I do think people are too easily satisfied on here. That 2nd half was nowhere near the standard of what we should be playing at. With Chelsea in trouble, there is a fantastic opportunity to gatecrash the top 4 and we ain't going to do it by playing like that.
I felt in the Chelsea game we invited them on by sitting back and then not retaining possession and I think it is a common them when we are ahead in matches. We are defensively great and good on the counters, thus if we can play keep ball to reduce the pressure on the side at times we could be a real top team. It's something to address to take us to the next level.
Incredible first half, terrible second half, but we kept a clean sheet so it doesn't matter. Graziano was absolutely immense again - becoming his standard level of display. Cedric was quality, and clasie was fantastic and composed, when he is fully match fit he will be a great addition.
Tom, I'm not sure if you've been drinking but lighten up mate, that was a cracking game. Sometimes you have to grind your way to a win.
We will miss Wanyama next weekend but at least it is not a three match ban, would you replace him with Romeu?
Yes I agree with that but we really shouldn't have to when we go in 2 goals up at HT at home to Bournemouth. And that's not my issue either.
By winning 2-0? I would love us to play great in both halves, like you, but a very important thing is that we are hard to beat.
I know we're not going to play great in both halves a lot of the time, but the standards have fallen alarmingly in the last 2 home games after half time. I don't expect us to get played off the park for an entire half at home by a Championship team.
Fortunately we don't ever get to see the counterfactual. So I try not to worry about it. For reasons I can't understand, we come under a little pressure (the 20 mins you expect from a team that's behind) and we stop playing our system. Instead of passing the ball player to player, retaining possession and staying calm, we start to act like a team defending a one goal lead with five minutes left in the FA cup final against Man City. Hoofing the ball away just gives possession away - every time. I'm sure Ron will be impressing this on the team; no need to panic. I hope so. I very much liked the cut of Jordy's jib. Looked very much like Steve Davis - unflashy but very capable indeed. Once he's fully up to speed he looks like he's going to be a diamond. Two Steve Davises on the pitch and I'll be a very happy man. Shame about the fans' behaviour - Bournemouth bloke was desperately trying to start something on Northam Road by walking as slowly as he could in front of passing cars; people (I won't call them fans) trying to get through the barriers between the two sides under the Northam and throwing beer (throwing away beer, for heaven's sake!) over the partition; mindless running through of every single anti-Pompey song. Embarrassing. However, good to meet Chilco along with the usual suspects, even if my prematch 5-0 forecast didn't quite make it. Vin
Nothing during the game then he was chanted off the pitch at the end by pretty much all the crowd with a rousing "one Andy Surman". Vin
