Not wrong Kerry, also as Chaz said Rhodes fluked his goal by hitting it of his ankle into the ground and over Smithies.......
An entertaining evening but we were second best and denied a point (which we didn't deserve) by a linesman who was as inept as Smithies was brilliant.
Apart from his great goal Mackie tried hard going forward but didn't achieve much, but defensively he did, including at least 2 potential goal saving tackles.
Hi Oslo...what was very noticable (to me at least) was the number of cross field passes by Boro...from the right winger (Adomeh mostly) into the channel on their left...to the on rushing player ...time after time there was nothing but space there as Ned was so central and Mackie could not get back fast enough to cover. That is very obvious in the lead up to the 3rd goal and Neds marking in the box from the corner was painful. I really think he has lost confidence completely, as he knows he has lost his place as one of the CB, and is technically not able enough as a RB.....I am sure he feels, he is not wanted next season. It is such a shame, as I really rated him, and felt he would really shine this year in the Championship...but I feel now I was wrong. I was wrong about Phillips too, but the difference is believe Ned cares and is still trying, last night Matty just could not be bothered...and that too me is the biggest sin It is why the Villa fans were so abrasive to their own team this lunchtime, whilst Norwich fans are acting as a 12th man in their game this afternoon
Apart from the goal and another occasion when he seemed to switch off I thought Ned was OK yesterday. He made a couple of goal saving interventions as well. Their threat was coming mainly from their right side as you say. I only see the televised games and highlights but from these and what I hear Ned has been solid enough since he moved back to RB, even making some good runs. Haven't seen any loss of confidence of late, more the opposite under JFH. Phillips though seems to do less and less under JFH than he did before.
Phillips has the gear in his locker IMO just going through a very low patch. In the team I guess for his forward play and never was good at the other side ... He nearly gets back but that's not good enough I agree Doesn't look a happy player IMO Maybe he missed out on a move But make no mistake he has something
Small point but I liked the way Chery was patting the badge after his goal. Perhaps another good sign for the future.
I personally haven't been to many games this year, but the one thing I did pick up on is how composed Smithies is. Commands the area very well and is not as susceptible to the calamities like we had with Rob Green. Also first time I've seen Polter live at a game, he really is a handful and his work rate is very good. All in all it looks very promising for next year.
Really impressed with JFH post match interview, pragmatic and honest, I do think we have the right man in charge at last.
