I was dead chuffed with that. Not that we played brilliant, I thought we had at least one if not 2 more gears to go up, we have 2 and possibly more new players available for Saturday and DM has still to find his best 11 yet.... No, the team is not settled yet and I think that there is plenty more to come but what I was pleased with was that we saw what I have been expecting which was the return of some of the things that have been missing from AG for too many years. 1). Over lapping fullbacks, ON BOTH FLANKS 2). Midfielders attacking the box (with one lung buster from Woolly in particular) 3). Some decent quality crosses for our strikers to attack 4). good inter-passing on the deck 5). Plenty of movement from our strikers 6). A proper old fashioned centre forward display from Ryan Taylor who quite rightly got MOM I am well aware that there will still be some out there who will say don't carried away with one result and I have to say that this team is far from the finished article but I saw plenty to be encouraged about. Yes, we got cocky and gave them the goal BUT, I have no problem with our players stroking the ball around if we go on a bit of a run as it is a sign of confidence but I think we tried to run before we could walk today and got punished... A word about Palace - I was a bit shocked because I always regarded them as one of our biggest battles every season but they were truely woeful, disjointed and badly out of sorts. I do have some sympathy with their fans as this is exactly how we felt this time last year... Cardiff will be a whole diffferent kettle of fish and I am not sure we are totally ready for them but with 2 new strikers champing at the bit, I hope this will give us the boost we need to do them... RELEGATION MY ASS, GET YOURSELVES DOWN THE GATE FOR THE DAWN OF THE NEW ERA AND THEN DOWN THE BOOKIES TO TAKE THEIR MONEY OFF THEM QUICK BEFORE THEY KNOW WHAT'S HIT THEM...
Were Palarse ****, or did we not allow them play? What impressed me, was the speed of attacks. Elliott first on the team sheet, no I think that is Skuse And as you said Taylor has shocked me, a real handful up front
I was impressed with Taylor too... 4 really good options up front, we haven't had that for a good while.. This is me tonight
Great result, although I couldn't make it. Now we've signed Baldock as well as Davies, and with Taylor scoring last night I dont see how he can be dropped for the Cardiff game COYR
Taylor Baldock forward line would be interesting. But I think given Taylors injury record for us he might be used sparingly to get over them completly. Del always said he wants a few options up front. which is going to be interesting for us. Plus Shiny Albert going could free up money to get a commanding defender? Plus Anderton right footed could play on that side instead of left, also Foster can. Did anyone notice Foster giving Albert a bollocking last night for not passing? Also interestingly our attacks last night came down the left
Mainly down left cause Albert was coming in too much and some of the balls to him out wide he was never going to catch up with
Great result for you guys last night. That will really add some spice to Saturday's game. What do you think of Heaton so far? It was unlucky for him that he got injured with us, Marshall got back in and apart from the Carling Cup Heaton didn't really get a run last season. Other than not great on crosses (but what keeper is nowadays?) he was always well regarded at Cardiff. A great shot stopper and will think he has something to prove (in reality he doesn't) on Saturday.
Heaton was excellent last night. Kicking was good and made 2 very good saves. He also showed what Gerkin lacks - good anticipation of a through ball. My only slight concern is he's short of a few inches - story of my life !
Surely not RP ! Heaton looks safe as houses (Gordon Banks wasn't massive, but he was still the best goaly this country has ever produced)
His early kicking wasn't good but as match wore on he found the players nice home non friendly debut for him
Blimey what a difference in the tone of postings on here and OTIB today! Fair play to the club - they have backed Del with real money. I'm getting an odd, unfamiliar feeling which I haven't experienced for a long while - I'm not sure (due to long abstinence) but I think it may be OPTIMISM! Looking forward to being at the Gate on Saturday - let's hope we can score a few again. Much happier with the thought that we might win 5-4 than the 1-0's I have been hoping for in recent times.
Indeed Robin_U, I am beginning to come the conclusion that DM has decided that we aren't the best defenders in the world so maybe it is better to try and out score the opposition. Imagine what we will be like with a commanding centre half.. I actually think that we are modelling our game on the all action style of Reading and if so, that suites me just fine - BRING IT ON...!
