One thing I have realised, trying to get to sleep after a win or a loss are both difficult. However, the feeling in the morning when you wake up is completely different. Buzzing with the win. Another very good away performance, bar 2 spells, 10 minutes at the beginning of both halves, we controlled the game. We had to wait a bit longer than ideal, to get the 2nd, but once we did then it was more or less a forgone conclusion. I thought beforehand Liam might go for the back 4 he did, and we certainly looked more solid than against Southampton. Coyle had a very good game, as did the whole of the back 4. Seri was outstanding and along with Morton they have struck up a very good understanding between each other. Twine I thought had a good game, with Slater missing he does give you much more work rate than Tufan would, but is just lacking when it comes to scoring. I feel once he does get a goal, he will push on to better things. Traore did okay, but both Philogene and Delap were excellent. Delap's finish wasn't easy and took it well, and great to see Jaden cut in, use their defenders to un-sight the keeper with his shot. Both Docherty and Lokilo did well when they came on and good to see the Doc back playing again. We just need to back this win up with another one, Saturday, I hope we go with 2 wingers Lokilo & Jaden. Delighted for Liam, some unnecessary comments on X saying he should be sacked after the Southampton game, though I am sure most of the trolls don't even watch games, just like stiring up trouble.
Preston will play on the counter. They're also no pushovers. Gonna be an interesting test on Saturday.
Indeed.Liam does need to solve the home form riddle, though it was good to see them taking on more shots earlier last evening. One of the problems is going a goal behind, teams then go for a low block, and we find it hard to break them down. We need to score first and then push on for the 2nd not sit back, if we can do that then I think we can blow teams away.
That was at home, not away. 55% v Birmingham, 54% v Millwall, even 50% against a dominating Ipswich. Our three most recent away displays, where you said we play 'counter attacking' football. Just because we look dangerous on the counter doesn't mean that's the way we set up.
I was there last night. We played superbly. We played much like we have in recent weeks. We humbled a Birmingham side that started decently. We made them look feeble in the last twenty minutes, Rooney said as much. Anyone trying to belittle a win like that is surely trying a bit too hard.
Thought we were great last night - really enjoyed the game - we have the makings of a really good team - some stand out performances last night, too many to mention and we have good squad depth to cover all positions - pleased Macca came back in last night, he really tightened the back line up - still think Greaves defensively is weak but he was excellent in the attacking half - be surprised if Man City want Delap as first team potential - he's good but not that level so hopefully we can get him signed permanently in January - thought the stick Rooney got was excellent - all in all a great night
Very good away performance we made them look ordinary. Seri was outstanding he controlled the tempo of the game. Jaden & Delap are absolute quality at this level.
We are so much better with Greaves left back, makes up for our lack of mobility in midfield. Would stick with it moving forwards as Vinagre has flattered to deceive.
Funny old game isn't it. I thought Seri was quite mundane again. He's so quick to resort to a sideways/backwards pass whereas Morton seems to have a better turn on him. He must have had the ball at the edge of their area for a good 5-10 seconds, Brum backed off him, almost willing him to shoot yet he seemed so hesitant, he did eventually pull the trigger and it was pretty tame. You need your centre mids to be chipping in with goals from those sort of positions. Jaden and Delap did have good games, amazing what happens when you play them in their natural positions. Be interesting to see what happens when Connolly's fit again.
Thinking about Twine, he did ok last night. He's not making anyone's top three but he was quietly effective. Got about the pitch effectively and did the unnoticed things well. He's got a reputation as a dead ball specialist and we're not seeing that impact yet. There's not a lot wrong with his delivery, perhaps the confidence of a goal or an assist or two coming from them will help. To me he looks a bit lightweight and easily shrugged off the ball. This is more worrying. He's mid 20s but perhaps he needs to do some more strength conditioning.
Think I read somewhere he's in the top 5 most fouled players in the championship. He's got that element of Grealish about him that people like to kick the **** out of him
I honestly think he lost his balance and thought it was better to just go down. No one willingly goes down like that when through on goal.