Match Day Thread Lincoln Away
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Or if we had a midfielder that was a natural screen for the back line that might have helped too. I agree that Luke played well forward today, he was higher up the pitch more often than I've seen so far this season. There is still no excuse for the decisions Nsiala makes inside the box though.
Needless penalty to give away by Nsiala too. We can debate who is culpable for putting him in that position, but you don’t recklessly barge in and give the striker an excuse to go down in the box that near the end of the match. I also thought Wilson was guilty of way too many poor quality balls back to Holy, putting him under pointless pressure. If Wolfenden isn’t back in the team for the next match, I’d be genuinely shocked. There should be no excuses for Lambert this season. Another season in League One next year, not to mention a consecutive mid-table finish, would be an massive underachievement and a waste of the talent we do have in the club.
Great defending is all about keeping the odds in your favour. Shape, positioning and decision making are all about managing threats.
If you keep putting defenders under needless pressure it invites mistakes.
As a born leader, Woolfy is probably screaming at his midfielders to cover and maybe Nsiala doesn't have that in his character to stop the danger before the situation arises.
But the ultimate responsibility falls to Lambert who was apparently a top defender as a player and Chambers who should have enough experience not to play like a fool.
If you keep putting defenders under needless pressure it invites mistakes.
As a born leader, Woolfy is probably screaming at his midfielders to cover and maybe Nsiala doesn't have that in his character to stop the danger before the situation arises.
But the ultimate responsibility falls to Lambert who was apparently a top defender as a player and Chambers who should have enough experience not to play like a fool.
I believe we are a mid table league 1 side now. There is no change to last season. We can beat the poorer teams but our record against teams in the top 1/2 is shocking. Doncaster beat us 4-1 midweek and yet Crewe manage to go there and win. Our previous draw against MK dons, I think PL came out and said they will be top 1/2 come the end of the season, not sure what he basis that assessment on. Regarding the defence, we don’t know what happens at training / in private. It’s possible Wolfe had his head turned pre season but no excuse for not playing McGuinness. No point bringing him in loan to sit on the bench. Finally, Hawkins might be a good target man but he’s not going to get you 15-20 goals a season (would be surprised if he made double figures) I think with players available, we need him and Sears both playing up front
Not too happy with that.
First half was similar to Tuesday. Two evenly matched teams but our opponent again looked sharper and played quicker football. We seem to play in third gear until we either score a goal and get some confidence or go a goal behind and look to respond.
Second half was more of the same. Lincoln were dangerous when they came forward, we were lethargic in our build up and attacks fizzled out in the final third. The ball didn't stick with Hawkins enough and we struggled to get good crosses in. We wasted many free kicks and corners and that was frustrating also.
Holy - had to deal with some tough back passes from Wilson. Still unconvincing with the ball at his feet and again guilty of poor passing. His long diagonals go out of play and a short pass today was way off and almost led to a goal. He did do well to get back across goal to block the shot though.
Ward - better option than Kenlock. Played well enough.
Wilson - some poor passing again that put Holy in all sorts of bother.
Nsiala - liability in his decision making so nothing's changed in that respect this season. For me he's had his chance but failed. He's not comfortable passing around the back and has now given away two goals in two games. Can't see him starting the next game.
Chambers - played well forward today which did leave a huge gap in behind, should probably balance that a bit better.
Dozzell - not a natural screen for the back line and doesn't drop into gaps left by defenders getting forward. Would probably benefit from playing next to Skuse, Huws or Downes as we need somebody in the middle of the pitch who can tackle and read danger.
Nolan - not good enough today. Took too many touches instead of getting the ball forward and made a terrible challenge (not for the first time) that led to a red card.
Bishop - played between the lines and did his best but couldn't get his dribbling game going.
Edwards - not as effective today, had trouble finding enough space to be dangerous.
Hawkins - would be a lot better if his first touch was more refined. Lost the ball a few times due to not being able to bring it fully under control.
Lankester - not too bad for his first start but I think Bennetts is better at the moment from what I've seen.
What did I learn from the game today?
We need to play at a higher tempo. Slow build up lets the other team get back in to shape and then we have trouble finding space for a pass. We don't show enough urgency, everything from the keeper not releasing the ball early to making quick throw ins and getting in behind with quick thinking.
