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WBA vs Swansea - Match Thread
Thought Saido was a little lazy, myself.

Closing down of defenders that were close to him almost seemed to much for him and on numerous occasions Bobby sprinted past him to close down defenders.
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Great win last night and lucky enough to have been at the game (I'm London based).

I'm amazed that no one has commented on Fletcher's performance last night. Absolute MoM for me - he ran the show in midfield, turned over play well, passed it well, had a confidence and calmness about him that radiated its way through the team. Absolute diamond signing.

As for McMannaman - completely other end of the spectrum in terms of reliability, i.e. he gives the ball away a lot, but I love the fact this doesn't knock his confidence - he always tries to beat his man and this is something we've lacked since we had JT. He is such a handful that even though his end product hasn't been top draw so far he will always always cause problems and create space.

Brown - nothing left to say that hasn't already been said but I was very very impressed with him last night. Worked hard, held the ball up well, created chances, brought others into play, and scored a tidy finish from his one real chance.

Berahino - great finish. Wouldn't have called it a vintage performance from him but a solid 7/10 still.

SOTV.
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(12-02-2015, 12:58)Latecomer Wrote: Great win last night and lucky enough to have been at the game (I'm London based).

I'm amazed that no one has commented on Fletcher's performance last night. Absolute MoM for me - he ran the show in midfield, turned over play well, passed it well, had a confidence and calmness about him that radiated its way through the team. Absolute diamond signing.

As for McMannaman - completely other end of the spectrum in terms of reliability, i.e. he gives the ball away a lot, but I love the fact this doesn't knock his confidence - he always tries to beat his man and this is something we've lacked since we had JT. He is such a handful that even though his end product hasn't been top draw so far he will always always cause problems and create space.

Brown - nothing left to say that hasn't already been said but I was very very impressed with him last night. Worked hard, held the ball up well, created chances, brought others into play, and scored a tidy finish from his one real chance.

Berahino - great finish. Wouldn't have called it a vintage performance from him but a solid 7/10 still.

SOTV.

Yep, agree with all you say latecomer, apart from the last line - thought SB was better than that. Hay ho! Thumb up
Agree actually about Fletcher - his influence already is immense and I think will continue to grow. He could well be the guy that saves our season!
As for Mac - again agree.....I'd say that he's still a couple of weeks away from real fitness and so to perform like he has in the last couple of games is pretty impressive. As you say the sharpness isn't there yet but I think that'll come with fitness. Good point about his confidence too - just think what he'll be like a few games down the road!
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I think we are only a good third striker (I'm ruling out Anichebe and Nabi) and one more winger off a good side.

That includes having Poco at LB, and Gamboa at RB, if TP just doesn't play them, were 4 players off.
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(12-02-2015, 14:45)Luke_East_Baggie Wrote: I think we are only a good third striker (I'm ruling out Anichebe and Nabi) and one more winger off a good side.

That includes having Poco at LB, and Gamboa at RB, if TP just doesn't play them, were 4 players off.

Do you think he doesn't play Gamboa and Pocognoli because they don't defend well enough, especially in the air?
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(12-02-2015, 15:11)BaggyBomber Wrote:
(12-02-2015, 14:45)Luke_East_Baggie Wrote: I think we are only a good third striker (I'm ruling out Anichebe and Nabi) and one more winger off a good side.

That includes having Poco at LB, and Gamboa at RB, if TP just doesn't play them, were 4 players off.

Do you think he doesn't play Gamboa and Pocognoli because they don't defend well enough, especially in the air?

That has to be the reason Bomber

He likes four large lads at the back.

However does this make up for the amount of timed Dawson got skinned for pace (not his fault) and the player got to the By-line ?

The ball was pulled back a few times, then it doesn't matter how tall you are,
Better teams would have killed us down the flanks,

Interesting debate to be had here though Sick
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(12-02-2015, 15:15)Beefy 1965 Wrote:
(12-02-2015, 15:11)BaggyBomber Wrote:
(12-02-2015, 14:45)Luke_East_Baggie Wrote: I think we are only a good third striker (I'm ruling out Anichebe and Nabi) and one more winger off a good side.

That includes having Poco at LB, and Gamboa at RB, if TP just doesn't play them, were 4 players off.

Do you think he doesn't play Gamboa and Pocognoli because they don't defend well enough, especially in the air?

That has to be the reason Bomber

He likes four large lads at the back.

However does this make up for the amount of timed Dawson got skinned for pace (not his fault) and the player got to the By-line ?

The ball was pulled back a few times, then it doesn't matter how tall you are,
Better teams would have killed us down the flanks,

Interesting debate to be had here though  Sick

Can't argue with you about Daws' pace, Beefy. He is obviously not a natural fullback.  TP must feel that this shortcoming is compensated for by what he adds to the general solidity, strength and size of the back line and their ability at set plays, both for and against us.  I thought the defensive unit was tremendous last night.  Swansea must have felt suffocated.
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(12-02-2015, 15:15)Beefy 1965 Wrote:
(12-02-2015, 15:11)BaggyBomber Wrote: Do you think he doesn't play Gamboa and Pocognoli because they don't defend well enough, especially in the air?
That has to be the reason Bomber. He likes four large lads at the back.
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Just wait till Olsson gets back, four CBs!

