Just got in from work and found out the result, great to finally get a win and hope we continue with another one On Friday Up the City
I agree with most of that and I know this won't be popular but I have to say although he played well enough, but I thought Kalas was ball watching for both of their goals, he was slow to react to their first goal (and nearly got caught out wide 5 minutes later by allowing a cross he should blocked going into the 6 yard box) and for the 2nd goal it was obvious Massengo was being outpaced and out muscled by Moore and Kalas was in prime position to step out and block the shot but left it for James who was 10 yards further away from the ball and arrived too late to block the shot. It is mistakes like this that really need ironing out, it will make life easier. The good news is instead of being desperate for a win Friday night, the rest of the weeks training can be devoted to cutting those mistakes and taking up better positions in our own box. The best news is even when we were under huge pressure, you could see the 100% effort from everybody who played a part tonight and in every single league game so far and that is progress. They actually look like they care. Just one other observation, I have never been a lover of goalkeepers as captains, that role should go to James, the guy is a beast. I didn't think that Middlesborough were all that, I will surprised if they frighten to top 6, they were gifted 2 poor goals and we missed a sitter.
Bit harsh towards Kalas, Simpson lost his man for first goal....I can see where you come from regarding 2nd, but bit of confusion by both giving enough space for Moore to get his shot away....from that distance, I would have expected better by Bentley. We definitely look more reassured with Kalas in the side..
Imo very harsh on Kalas. The first, I thought, we went to sleep down the right for a second and they got behind Simpson. The second, and this is being harsh, on Massengo who just got caught wrong side and just couldn't bring himself to foul Moore. He'll learn from that. Bentley was also a bit slow getting across. Overall I thought Kalas played well.
Thought Massengo was everywhere when he came on, looked up for it, some good touches and looked to be a bit harder in the tackle.....could be really good for us in the middle....just a bit more composure required, maybe slow down a bit.............still in the making, but getting there!
I can only tell you what I saw. I knew Simpson would get the blame but hey ho, for the first the player who crossed actually managed to get between Pring and Simpson, but I am sure that will make it Simpson's fault (yes it shouldn't have happened) Kalas took up a very strange position on the near post and never attacked the ball. I am not being harsh on Massengo, he fought manfully but was out muscled and eventually outpaced and maybe a giving away a free kick was a better option, but again Kalas was static and was by far in the best position to attack the ball but never did for some reason. I am at a loss to know exactly what Baker has done wrong since coming back and bearing in mind it's quite likely that Kalas will be going, I think Baker has looked fitter than I have ever seen him and quite slimmed down and none of the goals conceded have been down to him.
Tonight was about getting a win, the longer it went without one the more pressure we put on ourselves, shame Palmer or Weiman didn’t make it 4 near the end as my nerves were shot, but we got over the line in the end.
Exactly the way I saw it and the same goes for Scott, needs to slow down and maybe take the easier option now and again but he doesn't shy from a tackle.
Quite a good result … all over us in second half statwise.. [ bbc ] think it was 7 -3 shots halftime for us .. [.better than theirs, ] ended 11 - 3 them 8 - 5 us didn't get a corner second half did we?
Spot on. The pressure is off slightly and they work on the specifics of the mistakes that led to the goals and why we dropped off so deep.
Almost seems you are blaming Kalas because you think Baker should have been playing in his place. I don’t see the first was Kalas at fault their player got past Simpson to the byline ad played it back, the guy then mis kicked and it fell on a plate to be smashed into the roof of the net. Their second I guess he could have closed him down but who’d have thought a centre half would score from outside the box, Bentley may have been unsighted but would be disappointed to be beaten from there. I’m still not keen on Simpson I have to say. The best thing for me was the commitment throughout the team, they all looked up for it. Too many good performances to pick MOM, but thought Pring did really well on his debut. NP said in his interview on RB the team all applauded Pring in the dressing room after the game, that’s the kind of team spirit that’ll we’ll need.
No doubt he's getting stronger and agree he needs to slow down a touch and like you I hope/think it will add composure to his game. My grouse was playing the kid 2 years ago when I think it did him more harm than good. He just wasn't ready. I liked Pearson's interview after the game, worth a listen.
I hope Kalas won't be leaving, key player for us IMO, much more assured with him in the side... Simpson could have done better but not making it his mistake alone...our defence just lost concentration and got caught out. Same for the 2nd. Massengo was playing catch up and was wrong side of Moore, yes could have made the foul, but had they scored from free kick, there would be those that would say, he should have left it for Kalas or James to deal with...No win situation..not at fault whatsoever in my mind..
Wow where did I say that? I don't pick the team, I am saying if as is likely Kalas leaves, Baker will be his replacement, we may bring in a young back up or might try Cundy. I am saying Kalas made the final mistake, for the first goal he was very slow to react and the guy squeezed through past Pring and Simpson not just Simpson.
Jiffie, like you've said before, it's all about opinions. You mention Kalas might be leaving, I really think that would be a huge mistake and sincerely hope it doesn't happen.
That is a fairer assessment in my view, I have no issue with Massengo's part in that 2nd goal other than he was initially far enough out to commit a foul but chose not to probably because he expected some help and that help came late from James who was farther away than Kalas and also trying to block from behind, it would have made far more sense for Kalas to have read the situation better, of course it could have been one of those where James thought Kalas would step out and Kalas thought James would make the tackle. Whatever the reason it was a pity and the communication certainly needs to be better. Saturday and tonight we conceded the 2nd goals when we had gotten on top again and were getting into some good positions and again that needs to be addressed.
Don’t tell me Nigel Pearson ain’t good enough. Just back what a game-cracking fast flowing pressing football. Joy to watch. Bring on the Swans and another three points.❤️⚽️❤️⚽️❤️Oh and the fans were magnificent
How can it possibly be a mistake? the bloke obviously wants to leave, rumour is he has privately already asked ala Nagy. And who would blame him if a premiership team comes in for him or the offer of a bigger wage packet. Our need is greater for a striker than for a defender. It's a pity but better than desperately holding on to a player who wants to leave.
