Up until his goal, which was superb, I thought he was poor. Too easily brushed aside. I think he still lacks a bit of confidence in his physical fitness.
As ever, opinions vary. While watching, I was thinking how strong Willock looked and not easily beaten. Many saying Hull were good. Most of their shots were wayward. Lots of possession but not that great where it mattered.
He’s had a long way to travel back to be fair Strolls. Something I did see was him ask for the ball, it’s been a long time since that happened and a significant sea change in his outlook. He may lack some confidence still but he has recovered a desire to play, score and make a difference. He needed that. We needed that. Whatever he decides to do at the end of the season, if we are safe then we, at least, have gained something; as will he I’m sure.
Brilliant result and so pleased with the effort and attitude of the players. Great to see Willock getting back to near his best and Chair score again too. Superb from Begovic, and it could've been a totally different story without his saves. Another huge game v Plymouth coming up, and we really need another 3 points to reel them in. If things continue like this, unfortunately it won't be long before other clubs come calling for El Cif, I really hope we don't lose him before he's really made a difference here !
I actually don't think Willock is near the best he has played for us but 3 in 3 and a couple of assists will do nicely, especially when we know there's even more to come from him.
He's still nowhere near the player he was. I'm not sure how much of that is down to lack of fitness, and confidence in his own body, following his injuries or whether it might be partly down to attitude - does he really still want to be here? If he hadn't scored that super goal I'd have had him hooked at half-time.
I guess the question is who would pay good money for him in January, in his current form and fitness, over getting him for free at the end of his contract (not certain but I believe he/his agent can talk to clubs in January to make his deal and get a cosy sign-on fee).
I posted a few days back that I hoped Marti would become our Thomas Frank ie take us to the PL and actually stay! I think Frank is incredibly wise. I'm guessing he's looked at many other PL managers who've moved to bigger clubs where it's ended in tears. A bird in the hand etc. Hopefully not a fantasy scenario.
Well that was very enjoyable. The difference is immeasurable. There is a general aura that the team is organised and knows what it is doing. Under Ainsworth you always felt we were one pass away from a mistake and a goal. Now everyone knows their place and what they are doing. And above all, they are enjoying themselves and they want to play in the team ( and we the fans want to go and watch them). Whatever happens this season we must thank Marti for that. Clarke-Salter is a solid calm and sophisticated/ neat player. He will become the best CD in the division. He and Cook are very good together. Begovic had his best game for us, a number of good games and no mistakes with his distribution Cannon was a bit exposed in the first half, but I think he is still coming up to speed. Field solid, Dozzell solid without being outstanding. I agree Willock was quiet until his beautiful goal....but he was tracking back and harrying, he too is getting back to where he is . Smyth really does work for the team too, he is actually a pretty impressive player. And someone has taught Chair to be less selfish and become an assist master. My last two points Again ( 3rd goal following Larchech and Kelman vs Stoke) a goal was forced by a sub coming on (Armstrong) and harrying a player into making a mistake. Another revelation Marti has introduced!!! Finally the enigma that is Dykes.... Even under this new regime , he just can't seem to get his goal, he gets to the far post, and can't turn it in ( Hull defended well) his headers are over. He works so hard, but the end result just is not there. Hull were a well decent team. We did well...now let's do it again on Wednesday, because I do not think we will beat a resurgent Wednesday on Saturday
There are some saves commentators fap about that any goalkeeper should be making and some that look simple but aren’t. The one towards the end to his right was excellent. The one where Delap cut in and looked like he’d score was a good save but poor finishing gave him a chance. The whole defensive set-up is so much better. The system means we concede space on the flanks but you fancy us to not let teams play through us which was embarrassingly simple under Ainsworth. Happy to say I was wrong about Clarke-Salter. Thought he was a bit of a tart even when he turned up for work but he’s such an improvement on Dunne it’s a joke and is crucial to the way we play. If he can stay fit he’s a proper player.
We’ll destroy those owl-shaggers. I’m still bitter they didn’t let me in on my £1 U16 ticket when I was 17. Hope they fold.
I reckon it's now almost entirely a confidence thing. Look at how he pretty much sprinted the length of the pitch for our second goal. He might not be fully there yet but even partway there he has become an asset to the team again.
