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Post by FloridaTerrier on Nov 26, 2023 1:49:44 GMT 1
Agreed. Him, Yuta and Thomas had great games today. So did Headley. Good player that lad. Quick, Dynamic and Strong. Still has a lot to learn and with games and experience that will come. But, its good to have pace in around the back at times too. Speaking of Yuta, talented and very decent technically, I know coming back from injury can be daunting and trusting yourself, and the previous injury, but, man I wish he'd he commit 100% to his challenges, he almost tackles like a winger for me, a few 50/50s today were perfectly setup for him committing, and to win the ball, however, didn't commit, and lost out on possession. Back to Headley, he is improving game by game which is good to see.
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Post by Million Dollar Babies on Nov 26, 2023 7:58:06 GMT 1
What is with our players getting cramp? I can't remember seeing an opposition player go down with cramp for a few years yet we've got REG who does it everytime he starts and that wasn't the first time I've seen Headley have to go off with it.
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Post by colnevalleyblue on Nov 26, 2023 8:48:12 GMT 1
Really good performance. Every single player grafted their tits off. Didnt deserve to lose.
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Post by Porrohman on Nov 26, 2023 9:31:55 GMT 1
The ref booked Kasumu and Headley for kicking the ball away, then refused to book him for doing the same despite Town players pointing out the inconsistency. He then got booked for smashing Kas. Then the dickhead with the whistle booked Jacko for knocking the ball away. So why was it a yellow card for Town players but not Southamptons š¤· That doesnt mean it's a red card though. On a yellow card he's unlikely to make the same challenge. My point was he should've been on a yellow as he committed the same offence as 3 Town players were booked for. Who knows whether he'd have made the same challenge š¤·
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Post by Porrohman on Nov 26, 2023 9:32:38 GMT 1
Not quite true, Ern. Your first 5 points, guilty as charged (as you've mentioned previously š). However I didn't boo the team off or complain about Big Daves first substitution, I was confused at first but after a couple of seconds thinking about it, it made complete sense. Mate I'm not specifically referring to you at all. It's a comment about the general resentment. I truly fail to see how anyone without agenda can't be encouraged by that second half today, I really can't. I know, I'm pulling your leg š
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Post by Porrohman on Nov 26, 2023 9:34:37 GMT 1
I'll tell you what is putting me off watching town at the moment and it's not the manager, performances or owners. It's the constant negativity from certain sections of our fan base. Negative towards the manager Negative towards the owner Negative towards the team Negative towards the results Negative towards anything the club try to do to improve supporter experience. You know who you are. You are the ones who booed the team off at half time which was uncalled for. We weren't great but we weren't shit either, we coped well with a side worth probably 20 times more than ours. Chanting at the manager for what was a sensible substitution. Nakayama played well. The fan base is becoming a cess pool of constant negativity and it's ruining the experience for many supporters. Nobody is happy with the way we are playing but those of us with more than one brain cell can see the situation we are in regarding injuries. Those of us with more than one brain cell can also see that there is absolutely fuck all right now we can do about it and that change has to come in January. Another manager isn't suddenly going to turn Hudlin into Halland and isn't going to turn Koroma into Messi. Maybe certain people should reflect on how constructive they are being and how much harm its possibly causing. If you call yourself a supporter maybe reflect for a second on what that means. Rant over There was a bloke on the front row of the Riverside Upper punching the advertising hoardings in front of him and screaming abuse at Moore for the Nakayama sub & then when he went backwards instead of crossing. How these people overcome daily challenges at home or at workā¦ Iāll never know. I wonder which one of our midgets he wanted Naka to cross to š¤
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Post by rockwall on Nov 26, 2023 10:27:31 GMT 1
So did Headley. Good player that lad. Quick, Dynamic and Strong. Still has a lot to learn and with games and experience that will come. But, its good to have pace in around the back at times too. Speaking of Yuta, talented and very decent technically, I know coming back from injury can be daunting and trusting yourself, and the previous injury, but, man I wish he'd he commit 100% to his challenges, he almost tackles like a winger for me, a few 50/50s today were perfectly setup for him committing, and to win the ball, however, didn't commit, and lost out on possession. Back to Headley, he is improving game by game which is good to see. This short term pain will stand these players in good stead. Harratt, Headley and Jackson especially. The exposure they are getting after being thrown in at a difficult period will only be good for their development.
