Match Day Thread Preston vs Southampton, Wed, 25 Oct 19:45

Downes is 24.

 

Yeah we're no where near good enough up top to make up for it. Which is why we won't get near autos.

 

But it isn't some outrageous, leftfield style of playing football. It's just trying to dominate possession, which is probably exactly what a squad of our quality should be doing in this league. What are the alternatives? Hoofball, no thanks, gegenpress, f*ck that; counter-attack? Nope, opposition sit too deep for that.

I'm just looking at Leeds as a fairer comparison, rather than Leicester, and even with their squad, and a Championship-proven manager, they are just one point ahead of us.

 

We got told that at start of season. That’s RM. He’s doing his CV.

 

Thought exactly the same!

 

I don't think there is such a thing as being good enough up top to reach the autos if we're shipping nearly two goals a game. Went back a decade, and the highest goals conceded total for an auto-promoted side was Norwich, at 57. No one else was even close to that. We're on pace to ship 85.

 

Quick, forward passing with attacking players running into space. Intensity, confidence and a bit of bravery. Basically, Poch football. We should be Poching the hell out of this league.

 

He’s right. 24 I think you’ll find. Promotion form!?

 

I do agree but we can be a bit more clever in the opponents half. There are many opportunities to play that through ball or get the ball in the box quicker but no, it goes backwards and their defence re organises. We have players with pace and skill to run onto those passes.

RM needs to be braver and have more belief in our players

 

More than a third of the season?

 

Oh yeah 46, not 36

Did think it had gone quickly!

 

Would be nice. But we're a poor imitation of Guardiola-ball, so we'd probably play a poor version of Poch-ball too, sadly.

 

****ing right.

 

This.

 

But there’s no way in a zillion years we can play Pep football but WE definitely could / can play Pochball. Can’t believe you wrote that.

 

Entertaining game master class from Mr Simpson great header by the keeper at the end strangely not the one who saved a certain goal with his hand on the line in the first half
Full blog tomorrow good turnout of Saints though

 

Ha! Is that it? Omg. OK, we’ve conceded the MOST goals after 13 games.

 

Yes, the ball struck his hand but off a rebound. No human could react in that time. Never a penalty.

 

Thing is possession based football doesn't have to be played at 1mph, and if you're going to play that particular brand then you need to be good defensively.

We played possession football under Adkins but always attacked with purpose. That's something sorely lacking atm.

 

Have to disagree