MM has said the defining moment(where it all started to go wrong)of the season was our game against Bolton where we gave away a 2 goal lead and ended up with a draw What would your defining moment be? ( the more cynical of you would say 'when MM was offered a new contract') I would suggest our dismal FA cup game against Portsmouth was the defining moment, we never seem to be the same after that(even tho we fielded a weakened side) we seemed to lose all our momentum and confidence in a very short period What's your thoughts ?
There have been a few 'false dawns' as well as 'possible spirals' this season. (Much like every season for us) The Birmingham defeat away felt like it was a shifting of the tide as we slipped out of the Play offs and suffered back to back dismal displays. But as with Mick, he seemed to get us winning again, but all too fleetingly and we were back being useless again a few weeks later. For me the defining moment was when Fraser got injured early part of this year and we have struggled to find any kind of attacking intent since. No alternative and far too predictable and without him bereft of any ideas. You could also (being cynical) say that the January transfer window was a defining moment, where those around us stole a march and we shifted into reverse by not being proactive and planning for injuries, loss of form etc. We have been so up and down this season, real peaks and troughs when you look at the results. It is just a shame that we spent past couple of months bottoming out and going out with a whimper when we needed to stand firm.
Yorkie I think the two you mention,especially the contract extension.Failing to take Hyam off after his booking against Brentford just emphasised his lack of tactical nous.See what Fulham did in taking Scott Parker off with only about ten minutes to go last week,OK his legs were probably shot as he's a bit past it!
The 5-1 loss against Reading. (Looking back, that match came early, but we never really recovered that August/September swagger afterwards). Before that game we were actually playing pretty attractive, attacking football, but got obliterated on the counter attack. Since then, McCarthy said we'd go 'back to basics', which is essentially shorthand for reverting to a more cautious, long-ball style of football. Inevitably, that resulted in a drop in form and performances. I'd also echo similar points about a lack of transfer activity in January (and the failure to replace Jonathan Parr and Tommy Oar), as well as the two performances against Portsmouth in the FA Cup, which underlined the lack of quality we actually have in this squad.
I agree it was probably the Pompey games - totally wiped whatever confidence we had, We never really got back to any kind of momentum after that, it was all stop start winning a couple of games here and there. To think we had four home fixture of Charlton, Rotherham, Fulham and Brentford and we don't win one of those, add in a trip to the bottom club Bolton. If only we had just won two of those, we could still be in with a shout. On the flip side, have there been any memorable moments (good moments)? The only one I can think of that comes to mind is the last minute win over QPR on Boxing day.
I was at that Boxing Day match and agree that was probably the highlight of the season. Also agree that being outplayed by league 2 Pompey damaged our confidence. That mixed with some bad tactics, lack of ambition from the owner and not to mention some unfortunate injuries to key players. How we are still 8th is beyond me after such a poor 2nd half to the season.
I would say the Reading game and the long term injuries were the biggest factor in us not doing as well as we all hoped.
Not a defining moment but for me the difference between last season and this one is Murphys goals and Berra dominance in defence.
If I had to pinpoint one game, like Pitman said - Bolton away. Two dropped with all our rivals also cocking up, we've never been the same since. I also wasn't happy with the team picked for the Man Utd Carling cup tie - not because I went, but I think that started to create a few issues. I donno may be wrong. Pompey fa cup I was happy we rotated Mick gave players a chance, not his fault they didn't perform.
I agree with all the reasons mentioned. As I have said so often, like in many sports, as soon as a team performs poorly for 2-3 games, and the manager makes mistakes, confidence and self-belief vanishes, questions asked, doubts raised. Great pity, I too watched some of those early games and really thought wow, we have a season ahead! Bish, Fraser, a rejuvenated McG and Sears are key to next season, kf we can keep them all. Sadly, methinks Murphs days of regular footie may be over here. Frankly Bart was phenominal last 2 months. Def bottom half of table without him. Time and season for some lovely cricket and a bit of boating. Farewell everyone......till August! Enjoy the Summer!
Defining negative is the Reading game. Problems in defence that were already there were exposed and we never got back to the attack first mentality. Hard to pick a best moment but would have to agree boxing day win v QPR was good (got to gloat to my colleague)but my vote goes to the game at Deepdale. Simply because it remains the only game (live or on tv) I've watched us win.
