17-09-2023, 00:26
(This post was last modified: 17-09-2023, 00:29 by Slick_Footwork.)
First half we were dreadful from top to bottom. From Thomas-Asante who wasted several presentable chances to break with woeful passing and decision making, through to Palmer, whose airshot should've presented Bristol City with a free goal, had it not been through their poor finishing. Even the likes of Okay Yokuslu, who is usually our best passer of the ball by a country mile, was misplacing easy passes.
Second half we started better, but we didn't look particularly threatening as we were not getting enough men into the Bristol City box...
I've complained about 3 centre backs many times over the past 5 or 6 years because I simply do not feel that it lends itself to any sort of attacking football as means sacrificing an attacking player for an additional centre half. The teams that are able to play it well usually have good ball playing centre halves and marauding wing backs. We're blessed with neither of those. Even Matty Phillips, despite being a winger traditionally, didn't seem to get forward from the wing back role.
However, after Townsend and Maja were introduced, we looked like the better team. Townsend was more effective than Phillips going forward and Maja looked excellent.
Still rode our luck at times, like when Palmer had to save the one-on-one at the end. But overall, in the last 30, we looked a decent side.
Obviously not seen loads of Maja yet, but on that evidence, the lad should be the first name on the team sheet. Really did transform the game with his movement, hold up play, quick feet. Also think he should've had a penalty at the death, as it looked like the Bristol defender took man and ball, but went through the man first.
Sarmiento looked really bright when he came on too. Dare I say it, we actually played a bit of football after all the subs entered the game today. That's the first time I've been able to say that this season.
We need to be starting at least Sarmiento and Maja after today's game. It's up to Corberan to show his quality by figuring out how to can work these these guys into the starting XI. It's such a waste having these players on the bench and then serving up a plodding performance like we did in the first half today.
Was also surprised not to see Pipa start as I assumed Corberan's infatuation with signing him meant he would be an instant first choice. Never seen the lad play, but hopeful he'll be a better option than Furlong.
Second half we started better, but we didn't look particularly threatening as we were not getting enough men into the Bristol City box...
I've complained about 3 centre backs many times over the past 5 or 6 years because I simply do not feel that it lends itself to any sort of attacking football as means sacrificing an attacking player for an additional centre half. The teams that are able to play it well usually have good ball playing centre halves and marauding wing backs. We're blessed with neither of those. Even Matty Phillips, despite being a winger traditionally, didn't seem to get forward from the wing back role.
However, after Townsend and Maja were introduced, we looked like the better team. Townsend was more effective than Phillips going forward and Maja looked excellent.
Still rode our luck at times, like when Palmer had to save the one-on-one at the end. But overall, in the last 30, we looked a decent side.
Obviously not seen loads of Maja yet, but on that evidence, the lad should be the first name on the team sheet. Really did transform the game with his movement, hold up play, quick feet. Also think he should've had a penalty at the death, as it looked like the Bristol defender took man and ball, but went through the man first.
Sarmiento looked really bright when he came on too. Dare I say it, we actually played a bit of football after all the subs entered the game today. That's the first time I've been able to say that this season.
We need to be starting at least Sarmiento and Maja after today's game. It's up to Corberan to show his quality by figuring out how to can work these these guys into the starting XI. It's such a waste having these players on the bench and then serving up a plodding performance like we did in the first half today.
Was also surprised not to see Pipa start as I assumed Corberan's infatuation with signing him meant he would be an instant first choice. Never seen the lad play, but hopeful he'll be a better option than Furlong.