We're still poor at dead ball situations and waste many good chances.
Nsiala is an accident waiting to happen.
We need somebody that can tackle properly.
Lambert doesn't make enough tactical changes when things aren't going well.
First half was similar to Tuesday. Two evenly matched teams but our opponent again looked sharper and played quicker football. We seem to play in third gear until we either score a goal and get some confidence or go a goal behind and look to respond.
Second half was more of the same. Lincoln were dangerous when they came forward, we were lethargic in our build up and attacks fizzled out in the final third. The ball didn't stick with Hawkins enough and we struggled to get good crosses in. We wasted many free kicks and corners and that was frustrating also.
Holy - had to deal with some tough back passes from Wilson. Still unconvincing with the ball at his feet and again guilty of poor passing. His long diagonals go out of play and a short pass today was way off and almost led to a goal. He did do well to get back across goal to block the shot though.
Ward - better option than Kenlock. Played well enough.
Wilson - some poor passing again that put Holy in all sorts of bother.
Nsiala - liability in his decision making so nothing's changed in that respect this season. For me he's had his chance but failed. He's not comfortable passing around the back and has now given away two goals in two games. Can't see him starting the next game.
Chambers - played well forward today which did leave a huge gap in behind, should probably balance that a bit better.
Dozzell - not a natural screen for the back line and doesn't drop into gaps left by defenders getting forward. Would probably benefit from playing next to Skuse, Huws or Downes as we need somebody in the middle of the pitch who can tackle and read danger.
Nolan - not good enough today. Took too many touches instead of getting the ball forward and made a terrible challenge (not for the first time) that led to a red card.
Bishop - played between the lines and did his best but couldn't get his dribbling game going.
Edwards - not as effective today, had trouble finding enough space to be dangerous.
Hawkins - would be a lot better if his first touch was more refined. Lost the ball a few times due to not being able to bring it fully under control.
Lankester - not too bad for his first start but I think Bennetts is better at the moment from what I've seen.
What did I learn from the game today?
We need to play at a higher tempo. Slow build up lets the other team get back in to shape and then we have trouble finding space for a pass. We don't show enough urgency, everything from the keeper not releasing the ball early to making quick throw ins and getting in behind with quick thinking.
We're still poor at dead ball situations and waste many good chances.
Nsiala is an accident waiting to happen.
We need somebody that can tackle properly.
Lambert doesn't make enough tactical changes when things aren't going well.
Haven't watched much of this season other than highlights but Nsiala has cost us the past 2 games, from what I've seen in the past 95% of the time he's a really good defender looking like he has quality above this level but he always has a big mistake in a match. So in my mind he should be dropped next match. Wilson beside him is pretty consistent but should not be in a team chasing promotion.
Difficult couple of games here but I'm still pretty content with our start considering our situation. We've got 7 first team players out injured of which at least 3 would walk back into this team. Add to that a number of players in the team have been injured already.
We definitely have enough quality in our squad but we don't have enough players proven at this level yet or able to have proven their fitness. Dozzel started pretty well but after a serious injury which kept him out for a couple of years he's never had a consistent run in any first team at any level. Bishop apart from 1 season 5 years ago hasn't played any consistent first team football and same goes for Lankester. Then add to the fact that Wilson, Nsiala, Holy and Hawkins have never really pulled up any trees at this level. That leaves us with Chambers who hasn't had a consistently good season for years, Ward who had some serious injury problems last season and has just come back from injury and Nolan who's come back from injury and hasn't shown the level of consistency required since he's been at ITFC. That basically leaves us with Edwards who has been half decent in his time at town and really stepped it up this season.
Based on this we are bound to be inconsistent this season. Whilst I welcome Lamberts strong identity of playing good football and a consistent approach, not too many changes to the team, sometimes I think our back line and GK should just clear the ball and I think its inevitable at some point we will need to change formation and play 2 up top.
Unfortunately because we have no money, we are relying on talented youngsters or players with history of injuries who we've had to take a gamble on and that isn't going to change anytime soon. We've just got to hope that we find some level of consistency as talent wise we certainly have enough players who can play at a higher level they just need games under their belt.
