Martin recognised that which is why he moved Smallbone into the Downes role. We’re still open for long balls and quick breaks
There's no question that we're missing Downes. He is so important to the way that we play. But it's no excuse for Charles' performance, he's had a disastrous 45 minutes.
Why is Charles so poor? I mean shocking actually. And Edozie has his man on toast but everything else he does he looks like a deer on ice.
Thought Smallbone was doing well. Seemed to be everywhere, mopping up sloppy passes. Only Bazunu and Will seem to be on it tonight.
We were also pretty rank in the first half against them at home. And fortunately we still managed to nick it 1-0. Hopefully the same again.
I really want us to hold on to second! Im not sure what russ should do. We really miss downes and don’t have anyone to fill that spot. Brooks has looked good, edozie ok. Armstrong has made a couple of good runs but not done much. The front 3 haven’t been great but don’t deserve to be subbed off
Feels like early season Sam. All the tricks and flicks, gets past his man, but the end product is poor.
Must get Fraz and Mara on early and Stu, if fit. Charles has good positioning but his passing is so inconsistent. Our passing between the entire team has been suspect the first half. City will tire and we need to start taking advantage. Baz is the best Sweeper Keeper in the league.
Though we were worse with no changes at the start of last game. Think there’s a little bit of fatigue creeping in to our start 11. Mental as much as physical.