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Post by harris on Nov 26, 2023 10:27:37 GMT 1
There was a bloke on the front row of the Riverside Upper punching the advertising hoardings in front of him and screaming abuse at Moore for the Nakayama sub & then when he went backwards instead of crossing. How these people overcome daily challenges at home or at workā¦ Iāll never know. I wonder which one of our midgets he wanted Naka to cross to š¤ Exactly, then we went on to have our best passage of play of the first half which ended in Headley shooting wide
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Post by formerlymirfin5 on Nov 26, 2023 10:33:14 GMT 1
I wonder which one of our midgets he wanted Naka to cross to š¤ Exactly, then we went on to have our best passage of play of the first half which ended in Headley shooting wide I wasn't at the game and I'm just watching it back. It didn't lead to a shot but it was nice play before Headley gave it away on the edge of the box.
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ilsonterrier
Andy Booth Terrier
Posts: 3,364
Member is Online
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Post by ilsonterrier on Nov 26, 2023 10:47:53 GMT 1
That doesnt mean it's a red card though. On a yellow card he's unlikely to make the same challenge. My point was he should've been on a yellow as he committed the same offence as 3 Town players were booked for. Who knows whether he'd have made the same challenge š¤· Inconsistency of refereeing drives me mad, but it's even worse when one person can't be consistent in a 90 minute period. Players kicking the ball away annoys me so get the players booked - but do it for all of them, not just the ones in one team. We've all seen challenges that have got away without yellow cards because the player has already been booked but surely the one on Kasumu wouldn't have fallen into that category?
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Post by overtonterrierspirit on Nov 26, 2023 11:51:59 GMT 1
There was a bloke on the front row of the Riverside Upper punching the advertising hoardings in front of him and screaming abuse at Moore for the Nakayama sub & then when he went backwards instead of crossing. How these people overcome daily challenges at home or at workā¦ Iāll never know. I wonder which one of our midgets he wanted Naka to cross to š¤ Yes without a target to aim for itās often a simple choice of hitting a cross to the opposition defence or retaining possession. Not having a ātarget man ā has been costing us dearly for a long time.
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goodbet
Jimmy Glazzard Terrier
Posts: 4,464
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Post by goodbet on Nov 26, 2023 12:58:48 GMT 1
After some terrible performances we had a credible second half and won a point at home.
We had 2 shots on target, 1 of which was a cross that everyone missed and ended up in the goal.
Hopefully we have stopped the slide and can build on this, but let's not get too carried away with yesterdays game.
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isitjustme
Iain Dunn Terrier
Posts: 496
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Post by isitjustme on Nov 26, 2023 13:14:48 GMT 1
Just watched the very limited highlights on sky. Have to say, whoever it was going for the header in that cross, played a huge part in that goal. Without him, the keeper saves it. A goals a goal thankfully !!!
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Post by durhamterrier on Nov 26, 2023 13:19:18 GMT 1
Just watched the very limited highlights on sky. Have to say, whoever it was going for the header in that cross, played a huge part in that goal. Without him, the keeper saves it. A goals a goal thankfully !!! Pearson I think. Front two of him and Helik would cause some problems !
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Post by andyeastleake on Nov 26, 2023 15:15:12 GMT 1
A draw and a dominant performance Some statistics. Possession 22%. Shots 10-16. Xg 0.4-1.3. Dominant Performance my Snowy White West Yorkshire arse. I'd LOVE you (or TBH any of the 17 people who liked your post) try & explain to me how you could describe that as a dominant performance. PS For clarity, compared to Hull, Wednesday or the first half (or any of the four goal drubbings) the second half was a massive improvement. Just shows what can be achieved if you simply try to press and play 20 (possibly more?) yards higher up the pitch. I think I've got a higher opinion than Darren Moore of these players which is sad to say.