Difficult couple of games here but I'm still pretty content with our start considering our situation. We've got 7 first team players out injured of which at least 3 would walk back into this team. Add to that a number of players in the team have been injured already.
We definitely have enough quality in our squad but we don't have enough players proven at this level yet or able to have proven their fitness. Dozzel started pretty well but after a serious injury which kept him out for a couple of years he's never had a consistent run in any first team at any level. Bishop apart from 1 season 5 years ago hasn't played any consistent first team football and same goes for Lankester. Then add to the fact that Wilson, Nsiala, Holy and Hawkins have never really pulled up any trees at this level. That leaves us with Chambers who hasn't had a consistently good season for years, Ward who had some serious injury problems last season and has just come back from injury and Nolan who's come back from injury and hasn't shown the level of consistency required since he's been at ITFC. That basically leaves us with Edwards who has been half decent in his time at town and really stepped it up this season.
Based on this we are bound to be inconsistent this season. Whilst I welcome Lamberts strong identity of playing good football and a consistent approach, not too many changes to the team, sometimes I think our back line and GK should just clear the ball and I think its inevitable at some point we will need to change formation and play 2 up top.
Unfortunately because we have no money, we are relying on talented youngsters or players with history of injuries who we've had to take a gamble on and that isn't going to change anytime soon. We've just got to hope that we find some level of consistency as talent wise we certainly have enough players who can play at a higher level they just need games under their belt.
A weird thing happened last night. I was watching the Mourinho Spurs thing on Netflix and almost this scenario came up whilst they’re going through goals conceded on video.
Mourinho picks out Dele for walking up the pitch and leaving space - not sure if it’s Vertonghen or Alderweireld or someone else who trips the player - but who he doesn’t blame is the defender who gives away a pen. His coaches call on the forwards and midfielders to see their teammate in trouble and fight to defend.
Top, top defenders give away penalties and make mistakes. Nsiala has no doubt earned us points this season with excellent defending, outstanding blocks, the desire he has shown. The problem is not with him.
Defensively we were a shambles yesterday. In attack we had very little cutting edge and again so many attacks breaking down that defenders could sweep so easily. The problem is not with any individual. The problems are with the investment in the squad and with the very most basic of tactical deficiencies when the players are giving their all and football has for the most part been more than decent.
It’s feeling very much like Groundhog Day - our early promise fading and coming up short.
Mourinho picks out Dele for walking up the pitch and leaving space - not sure if it’s Vertonghen or Alderweireld or someone else who trips the player - but who he doesn’t blame is the defender who gives away a pen. His coaches call on the forwards and midfielders to see their teammate in trouble and fight to defend.
Top, top defenders give away penalties and make mistakes. Nsiala has no doubt earned us points this season with excellent defending, outstanding blocks, the desire he has shown. The problem is not with him.
Defensively we were a shambles yesterday. In attack we had very little cutting edge and again so many attacks breaking down that defenders could sweep so easily. The problem is not with any individual. The problems are with the investment in the squad and with the very most basic of tactical deficiencies when the players are giving their all and football has for the most part been more than decent.
It’s feeling very much like Groundhog Day - our early promise fading and coming up short.
Interesting point Yorkie, and probably very valid
The issue i have, is that Tonto, as well as hes been playing, will always do the most basic of mistakes. How many penalties have we given away in the last 2-3 seasons, and how many were by him? 75%?
He may well have not been helped by his FB, but you should still be savvy enough to not make rash decisions in the box. He doesn't fit our remit of playing football, so should really be dropped for Wolfy.
The issue i have, is that Tonto, as well as hes been playing, will always do the most basic of mistakes. How many penalties have we given away in the last 2-3 seasons, and how many were by him? 75%?
He may well have not been helped by his FB, but you should still be savvy enough to not make rash decisions in the box. He doesn't fit our remit of playing football, so should really be dropped for Wolfy.
Good points made, and I actually like Tonto's character. And yes he has defended stoically and with passion. But at the end, his brain disconnects and his rash choice cost us dear, too many times. Woolfy the better all round player, and adds something going frwd too.
