Considering that we have a brand new manager and several new players, trying out new systems, coming into the first league game with a lot of pressure in front of the home crowd, I actually think yesterday was a very good showing.
Yesterday's match was the real deal, where it all counts, with points up for grabs.
We were competitive, we did not roll over and we gave plenty of problems to the opposition.
Yes, I'm disappointed in the goal conceded. But not too much went wrong yesterday and a lot of things went right. This is a good sign, imo. If this is our baseline and we can improve from here, we're going to be competitive in the league. With a few more good signings in our weakspots, even more so.
I totally agree. Walsh is going to cost us goals and points, that we can I'll afford to lose. He is a flapper of high balls with extremely poor ball distribution and also cannot perform a proper drop kick upfield. So what are his attributes? To make him look bad and then bin him?
A good keeper is worth 8-10 points a season to a bottom half team, Walsh will be a liability. We've too many square pegs in round holes and, injuries withstanding, still seem to be experimenting...
Goalkeeper is arguably the most important position on the pitch. People here saying they're not that fussed as there are bigger problems elsewhere on the field I think are being a bit naïve. With a flappy, hesitant and less skilled keeper, we will: ship out goals for fun, cause mayhem, confusion and frustration amongst the defence and miss out on good distribution and possession. How much of each match is based on goalkeeper distribution? A huge amount. Most managers think of their game and movement plans based on it coming from keeper.
I want Walsh to do well but I've seen a lot of games with him, including pre-season, championship, youth. He does tend to make mistakes. How many of those mistakes are from lack of talent, how many are from nerves, I don't know.
I do know that Nardi is an excellent shot stopper and generally gets things right when taking chances and coming out. Is Nardi perfect, no. But when the rest of the team and especially defence are working well, Nardi is a top keeper at this level. He doesn't need coaching. He's experienced and confident.
Walsh still needs a lot of coaching and talk from his teammates. At his age, it's not a great sign for having him as our main keeper.
Quote from WLS' match report:
"Walsh, meanwhile, had a let-off when he fumbled Stefan Thordarson’s low cross and Osmajic’s goalbound follow-up was blocked by Sam Field."
Madsen had a decent game yesterday, there were several worse.
Shh, you can't say that!
