Interesting you went for Charles, I thought he was quietly effective. Just wondered why him and not Jack or Ryan who changed the game?
In post-match interview, Still said that he didn’t quite understand Manning getting MOTM for 20 min appearance, though he agreed he changed the game.
Someone said Downs was pushed as the ball came to him for our winner and I just watched it. Thrust into the back of the net with a huge shove.
Quietly effective as you say. Solid across the full 90 minutes. Was up and down the pitch, don't remember him doing much wrong. It did help mind that he was playing in his correct position. I can't say that about a number of other players. Has Still watched any of our previously matches if he thinks Armstrong's best role is as a number 9?
I definitely don’t think we were ever ****. We had quite a few chances and we hadn’t shot at the keeper we would have scored. Also the ref was incompetent. Also just promoted teams always have confidence about them
Starting team for Ipswich... ...................Baz Suga/Ronnie, Jack, Josh, Manning ...........Downes, Charles .......Adarma, Matty, JRob ............Downs/LND
Jack deserved his moment at the end there. Often derided, fantastic today and a moment like that will mean a lot to him. In terms of the match, that ref was utterly dreadful, and expect he's crying into his Wrexham shirt as we speak. I thought Shea Charles especially looked good; looked a completely different player to what I remember, and whether it was the tactics at the time, or his loan away, but he looks a damn good player. Not seen it mentioned, but I also thought Stewart lifted us when we came on and he looked bright, fresh and a threat. More Ross and less Arma through the middle. Fraser also looked a player as well. What a fun day, fantastic
Not long got home. Power walked home on adrenaline and didn't realise til I got in that I was nearly dead from dehydration. Absolutely done in now. Normally like to do a summary of sorts but really haven't got the energy so I'll sum it up in two lines: Me in the 89th minute: 'I ****ing hate football' Me in the 96th minute: 'FFGKVDASFBGKNKJDUKMFGDONDGKOMCFSDRJKKNKKCJBRKBSTONVDKOLLNCDUKMBFHJ'
If Stewart can stay (monumentally big if), then him through the middle with Armstrong playing off him/wider, does look like an obvious way to go. Of course, it might yet be that Downs proves himself as capable to start down the middle. But given today is the first time I've seen him, I just can't comment on that yet. Armstrong through the middle is even worse than Archer on the left. Or at least I think he was on the left? He was so anonymous when he came on, he could have been playing anywhere.
He thought we deserved to win in the end, but that there’s a load of work to do. I quite like the fact he’s a bit uncomfortable in front of camera. Makes a delightful change from some of the towering egos we’ve had in the last few years.
Really happy for Baz, Stephens and Manning. Way too defensive line up to start with, hopefully Still has learned from today you don’t need to be that cautious in this division. We aren’t gonna be playing the likes of PSG. Really loved Archer’s enthusiasm, chasing down everything. Didn’t do that at all last season. Quarshie very raw. Some poor passes and got caught dallying a few times. Think he’ll be very good in a couple of years, but personally I’d bench him for now. Charles was great. Downes a bit meh. Manning in for Wellington, and start Stewart. J-Rob great full debut. Dibling would have a field day in this league. Atmosphere like a library again. But, f*cking get in. Amazing finish. Fans deserved that.
Agree with all of that. My one big moan about today is related to the stadium/atmosphere but I'll save it for tomorrow.
