Still not a fantastic performance, glad to get the win. At 1-0 shortly before the end they should have scored a free header and if that had happened I doubt we'd have come back to win. In midfield we lost almost every second ball, really not good enough. The other team has showed more desire in every game this season. Up front Akpom was anonymous and Hernandez missed a sitter and fell over a lot, attempting stupid overhead kicks. Robertson failed to stop the cross pretty much every time and didn't look a threat going forward until the final minutes. Bruce's tactic haven't changed. We go 2-0 up and he decides to take off all our strikers, leaving Aluko up front by himself and putting everyone behind the ball, inviting pressure on. Can you imagine if we were playing Arsenal/Man City etc. and they went 2-0 up. Not a chance they'd park the bus, they would back their ability to score another. He should have let Luer have a run out and exploit the space they were leaving. Poor, negative management from Bruce. On a positive note Diame was a class above again. Maloney did very well when he came on and formed good links with Clucas and Robertson along with a great corner. Clucas looked good, he played more centrally and did the job that Meyler normally does by putting a shift in and pressuring Preston, but he did it with greater awareness and passing ability. Dawson and Davies are easily the best two CBs in the league, it's too easy for then. I'm hoping performances will improve but I honestly don't think they will as long as Bruce is manager.
Random observations: What's the yellow and black eye in the middle of the West Stand on the advertising banner between the upper and lower stands? The ball boys and girls seem to still aimlessly walk around when the ball goes out. It's not commented on as much because we're getting results but some of them seem like they can't be arsed. In conjunction with above, three more ball boys appeared mid way through the first half and gave themselves pitch side seats to watch the game - what were they doing? Seemed to be having a bit of a jolly in the sun (and talking to some fans in the East behind them). Why is the Flamingo Land video louder than any other video we play? It's annoying too. What's happened to the build up before the teams come out? It all seems incredibly flat. Anybody else see the cable hanging from the roof in the South East corner? I'm not being negative or ranting - just pointing a few things out. Great result City Maloney looks alright.
I have only been back to the UK twice since January. and you can count on two hands the alcoholic beverages I've had this year. I asked a question, you made a statement.
They should turn that continuous Flamingo Land **** off during the game, it's irritating and embarrassing in equal measure.
People seem to be whinging about performances. Reckon we'll play better once the transfer window is closed & if we keep on winning. When the confidence comes back. Relegation takes it out of you. Decent start to the season & we should be happy.