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Post by Big Jim on Nov 26, 2023 15:22:39 GMT 1
A draw and a dominant performance Some statistics. Possession 22%. Shots 10-16. Xg 0.4-1.3. Dominant Performance my Snowy White West Yorkshire arse. I'd LOVE you (or TBH any of the 17 people who liked your post) try & explain to me how you could describe that as a dominant performance. PS For clarity, compared to Hull, Wednesday or the first half (or any of the four goal drubbings) the second half was a massive improvement. Just shows what can be achieved if you simply try to press and play 20 (possibly more?) yards higher up the pitch. I think I've got a higher opinion than Darren Moore of these players which is sad to say. In my defence, I did retract my dominant statement further down the thread.
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Post by Big Ern on Nov 26, 2023 15:27:53 GMT 1
A draw and a dominant performance Some statistics. Possession 22%. Shots 10-16. Xg 0.4-1.3. Dominant Performance my Snowy White West Yorkshire arse. I'd LOVE you (or TBH any of the 17 people who liked your post) try & explain to me how you could describe that as a dominant performance. PS For clarity, compared to Hull, Wednesday or the first half (or any of the four goal drubbings) the second half was a massive improvement. Just shows what can be achieved if you simply try to press and play 20 (possibly more?) yards higher up the pitch. I think I've got a higher opinion than Darren Moore of these players which is sad to say. I would love you to find the highlights and show me the 16 shots they supposedly had. 16 shots my arse.
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wildhogg
Darren Bullock Terrier
Posts: 871
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Post by wildhogg on Nov 26, 2023 15:38:44 GMT 1
Irrespective of the possession stats, we did 'dominate' the second half. They only came back to life after we equalised. First half was largely grim. However, as other people have pointed out, we'd have been crowing about the overall performance yesterday if Warnock had still been in charge.
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Post by Christ in Shades (art) on Nov 26, 2023 16:05:06 GMT 1
Some statistics. Possession 22%. Shots 10-16. Xg 0.4-1.3. Dominant Performance my Snowy White West Yorkshire arse. I'd LOVE you (or TBH any of the 17 people who liked your post) try & explain to me how you could describe that as a dominant performance. PS For clarity, compared to Hull, Wednesday or the first half (or any of the four goal drubbings) the second half was a massive improvement. Just shows what can be achieved if you simply try to press and play 20 (possibly more?) yards higher up the pitch. I think I've got a higher opinion than Darren Moore of these players which is sad to say. I would love you to find the highlights and show me the 16 shots they supposedly had. 16 shots my arse. If you watch the extended highlights the Koroma break away where he fluffs his lines is omitted as is the Headley offside which I wanted to see again to check the offside. In general, there weren't many clear cut chances for either side.
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Post by andyeastleake on Nov 26, 2023 16:08:32 GMT 1
Some statistics. Possession 22%. Shots 10-16. Xg 0.4-1.3. Dominant Performance my Snowy White West Yorkshire arse. I'd LOVE you (or TBH any of the 17 people who liked your post) try & explain to me how you could describe that as a dominant performance. PS For clarity, compared to Hull, Wednesday or the first half (or any of the four goal drubbings) the second half was a massive improvement. I would love you to find the highlights and show me the 16 shots they supposedly had. 16 shots my arse. You might be right Ern (I quoted the statistic rather than compiled it).... .....but do you really think you could adjust the shot count so the phrase "dominant performance" was justified? PS If you do, tell me quick, East Leake Co Op shuts at 16:00 and I'll need some pop corn to accompany that.
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Post by dezzly on Nov 26, 2023 16:49:54 GMT 1
I would love you to find the highlights and show me the 16 shots they supposedly had. 16 shots my arse. If you watch the extended highlights the Koroma break away where he fluffs his lines is omitted as is the Headley offside which I wanted to see again to check the offside. In general, there weren't many clear cut chances for either side. Agree with both here,clear cut chances were not in abundance despite the difference in possession and the completely ridiculous stat of over 800 passes for them and 250ish for us. I thought we did what was needed first half and keep it relatively tight,If only for the goal.(Iād count the hitting the post as slightly speculative)second half was better and played higher up the pitch.still didnāt create loads chance wise but probably created enough pressure to warrant scoring. At no point was it dominant,nor was it first half for them even with the amount of ball. Sometimes stats tell the full picture..sometimes they do not. As a side note agree with the comments on other posts regarding their shot stats,I thought they were completely way off first half.
