Omur didn't do anything wrong really, just not able to get into the game. Not helped by Slater and Drameh who haven't been great with the ball on the right. I'm sure Omur is just doing what he's asked in drifting inside but either way it's not working or serving much purpose so Ruben needs to fix it one way or another.
Think Drameh's looked good too, and Slater as well. We look fairly tight at the back and got away with the obligatory brain fart at the back so that bodes well...
We've not been sending the ball their way when playong out. Probably because Omur isn't offering what Burstow is. I don't think that side has looked any better or worse than the left so far when they've had the ball.
It disappoints me when a player (Omur, in this instance) is slated for having a bad game but hasn’t been given the ball and is played in a wrong position. If he was in the middle, we’d see the impact he could have. Unfortunately, what will probably happen is we’ll bring a winger on for him. On another note, can we stop giving the ball to Pandur and McLoughlin?
Way over the top. They're pressing us well and forcing us to hoof it back to them, so our attackers aren't seeing a lot of the ball. But we've had spells where we've done the same to them too.
The chaps in the studio said the Coyle challenge should have been given. Didn’t talk about the handball but if it was outside the box then it obviously wouldn’t be a pen.
I think Coyle and Puerta have managed to get on the ball a bit and play it into feet at times. Drameh has played well but he's never quite managed to get a hold of the ball and Slater has felt the pressure of the Boro press which has been excellent to be fair.
First half stats Goals: 0-0 Shots: 3-6 On target: 0-2 Off-target: 3-4 Touches in the box: 7-14 Fouls: 6-4 Corners: 1-3 Possession: 38%-62%
Our wingers do that a lot lately. They chase the keeper down and leave the full back free on their side. It looks like a really sloppy press but there must be a reason it happens.
If Puerta plays a little closer to Alzate & creates him some space by drawing his marker off him, we’ll win this
The handball? I thought it was in the box, or rather didn’t notice it was out (didn’t look that closely). Hand outstretched, clearly hits it. Var would have given that 100%.
Burstow doesn't protect the ball well enough. He really needs to work on establishing a position when he receives a pass under pressure.
It isn't about what Omùr is doing with the ball (a d i know he isnt getting a lot), he is running around like a lost boy out there, he is nowhere near where he is supposed to be when they have the ball, which is covering the right side. Simons and Giles on and amazingly Omùr stays on !
