This is the key thing for me. It's too easy for the opposition to defend against. The sideways passing between Mepham, Neil and O'Nien slows everything down to walking pace, but the problem lies further up the pitch too. Too many times Roberts gets the ball in an offensive position close to the opposition box, but his insistence in working his way across the pitch gives the defence too much time to get set and our forward players are easy to mark as we're playing in front of their defenders. If he drives down the line, then suddenly the defence is running towards their own goal, making it easier for runners to get on the end of a cross as the defenders have no idea of the runs the attackers are going to make. I think playing with inverted wingers is actually a detriment to our style of play and slows the momentum down.
I think Seb said that he used to sit where Trai does now. Explains some of Trai’s outstanding crosses this season?
Thanks RTB, as always a pleasure to read. I really want to see a performance tomorrow. I think it is vital. Oxford was so bad it was worrying. We are a side who should have much more possession than we have had. When you have players like Neil, Le Fee, Jobe, Rigg, Watson, Mundle, Mayenda then you need to dominate the ball. Ideally we move the whole side 10 yards up tomorrow and be prepared to cover any balls in behind. To move the side up we need an outball up top, which is Mayenda. He simply has to be the number 9 now with Isidor a bench option. I would play Watson left and Le Fee in the middle with Roberts right. I know the stats on Roberts arent great, but I hate square pegs. He is our only real option until Mundle is fit then perhaps Watson moves over. Roberts has been a big game player for us in the past. I would leave Neil to sit and ask Jobe to bomb the box. He hasnt been great at that lately Jobe, but lets be honest he is more dangerous when getting high up the pitch. Cirkin back should give us a great balance again to overload either side. When one full back goes we can roll into a 3 for cover. I really want to see some of those triangles we saw early season on each side, Le Fee being that high pivot could be key to that. If RLB plays Le Fee left again I will be unimpressed. He doesnt have the attributes to play wide. Be fantastic to see Ballard and Alese back. Big Dan in particular. He is a menace on our set pieces - could be huge in a play off game. A bench including Rigg, Ballard, Isidor, Alese, Watson/Roberts in the play offa suddenly gives Regis threats. Hope we dont need them, but if we do use them well. Anyway, performance is everything tomorrow. Ideally a couple of good goals from open play, and a no error defensive display. If we control possession, attack with numbers and play off Mayenda we will be all right.
I sort of agree but ( and I do go along with RLB) on protecting the squad ) Oxford needed the win to stay up and we needed match fitness. Absolutely momentum is a factor but we aren’t the only team up there out of form. Mayenda as CF has to happen though and bring back the press for these 3 games, we’re canny good at it. I do think ELF has to be central though, that’s apparently the reason we got him and remember we all said how good he was on the wing ‘ what damage will he do in the middle’. I’m pissed on rum and have probably answers the wrong person. Nee argument intended. HTL KTF
Unfortunately won't be there tomorrow as my sciatica is acting up so I expect that the only home game I'll miss this season will be a destruction of QPR. 4-0 to the wizards isidor hatrick Roberts goal
You are all good mate. My pissed posts are notorious, this is sensible stuff. Haway the lads tomorrow. They have it in them to smash the play offs and be the core of our premier league success. Bollocks to going up and signing 15 players.
I know it's not the last one of the season but it's the last of the regular season. So big shoutout to @RTB for these threads throughout the season. Always excellently done.
Another fantastic match thread RTB. Thank you very much for your efforts over the season and here's to many more! Got nothing to lose tomorrow. We've got to take the game to them. Don't drop off and surrender possession, like we have been doing. Pick up the pace and intensify the press. Treat this like the opening game of a 4-game season. Definitely need ELF in the middle with Jobe and Neil. Watson will probably benefit by having Cirkin behind him. Mayenda to start up top. I'm going 3-0 to the Lads and a timely boost ahead of the play-offs.
Looking forward to this game and hoping for a joyous atmosphere at the SOL … … we've made the playoffs, something other teams are still desperately trying to achieve.
nobody seems to have clocked this interaction seb ‘you okay now though’ trai ‘I had to get an injection’ then it cuts out playing through that injury then
OMG this is so much better than..hey how's the sport washing going? I see U won your first trophy. In the cl next year. Yaay kill the gays. (Satire for the dim). Not he greatest player but rather have Seb than Isaac and the baggage thank you.
A sobering analysis which does not give me confidence as the play offs loom large - is it now already too late? - I sincerely hope not.