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Post by rugbyterrier on Nov 26, 2023 17:19:31 GMT 1
I would love you to find the highlights and show me the 16 shots they supposedly had. 16 shots my arse. You might be right Ern (I quoted the statistic rather than compiled it).... .....but do you really think you could adjust the shot count so the phrase "dominant performance" was justified? PS If you do, tell me quick, East Leake Co Op shuts at 16:00 and I'll need some pop corn to accompany that. The Head where I still do a bit of work in Rugby joined us from East Leake Academy in September, think he follows Man Utd.
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Post by boooothy on Nov 26, 2023 17:51:43 GMT 1
Apologies is mentioned elsewhere but what is Ben Jacksonās contract situation which we were led to believe is why he lost his place last season?
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Post by football on Nov 26, 2023 18:06:30 GMT 1
Apologies is mentioned elsewhere but what is Ben Jacksonās contract situation which we were led to believe is why he lost his place last season? The 20-year-old has put pen-to-paper on a contract that runs until the summer of 2024, with the Club having the option of a further yearās extension.
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Post by softboy on Nov 26, 2023 18:21:54 GMT 1
I am not trying to be flippant but we start with Harrett up front they start with Adam Armstrong up front. Shows the different in class. But every player have 100% today. Keep that up. Berzorg. Can see why he ended up at Town. Limited ability but he must be shit to mark. Kasumu. Not sure about the stats but Iām sure we will have got a lot more points when he has been in the team than when he hasnāt.
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Post by pauldaltonsboots on Nov 26, 2023 18:28:59 GMT 1
Strange match yesterday - first half was sadly exactly as expected in terms of tactics and intent (as in, there was no intent). I will never be able to accept tactics at home in a league match where the tactics are to defend our box and hope to keep a clean sheet. It feels like just waiting for the opposition to score. Anyone can beat anyone in the championship, especially when at home so why set up like we are playing Man City away. I always wonder how inspiring that pre-match team talk is when basically saying to the lads they are miles better than us, and just defend. It was one of the most boring 45mins of football I have seen - was nothing to get the crowd excited.
Second half we were much better and was enjoyable. We played more on the front foot and got overlaps in wide areas and showed attacking intent. Whilst we were so passive out of possession in the first half, we started pressing them with much more intensity and urgency second half.
The game again throws up more questions than answers.
1. Why start the match that way? The players are capable so clearly instruction from DM. 2. Was it DM or the players who were the driving force at half-time to actually attack in the second half?
And the big one for meā¦
3. If they had not scored in 45th minute and it was 0-0 at HT - would DM have changed tactics or would we have been subjected to the same negative / play for a 0-0 performance in the second half too? My fear, is it is the latter.
I know there are mixed opinions on here of the quality of our players - as I have said before, not the strongest squad, but not the weakest - so need to play to strengths and get the best out of them. We have a defensive spine which is better than decent with Nicholls, Helik, Lees, Pearson and Hogg. We have some excellent crossers of the ball in Thomas, Jackson and Nakayama, with Headley and Koroma decent too. Yes we need more in midfield and def need some good quality natural goal scorers - some excellent deliveries yesterday in second half but no fox in the box to get on the end of them.
A decent 45mins has not given me more faith in DM sadly. Two main reasons why - one being the way we started the game in terms of intent. Secondly, you donāt need to be a professional football manager to know that Russell Martin is a stubborn manager who believes in persisting with his possession / playing out from the back football philosophy. They are good at it, if you let them play, but if you pressure them high up and donāt give them time on the ball, then you completely disrupt them. Second half we did that and won possession back high up the pitch. Not rocket science, so concerns me the way DM started the match, especially after 2 weeks off for the International break to prepare.
I think we have a decent and honest group of players with some good strengths - with a couple of additions in Jan, then a good manager will do okay with them. I just donāt see DM doing that, but seriously hope I am wrong.
