Okay, here are my thoughts from the game. We were quite unlucky to go down to a deflected shot in the 2nd minute and after conceeding so early, it was always going to be difficult. We always seem to concede early or just before half time. In terms of individual players, Ben Haim kept giving the ball away and our defense in general looked a bit (read: very) shaky. Also, another point which is perhaps harsh of me to make but Benjani seemed to be the weak point of our strike force (which overall was pretty pants to be fair). He seems to have lost his pace, which was one of his major assests when he was with us before, and his work rate seems to have dropped considerably. Not to mention he's always offside (that at least hasn't changed much). Conversely, Huskelep was quite good. Fast and putting in lots of effort. Rasiak seemed okay I think. It was also quite good that we were able to keep possession at points, and lots long passing spells, one of which nearly resulted in a goal for us bar a save for Roach iirc. Though could have been due to Watford dropping off maybe. I'm not sure if the Ole's were ironic though? Either way, I think it's better than just hoofing the ball and losing it straight away. Of course, it depends how much time is left of course. If it is the last minute, then I guess hoofing it makes sense. Overall, the strike force is definitely the weakest part of the team, and iirc the defense become a bit less shaky after a while. We also need to get in the box more. One thing that wound me up though, was if the ball was going straight to a player, they wouldn't even try to move into position to receive it/challenge for it and kind of dropped off. That was quite frustrating. At least challenge for the ball. We also made quite a few unforced errors (yes I know that's a tennis term) in terms of passing, often when there being no-one near our player but rushing with the pass and ending up giving it away, it just invites pressure. Thoughts?
I listened to the match on PFCTV - it sounded awful. Stephen Henderson and Greg Halford both tweeted after the game apologising for the poor performance and Greg Halford saying "@LS-4 thanku but everyone was below par today including me". This has happened far too often under Cotterill, they often didn't turn up for the first half, they cheered up under Guy and Stuart but have gone back to not turning up again. I'm going to the Leicester game and if they break my record for not experiencing a loss at FP I'm going to personally deck each one of them!
The Leicester game is not the one to let us down on 3rd eye !! Don't forget to wear your lucky underpants...........
The game on Saturday was one of the worst,abject performances I have witnessed by a Pompey team for many years. No one came out of it with any credit. Everything was set for a good day- but no one told the players. What Michael Appleton must have thought was anyones guess. At least I think he's now aware of the task facing him and is actively persuing two or three new faces before Thursday. There was no football as such on Saturday. Barely three passes between team mates before possession lost or given away with a long ball from Halford. Up front it was worse. For some reason the media seemed to think we got a little better in the second half..really?? All I saw were players losing the ball in midfield, unable to evade the opposition who to their credit worked hard to close us down and stop us playing. Once or twice we got close to their 18yd box only to find Benni or Varney in an offside position. It really was appalling. It's no good players apologising afterwards.They should be made to watch the whole 90 dreadful minutes again and just take in what sort of impression it conveys as an onlooker. Most of them are mainly concerned about 1. Their wagepacket. 2. How bright a pair of boots they can procure. 3. How concerned they all are to graft for the new boss (stop talking to the media, if you have'nt got anything useful to say!) I'm getting angry now
I have a feeling that many of this new team of players aren't going to be Pompey players for too much longer. I would really like someone to explain to me how come a whole team can be so awful at the same time? Well they've got less than a month to get it together now or face the wrath of the Fratton faithful
My personal opinion. Both Saints and Pompey after relegation from Premier League at first have splashed out on big ego players and pay high wages. When we got relegated to L1 we rebuilt from scratch, and signed Football League Players. These are players that wanted to work up and prove that they are committed all put going players. At Saints, those players are still with us today and How our foundations are incredibly strong! Personally I think Pompey should look at a few L1 players because some of them could become big players. A few examples of L1 players that signed for Saints: Richardson - Charlton Harding - Brighton (I think) Hammond - Colchester Puncheon - Plymouth Lambert - Bristol Rovers Barnard - Southend It is interesting I would hope
Well at least you're not gloating RLGB ...but you have every reason to! Don't take that as a cue though
I'm not a gloater, I'm happy with how we are doing but there's still no need to over hype and get Ito other fans faces
Can't see much stopping you at the moment. That sort of momentum looks after itself. Your players don't think they'll get beat whilst the opposition fear the worst. Only injuries,suspensions or possibly a good beating could sow any seeds of doubt- but I doubt it.
Southampton could lose 4 on the trot while everyone else won and they would still be in the top six. They don't look like losing 1 at the moment, let alone 4.
Thanks mate. Some people may disagree but I think getting relegated to League 1 could one of the best things to happen to the club. Obviously it was a bad and horrendous time for everyone but it's when you look back now it proved to be a kick up the backside for everyone and meant a new slate, a new start. And personally I think that is what Pompey need. A new start. Forget the past and move on. But to do that you have to get rid of the players that are not interested or pulling their weight.
