10-01-2015, 21:46
Was back up today for my first league match since the mini exodus after the
Newcastle game. I must say, the atmosphere was poor in the Brummie considering
it was Pulis' first league game.
Definitely a more solid performance and deserved win.
It's hard to tell if we looked more solid because of Pulis drilling the players or
simply because Hull lacked quality (and strikers) going forward. Probably a little
bit of both.
Yacob seemed to make a big difference sitting and covering, particularly because
Hull had 6-7 midfield players after the strikers went off injured and Yacob protected
the space on the edge of the box. I just wish he'd be a bit more composed after
getting booked, I thought he continued to leave a bit on players a few times after
picking up his yellow today and was walking a tight rope.
One thing today showed is that Saido must stay.
If Pulis wants to play 4-4-2, we need to be in the market for a striker to play
WITH him. Because frankly, there's little goal threat coming from elsewhere.
Ideye looked poor in his first few games, but goes from terrible to worse. His
movement looks decent but that is where the positives end. Doesn't look pacy,
doesn't challenge, doesn't even protect the ball with his body despite being a
big lad. On the ball he looks awkward, which showed with his lack of conviction
when clean through.
I really don't think we have the time to persist with him at all and Anichebe
didn't look much better when coming on. I'd really like to see us grab someone
someone with a proven track record to play alongside Saido and keep us up
this year. If Saido is to be sold, it should be in the summer when we have the
time to invest in the squad properly.
With the players we have, I'd prefer to see Sess up top with Saido and Varela
out wide. At least then we'd have an extra player providing a threat and I think
Sess plays much better football centrally.
Good start for Pulis, hopefully we can keep up the momentum with a couple of
tough fixtures coming.
Newcastle game. I must say, the atmosphere was poor in the Brummie considering
it was Pulis' first league game.
Definitely a more solid performance and deserved win.
It's hard to tell if we looked more solid because of Pulis drilling the players or
simply because Hull lacked quality (and strikers) going forward. Probably a little
bit of both.
Yacob seemed to make a big difference sitting and covering, particularly because
Hull had 6-7 midfield players after the strikers went off injured and Yacob protected
the space on the edge of the box. I just wish he'd be a bit more composed after
getting booked, I thought he continued to leave a bit on players a few times after
picking up his yellow today and was walking a tight rope.
One thing today showed is that Saido must stay.
If Pulis wants to play 4-4-2, we need to be in the market for a striker to play
WITH him. Because frankly, there's little goal threat coming from elsewhere.
Ideye looked poor in his first few games, but goes from terrible to worse. His
movement looks decent but that is where the positives end. Doesn't look pacy,
doesn't challenge, doesn't even protect the ball with his body despite being a
big lad. On the ball he looks awkward, which showed with his lack of conviction
when clean through.
I really don't think we have the time to persist with him at all and Anichebe
didn't look much better when coming on. I'd really like to see us grab someone
someone with a proven track record to play alongside Saido and keep us up
this year. If Saido is to be sold, it should be in the summer when we have the
time to invest in the squad properly.
With the players we have, I'd prefer to see Sess up top with Saido and Varela
out wide. At least then we'd have an extra player providing a threat and I think
Sess plays much better football centrally.
Good start for Pulis, hopefully we can keep up the momentum with a couple of
tough fixtures coming.