Penalties are given away at the highest level every week. Are we really suggesting players should be dropped for making a couple of rash tackles under pressure?
There are no such penalty statistics for defenders that I can find so I’ll be interested to have a dig through and see what the stats tell us.
There are no such penalty statistics for defenders that I can find so I’ll be interested to have a dig through and see what the stats tell us.
Absolutely yes, if the same player regularly makes these errors which lead to goals conceded and games lost.
At this level it’s very rare that we concede any goals scored by attacking brilliance. Almost every goal is caused by bad positioning, losing a marker altogether on a set piece, never mind advanced defensive mistakes like bad timing and decision making. If we dropped players for making defensive mistakes leading to goals we would run out of defenders altogether after two or three matches.
EDIT: Apologies in advance for the essay!
As long as one of the centre-backs gets replaced by Wolfenden, I don't really mind! Both Nsiala and Wilson had poor games in the last two matches and there needs to be a change, as Lambert cannot continue to cling to the 'good form' argument. Chambers at right back looks to be a necessary evil in the absence of any genuine competition. I'm not convinced by Donacien and unfortunately KVY continues to be an absence. I'm not the biggest fan of Chambers (which is probably an understatement), but he has impressed me at right-back so far this season and looks to be more effective going forwards than defending! I'd give him another game or two before deciding what we have to do there. Ward at left back is first choice for me, any day. He is a far better defender than Kenlock.
In midfield, I think Dozzell has been consistent and pretty effective, arguably the best midfielder in the central three. He has a range of passing that complements our game and is something the other midfielders don't really have. I think he works best with Huws and Bishop, as he does need somebody more defensive-minded alongside him. Nolan's red card is actually quite fortunate to us, in some respects, because he is the central midfielder I'm least impressed with from our regular starters. He just looks too conservative and cautious on the ball and doesn't offer the attacking threat and goalscoring that the likes of Bishop and Edwards brings. Having said that, I thought Bishop had a poor game against Lincoln. He is a player that has to step up in the absence of a goalscoring centre-forward, and he was left regularly frustrated against Lincoln and Doncaster, two of the better teams in this division. I think I'd put Huws in tomorrow, hopefully with some more match fitness he won't look as rusty as he has.
The front three do have a nice balance that has been effective at killing off games against weaker opposition. We didn't need many chances in the wins against the likes of Wigan and Blackpool, but managed to find the net. Whether this efficiency is sustainable - similar to our bright start in 2017/18 that couldn't quite be replicated over the course of the season - remains to be seen. Edwards has notably impressed, improved, and added goals to his game. Lankester will hopefully get back to match fitness and we'll see more of his type of incisive balls forward like the chance for Edwards at the end of the Lincoln game, which should've been converted. Bennetts offers something different, but I'm concerned he may be a bit one-dimensional with all pace and trickery but no end product. Hopefully he just needs more minutes. Judge looks out of place in this team. He hasn't had a consistent run of good performances for us in a Town shirt, and I think the likes of Dozzell and Lankester provide more creativity than he does. So I'd argue we should leave him on the bench. As for the striker role, Hawkins is an effective player when the wide players and Bishop are in the goalscoring mood. However, as Lincoln match demonstrated, when the onus is on Hawkins to provide some goal threat, he just doesn't have it. He's wasted a few golden opportunities this season to get off the mark, so it's a bit concerning if we continue to see him in the team and he still can't score. The make-up of the front three would obviously change if we played a Jackson or a Sears in the central role - as neither can hold the ball up particularly well - but they are much better finishers. Norwood would appear to be cut out for Hawkins-type role, as his hold up play and off the ball intelligence is actually pretty good from what I saw last season. However, his issues off the pitch and speculation about his frame of mind is probably not going to go down well with a manager like Lambert.
As for our manager, he was very late to make changes at the weekend and, to me, he has this portrayal of a manager that gets tactically out-thought by decent managers with decent teams. The stat about our lack of form against the top seven or eight teams in League One last season gets trotted out regularly, but is worth repeating. He seems incapable of beating good, in-form League One teams. Lambert has a squad that does have quality, does have experience, and does have a deeper squad depth than all but three or four teams in this division. If he is unable to mount of a successful promotion push this season, then he should be replaced. Unfortunately, he has another five years on his current contract and the notion that Evans would take such a financial hit sacking another manager and, in effect, admitting he's got another managerial appointment wrong is a bit of a long shot. Yes, we're looking brutally efficient against most teams in this division and yes, there has been a notable improvement in the style of football and the technical ability of the players - but if we can't beat good teams, we won't get promoted. In reality, we should be a good team in this division.
