Second half we actually put balls in the box and created a bit of chaos. We’ve not got the players available for intricate stuff so that has to be the way to go in the final two games. Balls in the box, a sliced clearance, a dodgy bounce is all it takes to nick something. Amrabats ability to back into defenders and ping a ball to the opposite wing behind the defence brings some much needed quality to the top end of our pitch as well.
We win against Derby and we are mathematically safe no? Even if everyone around that won we’d be 5 points above the drop
Finally a bit of life/fight, still a lack of quality but we got the 3 points which we needed. I really hope we stay up so we can see millar and Belloumi back and hopefully some decent attacking football
There was a dramatic improvement today in my opinion because we had youth and energy up front. Selles wants to play with this high intensity press but with Pedro (as hard as he tries) doesn’t have it in him. Moving Joffy back to the middle and having Joseph chase every lost cause gave their defenders nightmares. I’m praying Selles doesn’t change the XI.
Fairly terrible first half. We were weak, cautious and needed a rocket up them. The second half we finally showed some fight and willingness to have a go for the first time in probably a couple of months. Fair play to Selles for getting them out early for the second half - seems to have dispelled the 'Horlicks effect'. If we play the last two games like that second half, we'll be alright. If we play them like we did in the first half and the previous 5 or so, then we're leaving it up to others as we will falter. I thought Amrabat, Macca and Joseph were outstanding today. Joseph never stopped harrying and did everything he needed to. The CBs were solid as well and Coyle too. Gelhardt had a poor first half but again, did what he needed to when it mattered most. Alzate and Slater I thought were both poor today and helped pile the pressure on us multiple times. Improved in the second half though.
Watched Derby at Portsmouth the other week 2-2 , Derby passed the ball pretty well and Yates is sharp in the box . P’smouth were terrible just lumped it and we’re v direct . I don’t think either will be beaten easily . Pompey will want to sign off their first season back in this div with one for the fans . Oh no!
What a result, a massive 3 points, what with other results. Not pretty at times, but 3 vital points all that matters. Plenty of heart, fight & desire on show, an exciting game. It was a tad nervy going behind, but what a response. Thought Amrabat put in one hell of a shift, directing operations, Coyle also putting in the effort, Gelhardt put in two decent pressure pens. Not sure if they were 2 certain pens, particularly, first one, but take all day long, or “Refs guild” to try & make good last weeks debacle? Anyway, we live to fight another day, just off now to savour the victory with a glass or two, settle the nerves, be rude not to, right? UTT.
Agree about 2nd half But joseph was shocking in the first Every touch and pass went to waste Wasnt just him though We collapsed after they took the lead Noticed it too about us being out very early for kick off Selles must have absolutely laid into them We started 2nd half like a runaway train
Yea for them its a ****ing tremendous achievement staying up Been a long journey for them back to this level Theyll be having a party
Well just got home, what day. 1st half we were very poor/nervous whatever you want to call it. Dreadful corner to give away that led to their goal. Macca should really be aware of what is around him. Gelhardt had no impact, kamara not much and for me Joseph worked hard but wasnt a threat. 2nd half we had more urgency and Amarabat was so strong and a constant threat. Joseph again working his socks off and the 2 pens were superbly converted by Gelhardt, tremendous bottle. Pandur never had a save to make and we hung on and saw the game out to get a absolutely massive 3 points. The concerns are still there we created absolutely nothing, don't think their keeper had a save to make. Its simple now, beat Derby and we're safe, Saturday is going to be tense, but we've still got hope.
To be fair to Joseph he kept the pressure on them a lot and the way we were playing there wasn't much more he could do in my opinion. I was far more disappointed with Alzate, Gelhardt and Slater giving it away repeatedly when in their positions they have more options. Gelhardt and Alzate were shrugged off the ball 3 times each in that first half and Slater could barely pass to a team mate and was largely at fault for their goal. Gelhardt made up for it with the penalties at least. If Joseph was pissing chances away like Twine did for us then fair enough, but when we're not creating any all Joseph can do is put pressure on and pull defenders away, which he did well.
Don't think we can understate how much a bit of atmosphere helped in that second half. I know we got an early goal and they gave us a reason to get behind them, but fans need to play their part more often. Enjoyed that second 45 more than 99% of this season as a result, even if it has taken years off my life
Earlier in the season at a less crucial stage I would probably have enjoyed it for what it was, a good tense hard fought game of football. But with so much on the line it was torture. Still two more (hopefully one but we'll see) to go too
