I was listening to the Hull manager, Nigel Pearson, after Saturdays game (I was there), and it was clear he set up Hull to stop us playing. They usually play 4-4-2 but not on Saturday. Is this a sign of things to come with lower placed teams setting up to stop us playing from now on? It's a sign of how good we are and the respect other teams have for us. But it also shows how hard the final games are going to be for City.
Well i would say teams who still have to play you will be looking at the game as a loss and i was suprised to see 5 at the back as we have not played that all season
Or you might be giving Nigel Pearson more credit than he deserves.............................. Had we won, I do not believe there would have been any indication in his interview that Hull were set up to 'not lose'. More a case of we went out to win but didn't get the 'rub of the green'. If I was a Hull fan, still with a chance of the play offs, and I saw that at home we were trying simply to stop the opponents I would not be happy. Many managers will talk a good game either before or after a match but few are actually really talented, managers or tactitians. If they were all that good the game would be full of low scoring draws and would be desperatly dull as they try their damdest to cancel each other out! All to easy for him to say after the game - it's what we planned, makes him look good though I guess. By all accounts, we were not at our best, fair enough that we can not be world beaters every week but I do not think this was down to tactics on Nigel Pearson part, just an off day for too many of our lads. Again, had I seen that as a Hull fan I would be furious that my team had not been going for the throat!
I too was surprised to see 5 at the back for Hull and didn't see this as a 'positive' step to try to win the game - could be wrong though. However, I disagree, having been at the game, that it was an off day for Norwich. Yes, we weren't at our best but I credit Hull with working very hard in midfield and defensively to make sure we weren't at our best. Also, I think the draw was a fair result since we were denied a clear penalty but Harper, for Hull, missed an absolute sitter too. All in all, I enjoyed what was a hard fought game - as I expected.
Chester was playing in midfield, sat in front of Gerrard and Hobbs. At least he was in the game I was watching.
Well I would be scared if Gillingham had to play you even if we were in The Championship you are a very good side and sides should be scared of you
