I agree Lokilo could and should have got a foot in but far more have come from Christie's lack of fitness and pace.
Relieved to get the win last night. Yes its a results business, but I didn't think we played well - especially first half - and we have played better and lost games this season. For me we never looked in control of the game - even at 2-0 up - and the first half could easily have ended 4-4. Apparently we were playing a midfield diamond but there were times when it looked more like Ratner's tat! Traore offered no help to Slater down the left, Seri looked unsure of where he should be and Morton did not see as much of the ball as he usually does in that first period. There was little or no pressure on the ball and Blackburn players seemed to have acres of space all over the pitch. Thankfully we tightened up to a degree 2nd half and Alfie got us the winner. But even when they had 10 men they were finding spaces to attack. The red card was the right decision IMO - happened right in front of me and the guy certainly made contact with Ozan who was otherwise away. But having said all of that a very welcome 3 points and now on t'towels for hopefully another 3 (without so many heart in mouth moments!)
Great interview from Rosenior. He was ballsy enough to change it up, where a lot of managers would have been too stubborn and stuck with their same system. It gives me a lot of hope for the second half of the season/future. UTT.
As has been mentioned a few times, we’ve been undone down our right side in numerous games but it is also worth noting that most of those have gone in due to deflections off defenders trying to block. It is definitely a weak spot for us but we haven’t had much good fortune in those moments either.
This is very true. I don’t know if it’s just the way I’m seeing it, but I notice the opposition often find themselves in a lot of space on the edge of our box - giving them enough time to get a shot away. If this is the case, perhaps it needs addressing? Or is it a tactic to stand off them?
Yes, I’ve thought the same, we do seem to have far too many situations where the opposition are in space inside our box with time and room to shoot. Fortunately, we do seem to block a lot of them successfully but you’re right, we do seem to stand off a lot.
Just looking back at the highlights, for their first goal, the unfortunate thing was the ball came off Greaves knee which knocked in nicely into the path of Szmodics, without that it may well have been much harder to convert.
as I've highlighted previously, we have one of the best attacks in the league - only 5 teams have scored more - unfortunately our defensive record tells a different story with 11 teams letting in fewer - we really need to focus on how we tighten up at the back in the transfer window - I would suggest we need a good left back - we need a good right back - Coyle could be cover for each position and we need a good centre back - we need someone who can command the box and marshall the back line - the only player who was barking orders last night was Slater which speaks volumes about Coyle, Greaves and Jones - I feel sorry for Macca being sidelined as we ship fewer when he plays but he isn't the player we need either - hopefully we sort this out sooner rather than leave it until its too late
Yeah I've said similar previously. Our attack is very good, it's actually dumb mistakes leading to goals that are costing us points.
I didn't say it was the defence, I said it was dumb mistakes. Dumb mistakes that can be made by anyone.
Lol I am easy, you just seemed to be going an angle I hadn't said. I had said similar. Both Charon and I are talking about goals conceded. Yes he focussed on the literal defenders but plenty of players contribute to a team's defensive record, as you rightly pointed out.
Agree with a lot of this. I like Jones and Greaves individually but I don't get the sense we have a commanding presence organising the back 4. I feel Mcloughlin has been very unlucky. I agree he isn't that quick but his positional sense is excellent and I do think he seems to read the game better than any other CB at the club. And we do indeed over a number of games seem to concede fewer when he's in the team.
I think you could make an episode of you’ve been framed the amount of times he’s misjudged the flight of the ball
He’s was very poor in his last few appearances, I wouldn’t be surprised if he was on his way in the summer (or even in Jan if someone came in for him).
Thats more to do with actual game time I think... when he was an ever present, no amount of money would have had leave...
So, just finished Saturday bike ride with my pal... got drenched another story.. As we were going along we came up with a new song for Liam Delap... TO THE TUNE OF MILEY CYRUS... "Delap is like a wrecking ball You just can't stop him at all He'll break through your defensive wall Delap is like a wrecking ball..." It might have sounded better on the bike ...