One of those games for you where anything that could go wrong, went wrong. That's not to say we didn't deserve the win though. Hope it's nothing serious for your guys.
So, 10 points from the last 15 on offer. 3 clean sheets (all at home) +5 goal difference (I think) Massive upturn in shots taken... Things are looking up eh??? Next game will be a massive test for Riza and the boys but we go into it on a massive high and full of confidence now. The rollercoaster ride continues.
Comfortable win although I just don’t get Riza’s substitutions. It’s almost like he thinks well I’ve got 5 so I’ll use them all. City had Pompey on the ropes and were so good going forward with Turnbull and Robertson again superb yet he takes them both off with plenty of time left! Pompey picked up their game as a result and if they’d nicked one which they could, we’d have been sweating. Saying that though some of our play in the first 65 minutes was electric. Should have been 4-5 clear.
If you give him the first game as a free hit given how little time he had, it's 10 from 12. A draw next up would be a positive. Need a few injuries coming back and a bit of faith in a couple of the 21s to deepen the squad. A totally different feel about things now.
Confidence. Riza has them playing on the front foot and they are enjoying it. However we can't replace Robertson and Turnbull from the bench. Siopis and Rinamohta did nothing wrong but they played 5 yards behind the line the first 2 established allowing Pompey to get on the front foot. I'm not sure a slowed up Ramsey can do the same, if fit, and Ralls certainly can't. So, at least one more attacking midfielder and 2 competent strikers to replace the Chuckle Brothers needed in January. Or, drum banging time, promote Reindorf.
We're fugged butts, no fight, no midfield, no defence it's all gone t1ts up since last season.......................................... but we do have 8 new coaches AND a sleep coach!!!
For the first time in yonks City have got an attacking midfield pair, and a quality if slightly maverick no 10 not seen since Tomlin who’s link up with Tanner (who put in an amazing shift tonight for someone supposed to be overweight) is excellent. The return to form of Ng and Goutas is a revelation. Like to see a quicker right winger and better striking options off the bench.
I think you're on the money with that. Now given the freedom to play, we have an excellent starting eleven but no flexibility on the bench. As you say, some work needed to change that. Nice to be talking about a different issue.
I wonder if we have a recall option on Colwill Junior in January? He can provide greater flexibility from the bench. Watching the Under 21's from last night, Kpakio (spelling?) wore the No. 2 but played all over the park. Another option.
Think you've spelt sleep 'couch' wrong there Robbie - and us posh folk call them a chaise lounge Bloody sleep coach.... what's next for players, a how to put your pants on the right way coach????
There's a recall option on Wintle, who would be an upgrade on Siopis and Rino. As I said on another thread, given you can carry 9 subs, two U21s on the bench wouldn't be a risk. If the situation allows. Chuck one on. If it doesn't, use one of the other 7. Kpakio, Giles, Reindorf, Jefferies, have all been around the 1st team squad. Giles probably least needed given the LB cover we have, but is on a par with the others. Kpakio is a RB, but attack minded and had a few good outings pre-season. Reindorf should be a no-brainer. Jefferies is an attacking option. With Purse now part of Riza's backroom staff, he should be pushing some of these players. A few more coming back from injury in the next 4 weeks. Zac Davies is a big miss off the bench as we're playing now. When we get a break from Sat, Tue, Sat, we may be able to get longer shifts out of some players, or just swap out one of Robertson and Turnbull rather than both. Early days for Riza and his brave new world. I'm sure he's still working stuff out. As for loans, hoping Kanga has a return option. Mustn't get ahead of ourselves. WBA will be a sterner test. There'll be bumps along the way, but happier discussions.
Just watched the extended highlights. It is difficult not to be enthused. All that was bad about last year and the start of this has been largely corrected. Not perfect, but huge improvement. Playing the ball into space, players running forward on to it. The intelligence of some of the players coming to the fore. The running off the ball by Robinson, El Ghazi, Tanner and Colwill moving defenders about, creating space for others, giving options. Allows Turnbull and Robertson to pull the strings. Good working back as well. Tanner really putting shifts in going forward and tracking back. We could probably do with a tough game against WBA just for a reality check. Good interview by Riza as well. Quite grounded. Yes, doing well, but lots still to work on. A good attitude from him. My glass, having nearly been empty, is now at least half full.
Best football i have seen for years last 3 games. Omer must have a chance. Big acid test on Saturday, take a draw with the Baggies now.
I hope City go on the front foot at WBA. No point in being defensive. I agree isaw that this will be a barometer for Riza. Beating the likes of bottom 6 clubs is one thing, it’s how they do v higher placed teams is another. WBA, Norwich Luton and Blackburn fall into that category. City need to review Riza after those upcoming games.
