It's totally, we're playing to get the ball in behind their backline and have done so several times. Nothing like Stoke other than the fact the ball goes in the air, that's like saying Arsenal are like Barcelona because they like to pass the ball on the floor.
hmmm. Don't know what to make of that. Playing OK I guess, but we need a bit more spark. I'd be tempted to get Parker off and get Lennon on.
Not too bad. We're the better side and all things considered (which they often aren't), we should win.
Should be ahead, plenty of positive though, Wigan tried to come back at us after the goal but we kept them fairly quiet and had enough chances to take a commanding lead. Finishing and one awful piece of defending have let us down so far.
We've really struggled down the left, which brings the use of Naughton on that side into question. Strange one. Slightly improved on that side since Holtby's come on, though he's not been involved in any of it and hasn't actually done anything, as far as I could see. Bale's been relatively poor, Huddlestone's been pulling the strings, Dempsey's worked hard but not offered much and Parker looks a bit lost in his role. Started well until we scored, but then gave away a corner and failed to mark properly from it. Lost a fair bit of momentum from their equaliser and we've not put away the chances that we've had since, as the ball just doesn't seem to want to sit for anyone. Hope Dembele's ok or we're in trouble. So many poxy injuries this season, including Adebayor today, I assume.
Barnsley doing Watford a favour against Hull. Good to see, it's a shame to see a massive club like Watford with loads of world class players in the championship
unusual game this. neither team really seem to have got going. poor touches from defoe, inability to cross from walker and parker being... well parker in front of goal
Get parker sitting deep in the middle of the 3 centre mids, get Bale to provide some width more often and get Walker to keep getting in behind, eventually one of his crosses will find a target, right?
I think we lack balance with Parker and Hudd in the midfield. Hudd is sitting so deep that Parker is pushing up, and his attacking influence is at best nonexistent and at worst he gets in the way. It's limiting us I feel.
More energy needed, it's all a bit deliberate. We need to use the superior players we have by playing at a higher tempo.
Can anyone explain why AVB rates Naughton so highly? I'd rather see Jan at left back if Benny is injured/out of favour.