06 Nov 2022 08:06:19
Not pretty, far from perfect and my heart has taken another beating, but what a great result.
The plaudits for the youngsters are fully deserved and the stand-out for me is Gnonto.
They all show undoubted ability and enthusiasm, but when Gnonto slowed down to a walk and used up precious seconds when free on the right in the final minutes, he showed a maturity and footballing brain that belies his tender years.
06 Nov 2022 08:52:44
Agree jungle about Gnonto, we need players who can add a bit of intelligence into the game play. Watched our game twice now on match of the day and it's right what Danny Murphy highlighted, that we seem to charge forward at times and leave ourselves open to the counter.
We are scoring goals but the problem is we concede almost as easily. Yesterday's game could easily gone against us and nearly did. Happy to get the win especially as it looked unlikely at one stage, plus point was how the team battled back but let's not forget we were playing a Bournemouth team in a slump of defeats and leaking goals.
The two wins have taken the heat from Marsch being sacked but the fire could easily ignite given how poorly we defend.
06 Nov 2022 10:43:30
That's it mezz, obviously we are all happy with the win, but our troubles will come back .
We are in for a tough remaining season, don't nt know if W C break is going to be a good thing or not
Please let's buy some players in January .
06 Nov 2022 12:01:15
I’m not sure buying more players will make any difference to our defensive woes?
Doesn’t look like we have any problems in creating and scoring goals now.
This is JM’s job to sort out our defense, either his message whatever it is, is not getting across to the players or his tactics are not working and he needs to try something else.
06 Nov 2022 12:37:55
Wrong OP
If the regime bought / were to buy quick, preferably very quick defenders it would most certainly help.
Teams are bypassing our press with the long ball over the top / down the line which is causing our SLOW some very slow defenders absolute havoc
A pacy back 4 of the speed and ability of the likes of Gary Kelly Tony Dorigo, The Chief etc would most certainly help.
06 Nov 2022 12:52:52
OP I disagree with your buying unsure comment .
Yes / No question is Llorente / Cooper good enough?
For me obviously No is answer, hence they both have had numerous managers and each manager they have been poor for .
So normally in a club at this stage the club signs a replacement and the weaker links are moved on . Only in our club regardless of them not working out we stick with them and just pray for a miracle
By extension using your logic we do not need a #9 neithe so?
I not having a go at you here now, just can't fathom that you would disagree we still need strengthening.
06 Nov 2022 13:06:05
Think you’ve hit the nail on the head there, Baz.
The only remedy/ defence for our rapid attacking, is a suitably rapid back four. Even just one of the four would make a massive difference, á la Dorigo, who is the perfect example. Great point!
06 Nov 2022 13:14:50
Indeed Brighty.
06 Nov 2022 14:00:36
Agree Baz etc.
Amazing how many times a quick defender like Kyle Walker helps paper over the defensive cracks when the opposition break.
None of our back 4 options would be classed as quick.
06 Nov 2022 14:18:10
So very fast defenders is the answer is it? What about losing possession too often which gifts our opponents with too many counter attacking opportunities.
It’s normal that we’ll strengthen the squad as we did this summer and will the next, I just don’t see any incomings in January. I also don’t see us buying top quality defenders yet either, of course we would all love that but do you honestly see that happening any time soon?
06 Nov 2022 15:03:17
OP
Yes the team can't pass for toffee . abysmal at times
But teams don't even need that many counter attacking opportunities as they often score with their first one over the top leaving our snail defence for dead
' Top class defenders ' would be nice but even just competent defenders with some PACE would ensure we concede less
Whisper it quietly . but all of genius Orta defender signings Firpo, Llorente, Koch and Kristensen are slower than Class's granny.
06 Nov 2022 16:30:25
Cops got us back in it he may be having troubles but believe he can come good.