I still can't get my head around Hughes picking both Buzsaky and Taarabt for the Blackburn game. I wouldn't have them both in the same side even for a home match. Let alone an away game that was clearly going to call for a bit of digging in and work rate. The midfield of Buzsaky, Traore, Wright-Phillips and Barton looked woefully short of a bit of a steel and proved to offer as much resistance as wet tissue paper. This isn't being wise after the event. When i saw the line-up Hughes had picked, I texted a mate before the game, fearing the worst and stating we were going to concede plenty so I just hoped we'd be able to outscore them. Fat chance. If you've got Taarabt trying to work his magic you simply can't afford to play another luxury player like Buz. Particularly at an away game where the home side are obviously going to have a go at you in the first half hour. Madness. And there was me thinking Hughes would offer us some sound tactical acumen and logic in his team selections.
I agree as it turned out. But beforehand like MH I'd have gone with Buz as MH did, based on his great MOM performance against Wigan. Having turned in that very poor performance against Bb i think he must have been still injured, or Rowlands in disguise!
Undeniably Buz had a great game against Wigan but he's hardly been Mr consistent over the last two seasons. The lesson has got to be either Tarrabt or Buz but never ever together. We just haven't got the work rate or holding strength to compensate.
I commented on at least 2 different threads before the game that a midfield of SWP/Buz/Barton/Traore would be too lightweight!! I would have started with Derry in the centre in place of Buz, who looks as though he's had his one good game for the season. Worrying that MH didn't get that right imo!
I went Derry before the game too with Buz in CM, and Barton at RM with SWP on the Bench, to give us more spine. As it played out no doubt Buz should have been on the bench!
Agree with this, we were fooled into believing he could replicate this form when we know better. I enjoyed watching corners beat the first defender for a change, though. He's the only player who has managed that this season - for that he should be applauded
Sorry Mate! Correction follows! I agree as it turned out. But beforehand like MH I'd have gone with Buz as MH did, based on his great MOM performance against Wigan. Having turned in that very poor performance against Bb i think he must have been still injured, or Benny Hill in disguise!
Mistake by Sparky. Lets hope he doesn't make too many more. We can't afford to get it so wrong again. PS: when will he see the light re SWP?
100% agree, Tarbs all the way! Also, time SWP got dropped and straight swapped for Mackie. Although Jamie Mackie has negative and positive sides (often hear grumbles in the stands about him) he did more in one half than SWP has done in about 15 games. Mackie adds determination to the team, and a bit more steel to the midfield. Plus he actually has some end product.
Agree SWP should be benched. But for me Mackie is more of a striker than a winger. It's unfashionable to say it on here but he's demonstrated this year that he's our most natural finisher. Scored some great goals for us this season - a much better finisher than Helguson and the rest. I'd pair him with Zamora, where he can do Bobby's running for him. In front of goal, we've currently got no-one better