Just back, and thought I'd share observations for those who are abroad/couldn't make it etc. Firstly, a word on our opposition. Huddersfield came and made a game of it today. They were well organised, didn't come and play for a draw, attacked well, and caused us more than a few problems. In fairness, they had the better of a tight first half, and with a little more clinical finishing up top, could have had a few goals in the opening half hour. Their support was good, and they clearly are a well run club, investing in youth, and with a top manager. Full credit to them - there are some lessons we could learn from them. But this is where money talks - in the summer, we purchased a very established Championship striker, who takes his chances. Arise Sir Charlie. They are investing in young players, finding their feet in this division, who won't take all of their chances yet. The difference today, was that Charlie took two of his changes, and Wells, who had more chances, took just one, and slipped up on a number of occasions (both literally and metaphorically). I'm not 'hating' on Wells, to speak colloquially, as I think he will be cracking at this level once he has a season under his belt, as evidence by his two goals in two games, but do think that what some will call 'luck', is really the money of investing in Austin comes in. Broadly, we were okay in the first half, but were a little less direct that Huddersfield, who ran at us more. We looked a little slow - which is why we looked far better when Phillips came on at HT and ran at Huddersfield, causing all sorts of trouble. Traore had a similar effect. We were slopped for their goal, and Tom Carroll, who had a mixed game, was slightly at fault. He's certainly one to watch however. Henry had his best game for the R's yet in my opionion, and I hope the blinkers will come off for some. The rest of the team, just did there job. Nothing outstanding today, aside from Charlie, and at times Henry! But when Charlie is on from, that's all we need. AJ ran well, and deserved his assist. Green - 7 Simpson - 7 Hill - 7 Dunne - 7 BAE - 7 (could have been 8, but slowed the game down too often, when he could have attacked. Great corner for the goal.) Henry - 8 O'Neil - 6 Kranjcar - 7 Carroll - 6 Austin - 8.5 Johnson - 7 Phillips - 7.5 Solid performance against a good team. And a word on the ref - I have nothing of note to say about him, which means he must have done a great job! Always worth flagging considering how much stick they get!! Edit - and well done to HR and team today, who got it right for me. From the start (solid and 442), to the very well timed subs.
Agree with everything, Raving, apart from Johnson 7. I thought, especially in the first half, that he was well off the pace and, quite frankly, useless. Maybe you saw better being there and not, like me, watching a stream?
It's the non-stop running/work he does off the ball which creates space and chances for others which makes me give him a seven. Perhaps a live/non-live thing, maybe not...interested to see what others think!
I continue to be shocked at just how poor Carroll is and I genuinely don't know why HR is risking him week after week. His lack of awareness of awareness and physical strength directly resulted in the Huddersfield goal and was typical of his performance. On a more positive note Austin finally come of age in my eyes with a good all round performance and two cracking centre forward goals.
Yep,Caroll looks a bit lost sometimes. No strength,no goals and to slow on the ball. Out on loan please. Well done Charlie
Odd match. Huddersfield ripped us apart at will in the first half and could have scored a hat full, but rarely hit the target. We were far better after the break, deserved to score and then let contrived to them back into it. I watch the game with Stan. We were discussing when we last scored from a corner (any takers?), and then we finally did. Where would we be without Charlie? Phillips looked very lively and changed the game, Austin was the clear MOM, the rest were average to worse. I'd love to know how many times Huddersfield put the ball into touch when under no pressure. They only have themselves to blame.
Thanks for the report Raving I only managed to watch part of the first half before the stream went down, sounds like a well balanced account and pleased to see that Henry had a chance to show that he can do a job.
Went to the game today and admit we rode our luck a bit in the first half, they missed some great chances. Second half though, I knew Huddersfield would tire and we capitalized on that. I think we found out today the Midfield diamond doesn't work and we looked a lot more comfortable with a natural winger on the pitch. Thought Karl Henry was outstanding, he needed to have a big game and was constantly tackling and disrupting their play. Charlie Austin's level of consistency is immense and BAE should glimpses of real quality. He kept a talented winger in Adam Hammill very quiet. Niko Kranjcar was quite frankly awful, he is at least 1.5 stone overweight and this needs to be addressed as it's just unprofessional and to a certain extent embarrassing. Armand Traore is a real weapon from the bench, and it's clear Redknapp needs to bring some pace into this team. Signings or loan deals are a must.
How many games do we have to play for Harry to pick the right team from the kick off? Every week it's the same story...
Hi Flanman - Stream did eventually come back, but I wasted 20 mins mucking around trying to find an alternative one with those Malaysian IP proxy settings, and ended up missing the first two goals, but caught Charlie's stunning headed wining goal. I believe Eamonn may have been at the game - if so, chalk up another on his winning scorecard. Would be great if we could share a game together at some future time - happy days.
