Great result last night, widens the gap to 3rd that bit more. From the 15th to the 75th minute we played some of the best football I’ve seen us play in a long time, the frustrating thing was that we didn’t put the game to bed. All it took was one strike to make it harder than it should have been, and lo and behold, the ball flies in off Vestegards arse. Mavididi and Fatawu were awesome, if a little lucky not be sent off, and Dewsbury Hall totally dominated midfield. The defence is always heart in mouth with the short passing, but numerous times it paid off last night, working through the press, setting us away on counter attacks. Like I say, we needed to be more clinical in front of goal, and it would have been a much more relaxed evening. Great game though, Birmingham were no pushovers, on to Rotherham while Ipswich and Leeds play each other. Vital we get three points.
I think that sums up the performance perfectly. Movement was at a whole different level and the speed in getting the ball forward was much better. Birmingham couldn't cope with it. It's like Maresca has now put them onto the next phase of his plan. Like you say, the composure in front of goal needs massively improving. Fatawu worked hard and created some great chances for himself but the finish let him down every time. With a better final ball and better finishing we could have been 5-1 up at half time and it wouldn't have flattered us. The starting line up for Ipswich needs to be the same, which means there will have to be lots of changes for the Rotherham game, but that one is just as important. No slip ups or nervy last 10 minutes, please.
... just wish we would put games to bed much earlier... against both Millwall and Brum we could (should) have been 3 or 4 clear going into the last 10 mins rather than 'seeing it out' for a narrow win ...
Merry Christmas everyone. Definitely a better one this year than last year, even if we are in a different league.
What about the Ipswich match? I am going to stick my head out and predict if it's not snowing we will win but if it snows Ipswich only beat us when it snow's.
Rumours of Iheahancho going to Villa for circa £10 million in January - in all honesty, I'd take it - Daka is a more than able substitute and the funds can be used to strengthen in other areas ...
I’m coming round to the idea of selling him, he’s hardly set the Championship alight. Then again, none of our strikers have. Use the money to get a good creative midfielder, unless Praet can finally realise his potential.
Agree 100%. Not that effective under Enzo and what will be different when/if we are in the Prem next year. If we started with Daka and Cannon next season I wouldnt mind. Getting Fatawu on a permanent will also help.
It’ll be interesting to see how Amad Diallo does for you, if you get him… He was fantastic for us. Best player in the championship last season and a definite upgrade on the guy you have playing wide right.
Not sure about leaving JJ out - distinct lack if pace in defence - will just have to keep them in their half
Please for FFS! sell Ineahancho ! why did we not put Cannon on? Daka is not the answer we desperately need a striker! gave away 2 points tonight, and I don't give a fu#k what spin BBC radio Leicester put on it! If Cannon is not good enough God help us in the Preim.
Iheanacho couldn’t control a bag of wet cement tonight, he had one moment when he brought the ball down well, but then over hit his pass to Dewsbury Hall who was clean through. Once Ndidi and Dewsbury Hall went off Ipswich were in total control and the equaliser was inevitable, just gutting it was a deflection in the 93rd minute. I assume Ndidi and Dewsbury Hall were taken off to rest their legs? Casadei’s attempt close Morsy down for their goal was lamentable.
That's footie - some very good moments and some very poor decision making - especially second half - with VAR a penalty gets given every time for the second half challenge on KDH - but only ourselves to blame for not having a 2 goal cushion before the late equaliser...
Only ourselves to blame there. Mavididi showed some real class for that goal but the inability to close it out cost us. To be fair even though they had shots on target they were all long range and I never felt they were going to score, until they did. For me that was a farewell performance from Iheanacho. It looked like he couldn't be arsed to chase or work at all. Right now I would be happy with 10 mill for him to wander off and join Youri in Aston Villas waste land.
I agree with everything that's been said above on the game last night. Ipswich had a lot of possession but they didn't really trouble our keeper. For me it was not only the ref who cost us the win but also the manager. I expected him to field a weakened side last Saturday to keep some of our key players fresher for last night. To take Ndidi and KDH out of the midfield and replace them with Casadei and Akgun was handing total control to Ipswich. We had no pace left in midfield. Akgun was never looking to play the ball forward whenever he got it. Why not bring on Choudhury and put him in midfield where he will work his socks off or slot him in at right back and move Ricardo up? JJ could have been used in the same way. Daka got through a huge amount of work up and down the pitch, as did Fatawu. Iheanacho and Daka are going to be away in a couple of weeks and Cannon is nowhere near ready to lead the attack. He could have done no worse than Iheanacho last night. He needs game time.
Fatawu's best game - both goals from him closing down and nicking the ball ... involved in everything - electric - commentator: "he's some player" ...
The coolness and composure of KDH's finish was top drawer. And glad for JJ to get on the score sheet to complement his defensive qualities.
KDH’s decision making is improving as the season goes on. At the start of the season he was over hitting and mis placing passes at vital moments. Watching him drive through midfield is great to watch, he’s strong and deceptively quick. You think something will happen now when he surges through with the ball.
