Ah ok but in his recent pressers he has waxed lyrical about what Smallbone brings to team and that's when he quoted the data. Forward running is probably more eyecatching than say a defensive covering run but each are valuable to the overall team effort.
Yeah I noticed that & thought at time it was a bit of an ott love in. Made me think he was overly talking him up to improve his confidence? Anyway regardless, the first half set up was useless. Manning was very manning, midfield & front non-effective, which was all very obvious after the first 10. RM got that well & truly wrong. Full credit tho to Hull, especially Rosenior & a bit worrying going forward. Still hopefully it’s a learning curve & we’ll be back on it Saturday.
I'm not overly fussed that we lost, because I did say that I rated Hull and was worried. But I am fussed about how awful we were in the first half. It's no coincidence that, in my opinion, our best three players were our three HT subs (with Che being the best of them). All three of them should have been starting. That's not said with hindsight - it's just so clearly obvious, in my view. Brooks has real quality (and Adam has looked off it recently). Aribo is part of my best midfield trio (alongside Stu and Downes). Che is far superior to Mara. I'm sure a lot of people on here will know that I'm not Che's biggest fan. But he's always been good at holding up the ball and bringing others into play. And that is vital when playing an opposition who press like Hull. They didn't have to worry about Mara behind them in the first half, and so could press the hell out of us. But as soon as Che comes on, and the balls start sticking with him, suddenly beating the press becomes so much easier. Which forces them back and reduces their press. Literally within seconds of Che coming on, we were better. After there being acres of empty grass in the middle of the pitch for 45 minutes, someone was finally occupying that space (and having an impact). As others have said, yesterday was down to Martin big time.
I decided not to post anything last night as I was irritated by the match. The first half was dreadful and I kept thinking how much better t would have been if we had started with the team that finished. I am not convinced by Bazunu to be honest.
The club have decided that shot stopping is not a priority for our keeper, his distribution is excellent and that’s why we have him. For me, this is madness.
He's been good this season. Made a super stop v West Brom. His passing ability is a huge asset and it's the way a lot of teams are going with their keeper. His shot stopping is decent - it could be better granted but he is only 22.
Yes, everyone will remember that awful save on Saturday that prevented West Brom getting back in the game. I'm sure we all hate to see a keeper who is rapid off his line to shut off balls over the top and through the channels. Having a great touch and being able to distibute is really hindering his game and of course lets not forget that he's been instrumental in the longest winning run in living memory. And it turns out hes a right good bastard as well. What has he ever done for us eh. He's doing what every top club wants their keeper to do and doing it brilliantly at the moment. Criticising him for it is wrong as its entirely on the manager.
I agree he has been good on this run. I’ve not criticised Baz for a long time, but I think it’s fair to say shot stopping is not his strongest point. Personally I think this should be a priority for a keeper. That said there are signs he is improving here. As mentioned he has become good at closing down strikers and is very brave.
it is the lot of the goalie that nobody notices or cares what they do when we win. I’ve been impressed with his play this season, it takes a lot of belief to play the way we are. We saw at the start of the season what happens when we get the playing out from the back wrong, doesn’t matter how good a shot stopper he is he wouldn’t save the amount of shots we conceded.
I think that Ian's issue with Bazunu as a goalkeeper is that he doesn't wear a flat cap, or a long-sleeved green jersey, isn't slightly overweight, and doesn't have a half-smoked *** on the go, whilst leaning against a goal post. That's the way goalies were portrayed in The Victor (other 1960's periodicals are available), and if Baz can't adhere to the goalkeeper stereotype, then he clearly needs to up his game.
Love the large puddle to dive into. One dive and the woolly jersey and goalie have gained several stones. Other weights are available,
With respect to Hull, I've worked out where we went wrong Tuesday. The ****ing light show. Last time we did it we lost to Forest. Clearly its ridiculously tinpot and the football gods have punished us for it (twice) Knock that on the head and everything will be fine. Job jobbed