UTT
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Post by ShortbreadPete on Nov 26, 2023 19:51:50 GMT 1
Strange match yesterday - first half was sadly exactly as expected in terms of tactics and intent (as in, there was no intent). I will never be able to accept tactics at home in a league match where the tactics are to defend our box and hope to keep a clean sheet. It feels like just waiting for the opposition to score. Anyone can beat anyone in the championship, especially when at home so why set up like we are playing Man City away. I always wonder how inspiring that pre-match team talk is when basically saying to the lads they are miles better than us, and just defend. It was one of the most boring 45mins of football I have seen - was nothing to get the crowd excited. Second half we were much better and was enjoyable. We played more on the front foot and got overlaps in wide areas and showed attacking intent. Whilst we were so passive out of possession in the first half, we started pressing them with much more intensity and urgency second half. The game again throws up more questions than answers. 1. Why start the match that way? The players are capable so clearly instruction from DM. 2. Was it DM or the players who were the driving force at half-time to actually attack in the second half? And the big one for meā¦ 3. If they had not scored in 45th minute and it was 0-0 at HT - would DM have changed tactics or would we have been subjected to the same negative / play for a 0-0 performance in the second half too? My fear, is it is the latter. I know there are mixed opinions on here of the quality of our players - as I have said before, not the strongest squad, but not the weakest - so need to play to strengths and get the best out of them. We have a defensive spine which is better than decent with Nicholls, Helik, Lees, Pearson and Hogg. We have some excellent crossers of the ball in Thomas, Jackson and Nakayama, with Headley and Koroma decent too. Yes we need more in midfield and def need some good quality natural goal scorers - some excellent deliveries yesterday in second half but no fox in the box to get on the end of them. A decent 45mins has not given me more faith in DM sadly. Two main reasons why - one being the way we started the game in terms of intent. Secondly, you donāt need to be a professional football manager to know that Russell Martin is a stubborn manager who believes in persisting with his possession / playing out from the back football philosophy. They are good at it, if you let them play, but if you pressure them high up and donāt give them time on the ball, then you completely disrupt them. Second half we did that and won possession back high up the pitch. Not rocket science, so concerns me the way DM started the match, especially after 2 weeks off for the International break to prepare. I think we have a decent and honest group of players with some good strengths - with a couple of additions in Jan, then a good manager will do okay with them. I just donāt see DM doing that, but seriously hope I am wrong. UTT You should have applied for the job. Here's an alternative scenario. DM says, 'You've been great in training lads and I've got more options today. I want us pressing high up the pitch from the first minute. I want relentless urgency and intensity'. It's a great effort but Southampton are at their most energetic and pick us off on counter attacks. We're 0-3 down at HT and the game is effectively over. We keep playing the same way and end up losing 1-4. Are you going to come on here and praise DM for being bold or are you going to join the howling majority who'll say how naive he was? As it was, the plan worked. Southampton looked frustrated with all their possession and so little to show for it. They noticeably tired as the second half went on and our pressing and urgency came at the right time. I say well played DM on this one
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Post by pauldaltonsboots on Nov 26, 2023 20:58:43 GMT 1
Strange match yesterday - first half was sadly exactly as expected in terms of tactics and intent (as in, there was no intent). I will never be able to accept tactics at home in a league match where the tactics are to defend our box and hope to keep a clean sheet. It feels like just waiting for the opposition to score. Anyone can beat anyone in the championship, especially when at home so why set up like we are playing Man City away. I always wonder how inspiring that pre-match team talk is when basically saying to the lads they are miles better than us, and just defend. It was one of the most boring 45mins of football I have seen - was nothing to get the crowd excited. Second half we were much better and was enjoyable. We played more on the front foot and got overlaps in wide areas and showed attacking intent. Whilst we were so passive out of possession in the first half, we started pressing them with much more intensity and urgency second half. The game again throws up more questions than answers. 