He was indeed but the problems are many. The goal we conceded was a joke from the way they played through us to Dembele’s woeful clearance. Varane was a big step up from Madsen but they still played around us far too easily. The pressing at times was non-existent. We didn’t really create anything of note second half and the set pieces were again abysmal. On the plus side, Saito did well. I think the heart is just about there if not the brain nor legs.
Just back and I'm going to focus on the positives as I saw them:. 1. First half. No positives! 2. Slightly earlier than usual subs from Marti with pretty much immediate impact. 3. Varane had a better game and didn't get booked so that's progress. 4. We grew in the second half until we looked more likely to score to nick it. 5. We nearly did at the death. I think Anderson got a head to it but too weak and comfortable save. 6. Saito had a good game. 7. Alfie Lloyd is energetic and passionate and must start over Celar who remains disappointing. Classic game of two halves. The first to forget and the second to take some hope from. Very tough games coming up.
Some in the ground were getting a bit carried away by an out of the blue equaliser. A more measured view is that we finally got a slice of good fortune in the midst of another truly dire performance. Coventry's physicality and composure allowed them to dominate most of the game once we had coughed up another comedy goal. Our quadruplet of midgets all had flashes of inspiration but failed to produce a single chance for Celar to run on to. And if he can't play on the shoulder of the last defender there really is no point in him being on the pitch. With so few goals in the team we have left ourselves totally reliant on the solid defence we saw when Cifuentes first arrived but that too has evaporated. It's all really quite depressing.
It's a point better than none and that's the most positive thing. Thought Varane and Field did ok and I mean ok. Saito is a threat in the final 3rd and Smyth at long last put some great crosses into the box to see only Celar in there and that sums up our problems perfectly. We only have 2 strikers so playing them both is a big risk (apparently), suppose it depends on if you're wanting to score or not. Coventry played 2 up top and even changed them in the latter stages. We offer little threat in attack, we have one if not the worst shot conversion rates in the league and wait for it....the player with the most touches in the oppositions box this season is Jimmy Dunne. We got a point at home against a fellow struggling team, that is positive because we are one of the worst teams in this division at present.
The Swiss Super League is non contact walking football, apparently. After a lovely drive back featuring a free additional 30 minutes at Hanger Lane, I have had plenty of time to reflect. While a point is welcome, we were a shambles. There is an air of panic and confusion about the team, one minute playing like statues - there were times in the first half when Cov were having a training game - the next feverish attempts to play the wonder ball. Where the **** was the press? Instead of the tapping around at the back Nardi was hoofing the ball forward aimlessly. Chair must be dizzy he ran around in so many pointless circles. There was little urgency, fast passing, intelligent movement but loads of sweat. Play Frey and Lloyd up front, at least we will see the opposition defenders made to work. Thank you Saito and Smyth (second half) for the energy. Morgan and Lloyd should not be relied upon to turn this round, it’s not fair on the kids, but they added some passion…..clutching at straws here, we really are poor on a fundamental organisational level. And that’s coaching.
Cleverest thing that Cifuentes did last night was the double substitution of Smyth and Celar - Smyth got decent applause, I reckon if Celar walked off alone there would have been boos, or at best silence.
Smyth had a knock apparently. I’d like to know what he sees in Ashby that he doesn’t in Santos. Ashby looks piss weak to me.
Santos looked completely lost when I last saw him. Dunne should be first-choice RB anyway. If JCS or Cook is unavailable, I'd play Field at CB rather than Dunne. Varane and Morgan looked like a decent CM partnership.
I’d like to know why the **** we haven’t got any left back cover. Larkeche has to be recalled, even if he is dodgy. Paal should be out of the team on form alone. Making Saito play wing back is a waste of his ability in the final third. The plan of playing a line of 3 midgets (with the fourth added thanks to Paal) behind an invisible striker might need a rethink too.
What was very noticeable was how quickly Coventry got players forward, it was though our midfield was invisible and we often looked outnumbered as we frantically back pedalled. Only some poor choices and finishing avoided a surefire defeat. We now have some seriously tough games with zero form or confidence, Marti is going to need a magic wand...
On my recent visit - Hull match - my view of the penalty spot area at the Sxhool End, was obscured by a stanchion. It was very handy having Steelsy+ running to catch up on incidents in that area and to see the penalty.
