We scored more goals ...because we had too... "We will score one more than you.....Vindaloo" We need Joey...not too much on pitch "leadership" (except from Hill) but tons of team spirit....now that is a good thing to say
I disagree with the presumption that we were better in Joey Barton'a absence. Today's match was crying out for someone to command the midfield.
I think they tactical changes had more to do with it, is going from a 451 to 4231 last game and bringing on Philips this game and playing 2 up front. Barton not playing has nothing to do with it.
Spot on, we lacked leadership and passion today and only managed to get 3 points because HT did not manage to score in the 1st half when they completely dominated us - JB is urgently needed.
Not seen any of game yet as I have been working, cough, cough......however from the comments on the match thread it would appear that the midfield lacked something today and maybe it is that JB was missed. We were good in the 2nd half last week when Henry sat in front of the back 4 and simply won the ball back and gave it to the creative ones, not sure i would play him in a 442 as he operates better in that defensive holding role that can't be used in a flat midfield. Really do need someone to take the pressure off Charlie, at least we have next saturday off so hopefully Rhodes or the French lad will be in by then. Still 3 good points and better with Burnley dropping points.
So if the tactics are more effective when Barton is unavailable should he be included again once fit?
Didn't see them completely dominating us in the 1st half at all, both teams had periods of pressure all through the game. Overall we just edged it. Carroll and Johnson were both poor today. I would still like to see us bring in a holding midfielder and a partner for Charlie. Carroll and O'Neil should be back up only
They outclassed us 1st half with many good passing balls and were unfortunate sevthateral times not scoring the goal they deserved - respect where respect is due. Second half was a different story but you will have to admit that we did not look very much scoring before Austin showed his class again. At the end the win was deserved but still lucky and considering that we 3rd were playing against 13th HT I hardly saw a difference in both teams abilities. I am very happy we won that game today but I am not exited about the performance at all.
I am in a good mood but for a change I would like to see us playing decent football......By the way, you seem to be a young bloke so why are you hanging around here.
You do seem to be here permanently and people of that kind tend to think they own the place - got it now.
a mate of mine was talking to an Irish man and that came up, he jokingly asked why they just didn't make a sandwich instead and ended up with a broken nose!