We've got a couple of favourable fixtures against Gillingham and Crewe this week, and I think we should be able to start getting wins back on the board. The period after that - games against Sunderland, Shrewsbury, Hull, Oxford, Plymouth, and Portsmouth - will give us a clearer indication of how far this team can go. Three of those six games are against promotion favourites and then you've got a good team last season in bad form (Oxford), a team we should comfortably beat (Shrewsbury), and a top-half team continuing their League 2 promotion form (Plymouth). If we're still in the top four or five after that run of games, I'd be cautiously optimistic we can carry on the good run.
As long as one of the centre-backs gets replaced by Wolfenden, I don't really mind! Both Nsiala and Wilson had poor games in the last two matches and there needs to be a change, as Lambert cannot continue to cling to the 'good form' argument. Chambers at right back looks to be a necessary evil in the absence of any genuine competition. I'm not convinced by Donacien and unfortunately KVY continues to be an absence. I'm not the biggest fan of Chambers (which is probably an understatement), but he has impressed me at right-back so far this season and looks to be more effective going forwards than defending! I'd give him another game or two before deciding what we have to do there. Ward at left back is first choice for me, any day. He is a far better defender than Kenlock.
In midfield, I think Dozzell has been consistent and pretty effective, arguably the best midfielder in the central three. He has a range of passing that complements our game and is something the other midfielders don't really have. I think he works best with Huws and Bishop, as he does need somebody more defensive-minded alongside him. Nolan's red card is actually quite fortunate to us, in some respects, because he is the central midfielder I'm least impressed with from our regular starters. He just looks too conservative and cautious on the ball and doesn't offer the attacking threat and goalscoring that the likes of Bishop and Edwards brings. Having said that, I thought Bishop had a poor game against Lincoln. He is a player that has to step up in the absence of a goalscoring centre-forward, and he was left regularly frustrated against Lincoln and Doncaster, two of the better teams in this division. I think I'd put Huws in tomorrow, hopefully with some more match fitness he won't look as rusty as he has.
The front three do have a nice balance that has been effective at killing off games against weaker opposition. We didn't need many chances in the wins against the likes of Wigan and Blackpool, but managed to find the net. Whether this efficiency is sustainable - similar to our bright start in 2017/18 that couldn't quite be replicated over the course of the season - remains to be seen. Edwards has notably impressed, improved, and added goals to his game. Lankester will hopefully get back to match fitness and we'll see more of his type of incisive balls forward like the chance for Edwards at the end of the Lincoln game, which should've been converted. Bennetts offers something different, but I'm concerned he may be a bit one-dimensional with all pace and trickery but no end product. Hopefully he just needs more minutes. Judge looks out of place in this team. He hasn't had a consistent run of good performances for us in a Town shirt, and I think the likes of Dozzell and Lankester provide more creativity than he does. So I'd argue we should leave him on the bench. As for the striker role, Hawkins is an effective player when the wide players and Bishop are in the goalscoring mood. However, as Lincoln match demonstrated, when the onus is on Hawkins to provide some goal threat, he just doesn't have it. He's wasted a few golden opportunities this season to get off the mark, so it's a bit concerning if we continue to see him in the team and he still can't score. The make-up of the front three would obviously change if we played a Jackson or a Sears in the central role - as neither can hold the ball up particularly well - but they are much better finishers. Norwood would appear to be cut out for Hawkins-type role, as his hold up play and off the ball intelligence is actually pretty good from what I saw last season. However, his issues off the pitch and speculation about his frame of mind is probably not going to go down well with a manager like Lambert.
