We all know that saturdays result, and more so the performance, on Saturday was not what we all had hoped for, which got me thinking how crucial the next 2-3 games are for us. Not for the points (as IF we lose our next few league games, we will still be in the top 6) but more for our confindence. If we lose on Wednesday (albeit to a top premisership team) and then fail to beat lowly Millwall on Saturday, then a few niggling doubts could start to surface amongst the team. We know how easy it is to go from being unbeaten for so long, to then struggle to win games in this division. I'm not wanting to sound negative and all doom and gloom after just one below-par performance, as i believe we have done absolutely fantastic over the last few months, and what MM and the coaches have done is nigh on miraculous, but i really believe a freshen up is in order for our team/squad. We know we haven't got a large squad, and that our fringe players haven't had the chance to make their mark, but it's now time for the likes of Stewart, Ambrose, Bru, N. Hunt and even Henshall when he gets back, to try and get in the team and add a bit of variety to our performances. The problem is, unfortunately, we are one-dimensional - good teams, like Derby on Saturday, will know how to play against us, and know exactly what we are all about. There are no surprises in our team, and very few surprises in our style of play. I'm still very positive for the season, and i still believe we will make the top six. But, i honestly feel that if we did make the play offs, we would now see that as a disappointing second half to the season. We need to be top two now, and i think the next 3 games are absolutely pivotal to shaping our season. Defeat against Southampton, followed by lacklustre performances (and results) against two bottom clubs in Millwall and Brighton, then we could easily spiral downwards - But, if we can somehow bounce back, re-energise ourselves, and get 4 points (at least) from the two league games, then hopefully we'll get our confidence back, which will then help us push on from the disappointment of saturday, and push us back into the top two. At the moment, i honestly don't know which way our season will now go, it is such a fine line in this division. What i do know tho, is we definitely need freshening up, especially our attack. We need some speed in our team, and a quick winger/AM/forward is what we need. This isn't a knee-jerk reaction to just one defeat, i'm sure we all knew deep down our run would end sooner or later, and that we would/will have a sticky patch...fortunately, our next handful of games are all winnable, BUT, we have to win the majority of them if we want to hold onto the idea of finishing in the top two.
I think we will bounce back quickly, no matter what happens on Wednesday. The Derby game was just an off day. If we had been a little more switched on and passed the ball better we would've been fine. The long ball tactic was wrong because the wind made for many errors. Although ironically one of Derby's rare long balls with help from the wind caught us out! If we can strengthen our midfield all the better. Onwards and upwards!
I honestly think that we need to have this in perspective as the game was decided on a defensive error and a poor refereeing performance that cost us a stone bonking penalty. I am disappointed but not too downhearted as we more than matched Derby. This will only prove to be a poor result if we now go on a bad run but I just can't see that happening! The other results were kind to us for a change so not any real damage was done and I believe that this will do us a favour and just bring the boys back down to earth a little bit! Mick will have them doubly focused on the Millwall game at the weekend. Nothing is won or lost in January and we are still in a wonderful position to achieve our ultimate ambition. COYB
Agree with warky, we mustn't dwell on Saturday. Can anybody else remember Bart having another save to make? that's what I mean, probably one the best sides going forward, in **** conditions only having one shot and that was because of our cock up! plus the ref was crappy and we should have been playing against 10 men for the whole of the second half. A whole load of things went against us, that is all and we will bounce back.
" The problem is, unfortunately, we are one-dimensional - good teams, like Derby on Saturday, will know how to play against us " Well Watford/ Boro / Brentford at home and countless other sides have struggled to beat this " one-dimensional " side! That said, I understand where you're coming from and the sentiment. Derby from what I saw didn't offer much second half - we literally ( well Tommy Smith ) gave them a goal on a plate. Shame. As for peoples views on backup/ the squad. I still think on paper this is not your classic squad. Probably very similar to Burnley's last season however we're rather functional. Millwall Sat scares me no end. Horrible feeling they'll sack Holloway this week, and we'll have our usual recipe. We also have a dire record at the Den. I would like to see Mings/ Chambo/ Berra/ Parr as the back four again. Much more balanced. Warkie, I didn't think it was a pen ( probably gonna get pelters, the player moved his arm away ) I'd take 6th now. As much point coming 6th as there is 3rd!
He moved his arm 'Away' only after the ball hit it! And why all this bollux about 'I'd take 6th now'? Fook sake one bad result and some people just go to pieces!
agree with your back 4 westy, but I reckon Mick will stick with Tommy just to give him a bit of a boost, but I personally like the look of Parr and Mings at full backs and centre halves where centre halves should be. As for the Pen, If that was given against me in the nineties/early 2000's I would agree with you westy, but I have seen shed loads given for a hell of a lot less!
One dimensional...really I think you have been listening to the Norwich Cruddies to much, just look at the clip of all Murphys goals and you will see one comes from a long ball and the rest a variety. It was one game that could have gone either way and probably shouldn't have gone either way but it did go against us, bit like the Charlton game that we snatched 2 points thanks to NHunt .....it happens. We don't need to panic and start to rebuild still a great season and still a great opportunity....
I really don't think it was a pen, but like you I have seen them given! I didn't see the first half/ or any of the " highlights " at full time - what's this about Eustace defo red first half I'm hearing off many?!
we were breaking forward and useless completely took out didzy off the ball and when didzy reacted the ref gave them a free kick and booked didzy, and then even during the melee useless had his hands all over didzy's throat he still didn't get a second yellow! it was poor refereeing at its finest!
it was a bad day at the office,nothing more nothing less. regardless of wednesdays result(and i feel we can take something from it)we'll be back to normal for the wallies and normal service will be resumed. thinking mick may give a few a rest tho wednesday and keep our full strengh team for the priority which is the league.
As JWM and Guru have already said,let's keep some perspective.I had to smile about how Derby were critical of our style of play before the game and then for most of the 90 minutes they seemed to play a very similar style ie closing us down very quickly and being first to the loose ball.Very disappointed with Smith for the goal and even more that it gifted that ex Scummer sack of spuds an easy tap in.For such a big guy I can't remember someone going down as easily as he did with the slightest touch(oh yes I can-the grunt man!)
As a referee I'm going to stick my oar in. It wasn't a pen. His arm was down by his side. Not sure how he was meant to get out of the way.
I think you need to learn to keep the ball better, longer periods out of the oppositions hands. By jove I've got it. Kick it even higher!!
I think you'll find that football is generally played with the feet not the hands-the clue is in the name
The length your lot kick it doesn't take long before it is in hands, at best the goalkeepers but generally the crowds.
