I have watched the full game, highlights and analysis and did not at the time realise the extent of Dack's and Ba's involvement, while I love to see Roberts in full flow, he is a slow starter in most games, I think of all the players in our preferred eleven Roberts position is the most problematic, he needs to up his goals and assists to keep his place imo, crazy as this sounds .
Unpopular opinion but I can just about see why O’Nien got booked. The replay showed that he ran towards the ball briefly before seeming to remember that’s a no no with the new rules. He was then moving away from the ball as the free kick was taken. As has been said, the new rules need to be consistent though. The ref definitely lost his head as Adams kicking the ball away should have been a cast iron booking.
I was saying that at the game Clocky, we were chatting about who would be the biggest miss Clarke or Roberts. I love them both but there is no doubt in my mind we would miss Clarke more. In my opinion Roberts is a bit of a luxury, a joy to watch and just as effective in occupying the opposition but his assists and goals are much lower than Clarkes. Clarke is an integral part of how we play, the second we turn over possession he sprints for space and makes himself available for balls over the top or through the channels. I did notice that Ba did the same on Saturday which stretched their midfield and back line and made the two of them almost unplayable.
The rules of football and the application of said rules are completely ****ed. It needs a radical re-think because for years it's been down to 1 person's interpretation of the rules but now everything is viewed with 15 camera angles. Outside of that, the application of things like: - Anywhere else on the pitch, it's a foul - If that wasn't his first foul, the referee would definitely have booked him - Ref didn't want to spoil the game as a spectacle by sending him off this early It's bullshit - the rules are the rules and should be enforced in all instances. **** knows how they go about it, but the rules like offside, handball, diving/simulation, contact etc need rewriting before they allow technology to analyse it all. On one hand I think the refs have a thankless task applying antiquated rules using the minutiae of evidence that VAR provides
I totally agree with your points and with your team to an extent. After the result against Southampton, anyone who is taken out of that team for whatever reason has every reason to go up to Mowbray asking why. But for me if we are to make any changes, I would keep your team but Ba keeps his place instead of Roberts coming back in. I thought that it was Ba's best performance and he deserves to keep the shirt and its down to players who have missed out to try and get back in. I would give Burstow a go for Bellingham and for the same reason you have. God I would hate to be in Mowbray's shoes now we have options all over and some players not even making the bench!
Think that's fair comment re Ba. 2 assists (not sure we he wasn't credited with Dack's goal by BBC/SKY) and probably his best performance in a Sunderland shirt Nice problems for Mowbray to have in stark contrast to last season's back 3 of Hume-O'Nien-Gooch Injuries will come of course, but it's only CM where we are short and there are some emergency options there which might see us through
Its amazing how far we have come in such a short period of time. Need to make sure the young home grown lads are not blocked off, if that means getting them out on loan at an early age, just do it
Squad is looking incredibly strong to me now. Ba needed a run of games and he be on it after Saturday, he was superb. His work for the opening goal alone was exceptional, he gave Hume decision making time and my days did Trai make the right decision. Jewi, I think we can stop saying ‘he’s needs a loan’ cos for me he always looks like he is about to do something, the lads potential is outrageous just needs a bit of polish. Quite a bit but already a lot less. Seelt I’m excited to see, Pembele we know is gonna be up a notch. I mean ****ing hell how does Mogga pick 11 now? Quality, and quality options everywhere. I said it yesterday I think if any one of these strikers finds form we are a danger to everyone, including Leicester.
Don't really want to pick an eleven as it means dropping someone. I do think that we need to be generous to the manager this season as he is going to have to rotate and some fans wont like it especially if it doesn't work, for example Hemir seems to be getting better and more confident every game, should he be dropped from the squad ??? Rusyn looks a great talent but will probably need a week or 2 to settle in, is the new right back Pembele match ready? and if so do we give Hume an early season rest as he is on international duty. Just a few of the questions for Mogga to ponder but I bet he is relishing getting back to it, to decide what he needs to do so that these players can be at their best for us
Spot on Nads. We’ve got a remarkable squad considering it’s our second season up from League 1. Gooch’s parting message to fans was to keep on giving our support to the team because there are a lot of young lads. That’s going to be really important.
He gave that interview as a man who loves this club. Touch of class thinking about the young players in his farewell interview.
me and my son were saying the same thing on Saturday on how deep Dack was coming for the ball and working the lines well, so much for being unfit
He did the same thing away at Preston so I think it's his way of playing tbh. He came deep and collected the ball from onien and ballard a few times in that game and it's continued on. If/when he plays off a striker it will be class, been very impressed with Dack so far, looks a very intelligent player imo.
The highlight of the game, for me, was the mascot coming out with Patterson ... ... for anyone feeling a little jaded with life just take a look and give yer head a shake
51mins and 35 second on this video to see a replay of Dacks goal v Southampton. When his initial header is saved and it goes out wide to Ba, watch what Jobe and Dan Neil do, almost in synchronisation they take a step backwards expecting the cut back. Then watch what Dack does to get his tap in. That's not luck, it's experience, instinct and very very good play. (Not having a pop at those younger lads btw)
I think he'll score quite a few like that, he's the one you'd expect to be on the keeper looking for him to drop it or parry it weakly. How many times do random bounces fall to the opposition in the box, well hopefully Dack is our guy to sniff them out for us and knock it in.
.....and so is the list of players who won't even make that bench - and that bench had 9 substitutes!
