Wolfy needs to realise he can't be so casual in this division, he got caught a few times but other than that he was decent, Burgess was immense imo!!
We’ll adapt to that. We need to adapt to the new time keeping rules too - we’ll have a keeper sent off the amount of time it takes us to get in a position and play chess with the opposition to take a goal kick.
Couldn't really ask for a better start. A win away at a team who made top 6 last year, but with lots of areas still to improve on clearly on show, which should keep feet on the floor. Lends some weight to what some fans were saying last season about our squad being better suited to the Championship but I'm sure difficult games still to come and there'll be no let up in the difficulty.
it took us 35 minutes to make the step up and get to grips with the game being played at a higher standard than we got used to last season, after that the boys were brilliant and it could have been even better but for the crossbar and Hirst being denied a blatant penalty, also very disappointed in Ladapo trying to score from a very unlikely angle and Ball in space after running 50 yards and not getting the tap in, its going to be tough but we now know what the standard is that we have to play at to compete, cant wait.
Watched the replay, absolutely terrible decision from Ladapo not to pass to Ball, who had a tap in. In the context of the game, 2-1 up and under sustained pressure, that was a bad choice. I don't care if he'd normally score that, it was selfish and I hope McKenna and his team mates had a go at him for it. I don't want to see chances being wasted like that, it would've wrapped the game up and given Sunderland a much harder task to try and win.
Looking at the Ladapo chance again there's no doubt he couldve tried to put Ball in who was waiting for a tap in but I dont think it was an easy pass, he could've passed to him earlier but then it wouldn't have been a tap in. The defender did well to keep him wide and Ladapo did finish plenty of similar chances like that at the end of last season. I thought he was the only sub we made who slotted in well and contributed, the others who came on (Harness and Hutchinson) I thought we lost a bit of control in those areas. Saying that I still think striker is a position we need to look at as we only have Hirst and Ladapo as out and out strikers. I guess we have a few players who could cover the position but none can be a focal point. Still not convinced if Hirst gets an injury Ladapo is the answer....for me he looks at his best coming on when we're winning when the game is a little more open, not sure he's the type of player to change a game if we're trying to get back in the game or get a winner.
Ahadme out on loan impressed at the weekend apparently. Great goal peeling off his marker and attacking the cross (something Ladapo rarely does). Wonder if we have recall options on him, from what I've seen he looks a decent all rounder (like Hirst) although I'm inclined to doubt that if we get an injury to Hirst we would be willing to rely on a player who's barely played any games at league 1 level let alone championship.
I agree with all previous comments and I am sure Gamechanger have their cheque book ready for a new striker!
As usual Ladapo gets a bad press from our fans. It’s not so clear cut - square it and get it wrong and the chance can be gone, if he hits the back of the net, he’s a hero. It’s easy for us to say he made the wrong decision after the event, he’s got to make a snap decision and be decisive one way or the other. Meanwhile Hutchinson looks out of his depth so far. I don’t think he’s ready for the first team.
Having played up top for probably 20+ years at a decent level, I can tell you, that was the easiest and sensible option, square the fecking thing, game over!! It was a poor decision and he deserves to get slated for it!! Luckily it never cost us and just maybe, next time he will be aware of what's going on around him!! Agree 100% re Hutchinson, give me Edwards every time!!
Have you watched the replay Spanish, I've changed my mind from watching it live to seeing it replayed, it wasn't an easy pass the defender had blocked it off and pushed him wide
I don't think Hutchinson added alot but it was his first appearance against a good Sunderland team, far too early to make a judgement on him. Harness on the other hand.... I agree though in regards to Edwards, got to feel hard done by to not be on the bench at least. Apart from Ladapo was our most effective and consistent substitute last season generally always making a positive difference and crucially not giving the ball away as soon as he gets it. Mckennas subs very much felt like the beginning of last season rather than the end, where majority of the time him making a sub negatively affected the game, where he just changed the front 3 for the sake of it. Think we were crying out for another CM to come on on Sunday and get hold of the ball a bit more. Plus need forward players who can either carry or better keep hold of the ball, far too many cheaply giving it away too easily which was a problem at the start of last season until we obliterated teams.
There was pre-season too. Hutchinson has trickery and pace in his locker but he’s been miles off having the head on his shoulders we need from him.
In short, Edwards needs to be back in the frame, often came on 2nd half last season and proved to be a great asset, Hutchinson needs to be given more time, and Harness should be shown the door!
Harness is decent on the ball but we need someone in his position to bring more of a goal threat now. We can’t afford some of the luxuries we had last season, it’s a big leap in quality. Same unfortunately goes for Jackson.