(12-02-2015, 14:45)Luke_East_Baggie Wrote: I think we are only a good third striker (I'm ruling out Anichebe and Nabi) and one more winger off a good side.
That includes having Poco at LB, and Gamboa at RB, if TP just doesn't play them, were 4 players off.
I believe Graham Dorrans will go to Norwich on loan soon, and we'll agree a deal to sign Norwich LB Martin Olsson in the summer.
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For me, the TP using Dawson and Brunt as full backs is suicidal! Swansea were dangerous down the left and right sides last night and if they still had Bony the game would have been over before we got the goal. Against any of the better sides we will get obliterated unless Dawson doesn’t go forward at all and brunty is not a left back, simple as.

Im really stuggling the point of us playing FB’s tbh. We’d be better off playing 3-5-2 with 3 CB’s

Daws-Gmac-Lescott
Yacob-Fletch
Mac-Mozza-Brunt
Bera-Brown

Effectively the same players but stops brunt actually being defined as a LB and Stops Daws going forward and therefore stops him getting done for pace!
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I'va said from the start and I'll bore you all once again Wink  TP is an astute appt and the one manager that could drag us out the mire and the stats speak for themselves.. 4 wins 3 draws 1 loss. Im also london based so SOTV SS match choice. Can you hear TP barking on the touchline He's constantly yelling at them if he sees they're not in position or not closing down or there's an opportunity to exploit. It's so refreshing and they've needed it for a long time. I also like his press interviews. He's calm measured and intelligent and has a GSOH The handling of the SB affair "the naughty chair"  Smartass seems to have had the right affect from no celebration at Gateshead SB almost kissed his badge last night :o steady Saido You'll have us believing you love being at the Albion Wink

So from what I saw 1 hours highlights this was the best performance for a long time. Barely saw Foster evidence we're starting to defend better? Brunt at LB interesting choice but possibly a good position for the future? We know he has reasonable pace he can pass and cross the ball so he may just make a decent wingback lets see what happens here. He did ok yesterday but I noticed he got himself out of position once or twice (crept up and stayed at LM) and lescott covered his arse. I still think Poco's reckless challenges might be the reason he can't get a sniff He does allow people past him then has a tendency to go in like a bull in a china shop. Penalties perhaps? also lack of prem experience?

Dawson. Cant be too harsh on the lad He's out of position at RB but as already mentioned defence was a lot more solid last night and did you see his header from the corner that could so easily have gone in? He's very useful in the air both boxes and him gmac and lescott are a real handful from attacking corners Its glaringly obvious the set pieces are being worked on as well something I don't think anybody has paid attention to before now. TP obviously likes this added threat cos anyone could nick a goal for us in those practised routines.

Fletcher is our natural captain TP only made 2 signings because of the stupid nonsense window but they both look to be astute ones I think Fletcher is a natural leader whereas poor old brunt is like me a natural born moaner lol Wink I think we'll see a better player in Brunt now also because I really don't think he enjoyed or knew how to captain the team well enough and the burden made him even more moany

New boy Mac did have one of his horrible challenges that he got away with last night He's a bit hot headed and needs to reign that in but the pace is where he comes in finally someone that can really get down that wing.

Finally Ideye I've gotta say I'm really pleased he's showing some intent now It must have been a huge stress having that price tag on his head even though they deny it the longer he wasn't scoring and or playing the worse it must have got.  So, again, I'd surmise TP knowing how to get the best out of a potential flop. He's obviously slung an arm round his shoulder and given him some advise and confidence boosting and what a different player.... 1 2s with SB very neat led to a cracking goal. Quick, strong, holding the ball up better, some decent footwork looks like what big vic could be but just never quite manages it regularly so I say keep him up top and SB in just behind

Great night to be a baggie all and once again my superstitious trick worked.... Ignored the game all night switched onto BBC sport at 10.30 and what do you know WE'VE WON Woo Hoo! Big Grin  Tongue

(12-02-2015, 16:23)Foxman_WBA Wrote: For me, the TP using Dawson and Brunt as full backs is suicidal! Swansea were dangerous down the left and right sides last night and if they still had Bony the game would have been over before we got the goal. Against any of the better sides we will get obliterated unless Dawson doesn’t go forward at all and brunty is not a left back, simple as.

Im really stuggling the point of us playing FB’s tbh. We’d be better off playing 3-5-2 with 3 CB’s

Daws-Gmac-Lescott
Yacob-Fletch
Mac-Mozza-Brunt
Bera-Brown

Effectively the same players but stops brunt actually being defined as a LB and Stops Daws going forward and therefore stops him getting done for pace!

Interesting point there Foxman but thankfully they didn't have Bony  Smile and we won  Thumb up I personally don't think TP has settled on the team yet and i think we will see plenty more changes that will hopefully suit our opposition. Interesting that you mentioned 3 at the back though because in my post I mention how CB seemed to slip back into his natural role LM and Lescott covered for him at LB so that's almost what seemed to be happening. I think the problem though is we just haven't invested in some really decent LB and RB and it really needs addressing in the summer because its a huge achilles heel this season and we're going to struggle regardless who plays there  Dodgy
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