football? That was really dangerous. The penalties I shrug my shoulders at tbh. I appreciate they were dead certain penalties against us in the Premier League, but the rules have changed slightly and while I thought they were penalties they were in the soft side - and I would rather that’s the way the game goes (as long as we get the same). Hanley was immense.
Hanley threw himself in front of everyone today, Nunez and Sargents work rate were incredible. Sunderland pushed us hard but this should be a confidence inspiring win. 3 wins on the bounce!
Last season lots of people were saying not to worry when we go down because the Championship is of such poor quality. I didn't really believe it. But we have now played seven of the sides in the league (if you count the Birmingham cup game) and I have to say maybe they were right. Perhaps we've just played teams from the lower half so far, but all I've seen is lots of hard work and dubious physicality (aka fouling). If Smith doesn't get us into at least the play-offs with the squad that we have, especially now Sargent seems to have gone from donkey to thoroughbred, it will be a total failure. EDIT: The biggest obstacle to automatic might be that three or four teams (Watford, Sheff U, West Brom, Burnley?) may get around 90 points because the overall standard is so poor.
Hanley was our top rated player on WhoScored at 7.8. Krul was next at 7.2 and Sargent 7.0. Ramsey got a 6.9 for his assist and a lively sub appearance that made a big impact
They didn't score from them though, which in previous seasons they almost certainly would have done. Nor did they score from getting first to the ball from the corners itemselves. I'd say the set piece coach deserves some credit.
Why have Coventry only played three games so far? Obviously I have missed something in the last few weeks. And we play them on Saturday.
Their pitch is unfit for Championship football https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/19499747/coventry-wigan-off-pitch-championship-news/ https://www.ccfc.co.uk/news/2022/august/news-sky-blues-pitch-update/ It seems the pitch may be ready for the PNE game on August 31st
The league is beginning to shape up now but it'll take about 10 games to get a more complete picture. At the moment, the main contenders look like Sheffield United (11), Norwich (10), Burnley (9), Watford (9). Beyond that it's less clear as Blackburn have fallen away. QPR had a good win at Watford and West Brom will probably improve. I was impressed with Sunderland as well. The key thing is to not lose to any of the main contenders when the time comes. Fortunately Sara and Hayden may be fit for the game at Burnley on the 9th of September and some others may be back before Watford and the Blades in October.
Reading repeating what they did two seasons ago? Can't remember the exact figures but after about ten games had around 25 points, or more. Then it went t.ts up and they didn't make the play offs.
They could be in the frame for the playoffs, but I can't see them finishing above 3 of these: Sheffield United (11), Norwich (10), Burnley (9), Watford (9) for automatic promotion. They scraped a 1-0 win against Millwall yesterday from a total of 5 shots. Like us, they've won their last 3 but before that they were mauled 4-0 at Rotherham. I can't see them achieving a consistent points haul over the whole season. Blackburn were the early leaders but they've now lost 3 in a row and are slipping down the table.
It’s classic Championship though isn’t it - probably too early to say. I would be surprised if none of the top six fail to get automatic promotion (though obviously will be disappointed if we don’t…) And I would think at least one or maybe two of the top six come out of the teams below tenth
