Yes, nearly a super second goal, Stacey again the provider with Barnes sliding in. Keeper's leg kept it out.
Barnes is almost as good as Hanley at falling down when he feels a hand on his back! And Placheta's new blonde look seems to have transformed more than just his appearance! I was trying to work out who it was full of pace and threat on the left.
Tzolis's best game so far, using his pace and positioning well and very positive with the ball. There's a player in there.
I haven't seen the game yet, but that little tranche of players who have seen a possible opportunity now that Sainz is injured all seem to have performed well today from what you are saying. Personally I think we should go with the wingers we have and focus on getting a back-up to Sargent in case he gets injured. And, of course, a CDM named Godot.
The Sainz injury seems to have caused panic in some people, but we still have 5 other wide options available. Placheta and Rowe both missed most of last season through injuries, but have emerged born again in preseason. Placheta's pace sets him apart, but he's added new skills to find end products as well as seen in his shot and assist which led to two of the goals at Kings Lynn. The same could be said of Rowe, who seems desperate to make up for lost time with new skills, a greater maturity and an edge to add to his pace. Tzolis is another who has shown a new determination to succeed this season and he attacked with pace and positivity throughout his stint last night and also showed a defensive edge. His ability to play behind the striker could also be useful if injuries occur. Hernandez has had a quieter preseason, but has showed the pace and trickery to beat defenders and get the ball across to strikers from either flank. Then there's Springett who has returned from his loan with a greater maturity and confidence and an eye for goal as well. Wagner has his eye on all of them: "I like to see all the players, to make a better picture. Jonny Rowe looks like a new signing, (Przemysław) Płacheta looks like a new signing. Tony Springett is a player I haven’t seen a lot, Christos Tzolis came back in a totally different shape. Everybody has a chance, make sure you put me under pressure with assists, with goals, and with a performance as well." Given that Sainz should be back in October, it remains to be seen whether Wagner feels we need another wide player considering the attacking skills all of our FBs possess. Stacey has particularly stood out and he was my MotM for the first half last night for his assist and the ability to interchange and support the wide player ahead of him. He's also 4 inches taller than Aarons. Wagner seems to agree: "What he has done in the first two and a half weeks was very impressive. I had seen enough from him in the past to want to sign him, but when you work with the player and you know what he is doing in games is not a fluke, because I see it in training, he is a super fit guy. Defensively, very reliable. He has to get used perhaps to our front-foot defending, but a top performance.”
Solid start, dominated the ball for the first 5mins, good pressing play high up the pitch. A couple of sloppy passes but the right intent. Full backs pushing very high, Idah with some good pressing and hold up play. Rowe looking good
Nunez and McLean playing deeper with Gibbs pushing right on to support Idah, looks like a 442 out of possession
Great build up play as we look very patient on the ball, midfield seems like it actually has a clue and a plan when they have the ball. Giannoulis gets in behind with a good touch, then tries a shot with the outside of his left foot which flies over
