– As usual, apologies for the inevitable essay that will follow! – We’d just come off the back of a tremendously tough week. A hard-fought victory at bogey-ground Ewood Park preceded by a brilliant second half demolition of in-form Watford meant that momentum was building. Five wins on the bounce! Next up was the big derby game - bigger than most of late, as both coveted the top slots. Never mind the gap, would we look mentally and physically tired or would our squad strength see us through to another key win? As it happens I think the efforts of the previous seven days had taken their toll a little and added to the blustery winds, made the win yesterday all the more satisfying. In truth, it was a poor game. City never really got going but they ‘did enough’ in a thoroughly professional performance in difficult conditions. Each player dug in, worked hard, won their personal battles and let our quality shine through – the first three things reeled off were only fleetingly seen during the first half of the season. Now we’re the ‘full package’. The strong gusts combined with the early low sun and the visitors high lofted balls were a worry as far as I was concerned from the outset. Huge credit to Martin and Bassong who marshalled everything superbly and although there were one or two moments of concern – especially when the lively Sears burst through on goal, only to be thwarted by the ever-improving Ruddy, and when Johnson almost hooked through his own net – as soon as the slightly fortuitous second goal went in it was another relatively comfortable afternoon’s work. Johnson’s goal was a howitzer – another howitzer! That glistening Barry Butler Trophy is looking more and more destined for the battling Londoner who has added quality goals to his comabative displays. Russell Martin was Man of the Match for me. Fantastic display at centre back under constant aerial and physical pressure. He now looks assured in that position alongside Bassong in a well-balanced partnership, and with Whattaker playing well at right back, the much-maligned backline has now kept five clean sheets in our last seven games. That’s a wonderful return considering how leaky we were just two months ago. I’ll give Ipswich a little credit but I’m not sure they deserve too much. They are a bit like an annoying wasp but we kept swatting them away. They are not a particularly good side but they have had a terrific season. They are a mish-mash of good pros, washed up has-beens and young hopefuls – but they never gave up yesterday. Ironically, despite the increased scoreline, this was a closer game than the reverse fixture at Portman Road. We were the better team throughout and deserved the honours, but it was scrappy and awkward for a little. I never felt we would not win the game though. Yes they are horrid to watch, yes they have the most overrated footballer in English football in Tyrone Mings, and in my opinion, have now totally lost their traditional reputation of being a passing side – their club identity has completely vanished under Mick McCarthy. But on paper that side should be in the bottom six, not the top six – so credit to the manager for that, no matter how ugly to watch. They’ve certainly over performed but they won’t be getting much further playing that way and that way only – you need more strings to your bow. As I said above, I thought we looked a tad weary so the three points, regardless of performance, were a great tonic. I think this is where our squad depth will be key. Tettey picked up a clever yellow card to rule him out of the matches against Wigan and Millwall, so it gives a chance for someone else to come in and fill his mighty shoes for a couple of games. It’s time to rotate and I trust Neil will do just that. We mustn’t think we’ve achieved anything – and fixtures against teams near the foot of the table will be equally tough and keenly contested. We’ll need to be at the races to keep the run going. Though clear we would improve, I didn’t see us being able to mount an automatic promotion charge when Alex Neil came in – how wrong I was. It’s now in our hands - you can’t ask any more than that. Yesterday highlighted once again that it is imperative this club gets back to the Premier League and increases the capacity of the ground. Yet another full house and with the new tv deal kicking in, it could give us the chance to finally get the stadium our fan base deserves. As a club, I believe we have a stronger mentality on the pitch to stay in the top flight than when we went down. One step backwards, two steps forwards and all that. It was a rough ride before Neil came through the door, but what a revelation he has been. Now let’s complete the job. OTBC
agree mostly with that supers, thought you were a tad harsh on us, we deserve to be where we are, every side does. There was two moments of good football, hoolahoops run for the goal, and johnsons finish, but within that you got lucky with the deflection off berra I think, otherwise chambo would have dealt with it. personally, I think strong squads will now come to the fore and that is where you are better than any team in this division.
I'd be interested to see player ratings for NCFC yesterday if anyone who went to the match would care to oblige. A fair few 8s 9s and 9.5s flying about, I'd guess?
Personal opinion would be as follows: Ruddy - 7 - one flap aside, calm and assured and dealt with the two big chances superbly Whittaker - 6 - defended very well, unable to get forward much Olsson - 6 - similar to Whittaker, though not tested as much defensively Martin - 8 - a dominant display under testing conditions though perhaps fortunate to escape a card. MoM Bassong - 8 - one sloppy error but won almost every header Tettey - 6 - quieter than usual but mopped most things up in front of the back four. Looked slightly unfit. Johnson - 8 - simply everywhere again, fantastic strike for the goal, in the wars Howson - 7 - did the dirty work he's not renowned for but dug in deep and controlled the midfield Redmond - 5 - bad day at the office but not comfortable playing in the more narrow system Hoolahan - 7 - industrious and clever. A couple of great passes unlocked the visitors Grabban - 6 - fortunate with the goal but chased many a lost cause. Constantly offside though Jerome - 7 - offered immediate threat and his direct running gave the calamitous Smith a torrid time Dorrans - 6 - kept the ball well, a few step overs. Clearly a class act and will play more with injuries and suspensions Hooper - n/a - not enough time to assess
The ability to win 'ugly' is underestimated and while we all prefer free flowing performances, 3 points is 3 points at the end of the day.
I believe Alex Neil said a while ago that if his players won the personal battles they'd earn the right to play their football. He's quite right too - you don't just turn up and play free-flowing football. You have to dig deep in order to play the way you want to. The players have certainly bought into this.
what has happened to Nathan Redmond? he looked totally lost yesterday, has he not developed as well as he should have done? first game of the season he was the one I was really worried about but yesterday was totally different.
Redmond in an enigma,one day brilliant,the next absolute garbage. Yesterday was his chance to really shine,with a player like Mings (who must be one of the worst players to pull on a blue shirt) against him should have had a field day,but never once did he try to beat him on the outside. He was also constantly moaning at his manager and fellow players A run on the bench might focus him more
Could be that Mings knocked the stuffing out of him with that vicious bodycheck ten minutes after the ball had gone!
possibly but there was plenty of time before that to show what he is about, the ref should have given him a yellow for it!
I thought it was just a case of Redmond being marked out of the game. I thought it was pretty clear that MM had set up to focus on nullifying Redmond. Which was probably a good decision.
Redmond just had a bad day and it was no surprise he was hooked on the hour. He's had a very good season overall but I don't think he works in that narrow system in home games. Away from home its slightly different. Still potentially a cracking player.
In terms of 'the gap' and the increasingly widening chasm between us and the binmen It's interesting to note that of the 12 remaining games, we have to face Derby and Middlesbrough, (both home games ) whereas the Gappers have this to look forward to
The bitter irony for the equally bitter Binners is that now it may well be that any points they get from their tricky games will be massive bonuses for us!
