(23-09-2020, 16:27)wba13 Wrote: Sorry Slick but I cannot agree with your criticism of both Field who had a decent match and Gallagher who barring the missed chances was superb. He got up and down the pitch. As for making chances we created chances there keeper had to make 3 decent saves and we had two crosses go straight across the area with no striker to get on the end of them.where as except for hitting the post our keeper never had a shot to save.  They scored from a worldy and a none penalty for a great tackle. Yes Ivanović was superb for the hour and Kipre looked good along side him.

(23-09-2020, 19:31)Slick_Footwork Wrote:

(23-09-2020, 16:27)wba13 Wrote: Sorry Slick but I cannot agree with your criticism of both Field who had a decent match and Gallagher who barring the missed chances was superb. He got up and down the pitch. As for making chances we created chances there keeper had to make 3 decent saves and we had two crosses go straight across the area with no striker to get on the end of them.where as except for hitting the post our keeper never had a shot to save.  They scored from a worldy and a none penalty for a great tackle. Yes Ivanović was superb for the hour and Kipre looked good along side him.

It's a funny old game how we all have different opinions, but I thought were were thoroughly outplayed by Brentford's reserve team.

I honestly only remember us creating 1 real presentable chance all game, which was Gallagher's in the first minute when Brentford were sleeping. After that, we looked divide of ideas. There was the one cross across the face late on, which a striker with more predatory instincts than Kanu probably would've got on the end of. But without that player, it's wasn't even a scare. Beyond that, we had a couple of efforts from range that were routine for their keeper.

I suppose it could be argued that we deserved to win 2-1, because their penalty shouldn't have been given. But from a 'balance of play' point of view, we only scored because their reserve defenders made silly mistakes. The first passing it straight to Kanu and then having a rush of blood and bringing him down. And the 2nd fouling Edwards when he was running away from goal.

Brentford on the other hand scored an actual goal from open play. Hit the post from open play and should've scored the rebound as the goal was gaping but the youngster managed to shoot straight at Peltier. Also Button did make a really good save low to his right second half as well. For me this was the best save of the match. Although Button generally didn't fill me with confidence yesterday, I thought he was slow down to the effort that hit the post and made a rash decision when coming into no man's land and clattering Kipre.

As for the midfielders, with 3 in the centre, we should've dominated the ball when playing opposition of that quality. They were miles behind what we will face in the Premier League.

But we didn't. We didn't keep the ball, didn't create, didn't protect the defence.

Let's remember that Field and Gallagher played together for Charlton at the start of last season. At Christmas they were in the Championship relegation zone...

I admire Field's work rate, I really do. But did he make a pass forward that stuck? I don't remember one.

Gallagher, I acknowledge was mobile and at least showed desire to get into the box and shoot. There were good signs, but I thought his technical quality was far from superb. Missed the only real presentable chance we created and gave the ball away with several unforced errors 2nd half. They went unnoticed because Brentford spurned the breakaways, but if we play like that in the Premier League, we will get punished.

But I do think he is the 1 player from that midfield who has something to offer. I just don't think he's the 'answer' to playing in the centre of a 4 man midfield. His energy and the fact he tackles means he might be an improvement on Sawyers, but I'd be looking for someone who has more defensive awareness. He would be useful in a 3 man midfield as he carries a goal threat. And of course he will get better with more fitness and better players around him. But on the night, I genuinely thought he was just okay.

For me I'd be looking to ship Edwards, Harper, Field and Phillips. Just didn't show enough or assert themselves IMO, despite the quality of the opposition.

(23-09-2020, 19:42)wba13 Wrote: Sorry mate but we will have to disagree on last night. Any how I cannot see Field going anywhere as Bilic has said he has no one who can do what he does, Edwards is now above Phillips and will also stay the other 2 we will see. Hegazi Austin, Zohore and Grosicki could all be sold.