1. Why start the match that way? The players are capable so clearly instruction from DM. 2. Was it DM or the players who were the driving force at half-time to actually attack in the second half? And the big one for meā¦ 3. If they had not scored in 45th minute and it was 0-0 at HT - would DM have changed tactics or would we have been subjected to the same negative / play for a 0-0 performance in the second half too? My fear, is it is the latter. I know there are mixed opinions on here of the quality of our players - as I have said before, not the strongest squad, but not the weakest - so need to play to strengths and get the best out of them. We have a defensive spine which is better than decent with Nicholls, Helik, Lees, Pearson and Hogg. We have some excellent crossers of the ball in Thomas, Jackson and Nakayama, with Headley and Koroma decent too. Yes we need more in midfield and def need some good quality natural goal scorers - some excellent deliveries yesterday in second half but no fox in the box to get on the end of them. A decent 45mins has not given me more faith in DM sadly. Two main reasons why - one being the way we started the game in terms of intent. Secondly, you donāt need to be a professional football manager to know that Russell Martin is a stubborn manager who believes in persisting with his possession / playing out from the back football philosophy. They are good at it, if you let them play, but if you pressure them high up and donāt give them time on the ball, then you completely disrupt them. Second half we did that and won possession back high up the pitch. Not rocket science, so concerns me the way DM started the match, especially after 2 weeks off for the International break to prepare. I think we have a decent and honest group of players with some good strengths - with a couple of additions in Jan, then a good manager will do okay with them. I just donāt see DM doing that, but seriously hope I am wrong. UTT You should have applied for the job. Here's an alternative scenario. DM says, 'You've been great in training lads and I've got more options today. I want us pressing high up the pitch from the first minute. I want relentless urgency and intensity'. It's a great effort but Southampton are at their most energetic and pick us off on counter attacks. We're 0-3 down at HT and the game is effectively over. We keep playing the same way and end up losing 1-4. Are you going to come on here and praise DM for being bold or are you going to join the howling majority who'll say how naive he was? As it was, the plan worked. Southampton looked frustrated with all their possession and so little to show for it. They noticeably tired as the second half went on and our pressing and urgency came at the right time. I say well played DM on this one Most people on here know I am one of the more positive and patient fans - however, will take more than one decent 45mins to start thinking DM is the messiah. Hereās another thought - does it have to be one or the other? Either be positive from the start or defend 18 yard line? Middle ground would be a start - nice to be a bit more on the front foot donāt you think? At home especially. I did enjoy the little dig though š¤£ forgot as a fan you canāt have an opinion without suggestion should apply for the job. The classic that all fans canāt have an opinion as not professionals. For what it is worth, I did play, coach and manage at semi-pro level - not pro but decent understanding of the game. IMO starting a game as all out defend is a high risk strategy - yes some games it will be 0-0 at HT but others, it will be 3-0 or worse (remember Cardiff a few weeks back?). Law of averages suggests that strategy ends up in more defeats than victories. The width of a post yesterday would have made the defensive approach seem less āsuccessfulā perhaps? Remember it was Southampton not Real Madrid. Letās not get carried away by a point - I was delighted to get something from the game so late, but is that how low our bar is now? Iād like to see us go for the win. Nobody more than me hopes this starts an upturn in results and performances, but Iād be lying if I said I was optimistic. Time will tell
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Post by ShortbreadPete on Nov 26, 2023 21:18:19 GMT 1
You should have applied for the job. Here's an alternative scenario. DM says, 'You've been great in training lads and I've got more options today. I want us pressing high up the pitch from the first minute. I want relentless urgency and intensity'. It's a great effort but Southampton are at their most energetic and pick us off on counter attacks. We're 0-3 down at HT and the game is effectively over. We keep playing the same way and end up losing 1-4. Are you going to come on here and praise DM for being bold or are you going to join the howling majority who'll say how naive he was? As it was, the plan worked. Southampton looked frustrated with all their possession and so little to show for it. They noticeably tired as the second half went on and our pressing and urgency came at the right time. I say well played DM on this one Most people on here know I am one of the more positive and patient fans - however, will take more than one decent 45mins to start thinking DM is the messiah. Hereās another thought - does it have to be one or the other? Either be positive from the start or defend 18 yard line? Middle ground would be a start - nice to be a bit more on the