There appears to be an improvement in the team performance every time I see the side. Joe Bryan was on fire but how much of it was due to the left side member of the back three, Derrick Williams, giving him the ball frequently and early, allowing him to attack defenders. Unfortunately, and this is a comment and not negative moaning, the same did not happen on the right. Mark Little had a quiet game because Ayling rarely passed to him in the same way Williams did to Bryan. Ayling passed mostly to players inside of himself rather than to Little. Deliberate tactics, not being able to read the game so well or just the way it panned out yesterday?
It was visibly noticeable how we are getting the ball out quicker to the defenders from Frankie, he's rolling it out early now and getting us started quicker, Smith was dropping in to a DM role and giving an option through the middle every time but sometimes Flint and Ayling switched off and forgot but I agree it was a visibly better display, and confidence is growing (they are not scared to give it in to feet now and trust the player) Their keeper had a very good game, it could have been more and I don't think Scunthorpe will be down the bottom too long, they looked ok but a bit short up front. With regard Little, they had done their homework on him they stayed very close to him and did a fairly good job on him, but thats what great about this side we can go another route if need be.
Cotterill said yesterday Scunthorpe played 6 at the back and we tried going around them. Half time talk was stop going around go through them and it got much better. It's all about getting the team to work this out themselves and that will happen. I'm pleased with the way we are building momentum and we will come across teams opening up to us allowing us to play the way we want to. Until then it's going to be cat and mouse until we break through. Fielding is flappy at corners but most small keepers are, he's getting more confidence and will improve in the parts that he's good at. His distribution is getting better. Under SoD it was hold it as long as possible, he tried then rushing it but is now looking for options smoothly. Flint is there to get rid quickly win the ball distribute to the nearest either Williams or Ayling. As to Pack he plays the same position as Smith so I guess he's going to be limited now unless he learns to play slightly forward to step in Elliot's position in prep for when the games get tougher on him in winter months and legs get weary. To me I think we have the defence sorted with adequate back up in Osbourne and Al Abd. One can play right back if needed and either Bryn or Cunnigham covering left back. We just need a back up out and out striker and keeper.
