I'm mebbe being a bit unfair to the lad but, he does seem to have a bit of the Chuba Akpom about him - sometimes playing like he's doing us a favour; saying that, I think there's a player in there.
He beat his man a couple of times and delivered a couple of crosses which landed in the vicinity of the box, that's more than he's done before, for us.
Seems to me that there is a bit of a lack of care and finesse in what we are doing with the ball all over the pitch, but it really affects what we do in the final third. Too often when our players could play simple passes along the ground they end up playing awkward bouncing balls that aren't to feet nor are they just in front of the man to run on to. If a player doesn't have to worry about controlling it or checking back to collect the loose pass then they can think quicker about the next move. Im sure it will come though and we are in a good position to keep working at this stuff. I do hope we try to bring in a player who has a quality set piece in the summer as I don't think anyone on the books at the moment is good enough for the job, a few are ok but we need better. It was really good to see Simons get an opportunity and I look forward to seeing him play next to Seri like Brady mentioned. Malcolm showed glimpses of what he is capable of.
I think this was the game that said goodbye to playoff hopes for me. Not just because of points, but our lack in quality in the final third. Things which stood out: (some learned, some obvious) - We missed Seri. Despite Simons looking decent, we missed that player who has his head up in the middle and plays it forward. - Tetteh should have had more time on the pitch. For Rosenior not to play him and Oscar together was a big mistake. - Ebiowei looks like he has some quality. Fernandez was their best player and had Longman in his pocket. But Ebiowei came on and managed to trouble him and force him into a yellow card. Has to start ahead of Longman in the future. - Back four are solid. Greaves should never be on the bench if fit. Disappointed not to win today but things are looking promising for next season, given what Rosenior has done so far. UTT.
We have x 4 very difficult games coming up. Another 2 dropped at home today, though no doubt LR will put a positive spin on it. Thats 3 games we really haven't been at it now...
Not a game that will live long in the memory. Why do refs stop the game every time someone sits on their arse? If its not a head injury play on - and if the player can walk get them off the pitch if they want treatment and then play on. You'd see some quick recoveries then
I was slightly more unfair then I thought he looked lazy and disinterested, couldn’t be arsed to challenge for any 50/50’s, and what he did do wasn’t anything exciting
Maybe I nodded off. I didn’t see him do anything of any use, but I did see him pull out of tackles, not bother running into very obvious space, not put a foot in, and generally look disinterested Might be me. I’m no expert
I enjoyed the first half, but the second was eminently forgettable, our play in the final third let us down again and that was anther two points dropped. Considering that was Simons first ever start in league football (at any level), I thought he gave a good account of himself and it's great to hear we've now agreed a permanent deal with Chelsea.
Played pretty well and created some of the best chances. Should have capitalised on at least one in the first half, and probably would have with Connolly.
Ok game. Am I the only one that thought, at least in the first half, the midfield looked marginally better without Seri? I dont know if Preston gave us too much space or Simons was that good but I felt the composition of Doc/Simons/Tufan played quite well. To that note Tufan needs to start centrally more. Some of hid build up with a rusty Pelkas showed promise. Thought Ebiowei had some flashes and I would maybe start him over Longman just to see what the lad has got in a full game