As for our manager, he was very late to make changes at the weekend and, to me, he has this portrayal of a manager that gets tactically out-thought by decent managers with decent teams. The stat about our lack of form against the top seven or eight teams in League One last season gets trotted out regularly, but is worth repeating. He seems incapable of beating good, in-form League One teams. Lambert has a squad that does have quality, does have experience, and does have a deeper squad depth than all but three or four teams in this division. If he is unable to mount of a successful promotion push this season, then he should be replaced. Unfortunately, he has another five years on his current contract and the notion that Evans would take such a financial hit sacking another manager and, in effect, admitting he's got another managerial appointment wrong is a bit of a long shot. Yes, we're looking brutally efficient against most teams in this division and yes, there has been a notable improvement in the style of football and the technical ability of the players - but if we can't beat good teams, we won't get promoted. In reality, we should be a good team in this division.
We've got a couple of favourable fixtures against Gillingham and Crewe this week, and I think we should be able to start getting wins back on the board. The period after that - games against Sunderland, Shrewsbury, Hull, Oxford, Plymouth, and Portsmouth - will give us a clearer indication of how far this team can go. Three of those six games are against promotion favourites and then you've got a good team last season in bad form (Oxford), a team we should comfortably beat (Shrewsbury), and a top-half team continuing their League 2 promotion form (Plymouth). If we're still in the top four or five after that run of games, I'd be cautiously optimistic we can carry on the good run.
Chambers at right back is a disaster nuggets. He has all the attacking prowess of a government minister fighting Covid. I would play Donacien but failing that, this is an opportunity for a young right back. Frankly, if they cannot handle League One level then there is very little point having an academy at all. A fit Woolfy should be the first name on the team sheet and after that, any of Toto, Wilson and Chambers are interchangeable.
Midfield has been and continues to be excellent on the ball and going forward but found wanting defensively and out of possession.
Up front we have serious problems that can only be resolved by spending cash in January or trying more youngsters as far as I can see. Even if Jackson and Norwood are both back fit and firing we need more goal scoring options.
It's a good point you make about Lambert's lack of tactical changes during a match, Nuggets.
You say he gets out-thought by opposition managers and there is some truth in that. I however think it's actually a bit of arrogance from our leader. Whilst it's commendable that Paul wants us to play a certain style he needs to have a plan B for when the game isn't going our way. To just send our lads out to implement our game plan without really looking at the other team or figuring out a tactic for the best result is basically assuming that the opposing management team is going to do the same and not watch videos of us or come up with the best plan for the current opponent. Naive at best, arrogant at worst. Only a team like Barcelona of a few years ago could play matches and pretty much say 'You know how we play but you have to stop it'. We haven't got the quality in our squad to do that and need to be flexible when required.
There are two tactics that have worked against us so far this season. Doncaster put our defense under pressure and forced mistakes in dangerous areas and that led to a heavy defeat. Lincoln did the opposite and dropped off as soon as we had the ball knowing that we would make plenty of passes in our half but wouldn't really hurt them in the final third if they kept good shape. Our style of plays seems to work once we get a goal as it forces the other team to be more adventurous which opens up the space that we need but we can't break teams down that sit in. Lambert should have a plan to deal with both situations but comes up short on changing the flow of a match in real time.
You say he gets out-thought by opposition managers and there is some truth in that. I however think it's actually a bit of arrogance from our leader. Whilst it's commendable that Paul wants us to play a certain style he needs to have a plan B for when the game isn't going our way. To just send our lads out to implement our game plan without really looking at the other team or figuring out a tactic for the best result is basically assuming that the opposing management team is going to do the same and not watch videos of us or come up with the best plan for the current opponent. Naive at best, arrogant at worst. Only a team like Barcelona of a few years ago could play matches and pretty much say 'You know how we play but you have to stop it'. We haven't got the quality in our squad to do that and need to be flexible when required.
There are two tactics that have worked against us so far this season. Doncaster put our defense under pressure and forced mistakes in dangerous areas and that led to a heavy defeat. Lincoln did the opposite and dropped off as soon as we had the ball knowing that we would make plenty of passes in our half but wouldn't really hurt them in the final third if they kept good shape. Our style of plays seems to work once we get a goal as it forces the other team to be more adventurous which opens up the space that we need but we can't break teams down that sit in. Lambert should have a plan to deal with both situations but comes up short on changing the flow of a match in real time.