The type of games against Preston and Norwich are not the games that win you automatic promotion but they are the ones that cost you automatic promotion if you don't win them. We've not played well in either game but we found a way to pick up 3 points. If we win at Bristol on Friday 2nd February then we move in to 2nd place before the Saturday games.
What I did see is that Norwich, as others have done, put at least 2 men on Summerville and sometimes James. Rutter was also closely marked. Their work in tight areas was class, plus Camara and Firpo had space around them because so many defenders were committed. That will make a huge difference when we're trying to break down 10 man defences. I also like it that Ampadu brings the ball out of defence. McLean did it to us a couple of times in the first half and it causes real problems. We're building up.
I know a few of the stamp collectors like Jammy yearn for a cup run (I get it) but what an opportunity to play the likes of Charlie and Joffy on Saturday and see how good they really are against mid table Championship opposition and see if they can cut it. No lose for me, progress in the cup, brilliant, show FARKE he has a selection problem, brilliant, rest our first choice players before Bristol City with the opportunity to go second, brilliant. Obviously, if it all goes wrong, Farke can feck off and we can all blame Rads, Vic and Cuddly Ken, bad planning I say
Again job done tonight, whilst not being at our fluent best. Gruev is looking better by the game, there is just something really appealing about his passing ability. The way he’s unafraid to stick his foot in, and the shepherding of the ball out, in front of the south stand late on, was great to see. Think he’ll become a bit of a fans favourite. My only concern is we have 8 days to hopefully get Dan and Archie off the treatment table. I’d like a cup run, but I wouldn’t risk either this Saturday, and hopefully get them ready for the Bristol game. The way Archie was walking off, didn’t look too promising. On Saturday I’d start with a fairly strong line up, with preferably Byram as RB. If we get our noses in front, I’d then look use the full allocation of subs, to then finish the game. MOT
It was the Preston game and we very nearly dropped points but fortunately the gut was wrong on that occasion
Just back from the match and if anyone still thinks Firpo can't defend (in this league) then they need to give their head a shake.
Hopefully our recent form has brought Cresswell to his senses and he goes to see Farke and commits 100% to whatever the manager wants him to do. Then he might get a run out on Saturday
He can't defend in any league. He still defends square on. He's a ball watcher. He chases the ball like a 7 year old child and ends up in no man's land. He is, however doing a sterling job supporting Summerville on that left hand side when we are attacking a low block. He gives us an extra outlet.
Dan James confirmed as a hip injury and is out of Saturdays game. Archie has a knee injury, initial assessment suggests no ligament damage.
I have a question m’lud…. The commentator explained last night that players leaving the pitch for 30 seconds after treatment, even if they were fouled, was to prevent time wasting. Why then did the Preston goalkeeper not leave the pitch for 30 seconds at the weekend after receiving treatment? After all, he wasn’t fouled and was definitely time wasting. Answers on a postcard please. PS Aski, an abbreviated version of the relevant chapter in the rule book would be more than enough
What about three seperate substitutions during the 3 additonal minutes of stoppage time ? Maybe there should be rule against that as it lead to an additional 8 minutes being played
I thought the second half showed just how important an in form Dan James is to the side. hope his injury isn't serious.
Come on mate credit where credit is due as Firpo has made some fantastic blocks and great tackles since he returned to fitness.
Just for you Marcos, I've decided to provide a succinct response. Following is based on the directives provided to match officials from IFAB under rule 5.3 https://www.theifab.com/laws/latest/the-referee/#powers-and-duties A player who is assessed or treated on the pitch must then leave, except when: a goalkeeper is injured a goalkeeper and an outfield player collide with each other and need attention players from the same team collide and need attention a player is injured by a foul for which the offender is shown a red or yellow card a penalty kick has been awarded and the injured player will take the kick This might be just selective memory playing tricks, but I don't recall point 4 above being adhered to very often
Shame really, would be highly amusing watching Jordan Pickford spending 15 minutes on the sidelines in each game