front foot donāt you think? At home especially. I did enjoy the little dig though š¤£ forgot as a fan you canāt have an opinion without suggestion should apply for the job. The classic that all fans canāt have an opinion as not professionals. For what it is worth, I did play, coach and manage at semi-pro level - not pro but decent understanding of the game. IMO starting a game as all out defend is a high risk strategy - yes some games it will be 0-0 at HT but others, it will be 3-0 or worse (remember Cardiff a few weeks back?). Law of averages suggests that strategy ends up in more defeats than victories. The width of a post yesterday would have made the defensive approach seem less āsuccessfulā perhaps? Remember it was Southampton not Real Madrid. Letās not get carried away by a point - I was delighted to get something from the game so late, but is that how low our bar is now? Iād like to see us go for the win. Nobody more than me hopes this starts an upturn in results and performances, but Iād be lying if I said I was optimistic. Time will tell Fair comments and fair play on enjoying the dig. Not sure who has said that DM is the messiah but I gave him some credit for yesterday. However, I enjoyed the dig. ATAW
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Post by dezzly on Nov 26, 2023 21:33:26 GMT 1
Strange match yesterday - first half was sadly exactly as expected in terms of tactics and intent (as in, there was no intent). I will never be able to accept tactics at home in a league match where the tactics are to defend our box and hope to keep a clean sheet. It feels like just waiting for the opposition to score. Anyone can beat anyone in the championship, especially when at home so why set up like we are playing Man City away. I always wonder how inspiring that pre-match team talk is when basically saying to the lads they are miles better than us, and just defend. It was one of the most boring 45mins of football I have seen - was nothing to get the crowd excited. Second half we were much better and was enjoyable. We played more on the front foot and got overlaps in wide areas and showed attacking intent. Whilst we were so passive out of possession in the first half, we started pressing them with much more intensity and urgency second half. The game again throws up more questions than answers. 1. Why start the match that way? The players are capable so clearly instruction from DM. 2. Was it DM or the players who were the driving force at half-time to actually attack in the second half? And the big one for meā¦ 3. If they had not scored in 45th minute and it was 0-0 at HT - would DM have changed tactics or would we have been subjected to the same negative / play for a 0-0 performance in the second half too? My fear, is it is the latter. I know there are mixed opinions on here of the quality of our players - as I have said before, not the strongest squad, but not the weakest - so need to play to strengths and get the best out of them. We have a defensive spine which is better than decent with Nicholls, Helik, Lees, Pearson and Hogg. We have some excellent crossers of the ball in Thomas, Jackson and Nakayama, with Headley and Koroma decent too. Yes we need more in midfield and def need some good quality natural goal scorers - some excellent deliveries yesterday in second half but no fox in the box to get on the end of them. A decent 45mins has not given me more faith in DM sadly. Two main reasons why - one being the way we started the game in terms of intent. Secondly, you donāt need to be a professional football manager to know that Russell Martin is a stubborn manager who believes in persisting with his possession / playing out from the back football philosophy. They are good at it, if you let them play, but if you pressure them high up and donāt give them time on the ball, then you completely disrupt them. Second half we did that and won possession back high up the pitch. Not rocket science, so concerns me the way DM started the match, especially after 2 weeks off for the International break to prepare. I think we have a decent and honest group of players with some good strengths - with a couple of additions in Jan, then a good manager will do okay with them. I just donāt see DM doing that, but seriously hope I am wrong. UTT You should have applied for the job. Here's an alternative scenario. DM says, 'You've been great in training lads and I've got more options today. I want us pressing high up the pitch from the first minute. I want relentless urgency and intensity'. It's a great effort but Southampton are at their most energetic and pick us off on counter attacks. We're 0-3 down at HT and the game is effectively over. We keep playing the same way and end up losing 1-4. Are you going to come on here and praise DM for being bold or are you going to join the howling majority who'll say how naive he was? As it was, the plan worked. Southampton looked frustrated with all their possession and so little to show for it. They noticeably tired as the second half went on and our pressing and urgency came at the right time. I say well played DM on this one Correctā¦..and particularly enjoyed the term āhowling majorityā ššš»
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