Watched the stream. First time I've seen us play 'live' under Riga.
First the positives. I thought we competed well in midfield and Jackson, Cousins, Poyet and AA were all able to fight for possession and then play quick, neat passes to retain possession and eventually look to move the ball forwards. Also, despite the score line, the defence looked reasonably solid, and Brighton didn't create all that much (although still much more than we did).
Now the negatives. Once we got the ball under control in midfield and passed it forwards, that is where the problems started. I hate singling players out, but Sordell was effin useless, I don't think he managed to control the ball and lay it off once and somehow he failed to connect with the only decent ball we put in all afternoon just before Brighton broke for their third. Church was no better. Our utter inability to hold the ball up meant we were never able to build any decent possession in the final third. On the odd occasion we did get into a decent area the final and penultimate ball was awful. Sometimes over hit, sometimes under hit, sometimes over ambitious, sometimes totally predictable and, as was the case with a late free kick in a decent area and a first half corner, sometimes bloody backwards!
I expect the reviews will be slating and maybe I'd feel the same if I was jaded by watching us every week but for me it was another fine margins game, strange as that seems for a 3-0. If Hamer puts his foot through instead of passing to a marked Poyet, if the linesman has his eyes open or Reza's deflected shot drops in and their deflected shot hits the post, it might have been different. Bottom line is though, it isn't different, we lost. Not too much damage done and we could climb as high as 18th if we win our next game in hand.
If, if, if...
Blimey, fine margins!? Be grateful if you would forward your links to 'streamed' games please Exiled. Either that or let me know what you are drinking whilst watching! The only fine margin at this game could be found in the neatness of the match day programme!
it's not just tues night though as we still have 5 games to go after that and against teams that like to score goals; Sheff W have scored 3 in consecutive games, Blackburn have Jordan Rhodes and Watford score their share too and I fear that we need to get above Blackpool & Donny as Millwall are picking up points and will soon be above us.
Watched the stream. First time I've seen us play 'live' under Riga.
First the positives. I thought we competed well in midfield and Jackson, Cousins, Poyet and AA were all able to fight for possession and then play quick, neat passes to retain possession and eventually look to move the ball forwards. Also, despite the score line, the defence looked reasonably solid, and Brighton didn't create all that much (although still much more than we did).
Now the negatives. Once we got the ball under control in midfield and passed it forwards, that is where the problems started. I hate singling players out, but Sordell was effin useless, I don't think he managed to control the ball and lay it off once and somehow he failed to connect with the only decent ball we put in all afternoon just before Brighton broke for their third. Church was no better. Our utter inability to hold the ball up meant we were never able to build any decent possession in the final third. On the odd occasion we did get into a decent area the final and penultimate ball was awful. Sometimes over hit, sometimes under hit, sometimes over ambitious, sometimes totally predictable and, as was the case with a late free kick in a decent area and a first half corner, sometimes bloody backwards!
I expect the reviews will be slating and maybe I'd feel the same if I was jaded by watching us every week but for me it was another fine margins game, strange as that seems for a 3-0. If Hamer puts his foot through instead of passing to a marked Poyet, if the linesman has his eyes open or Reza's deflected shot drops in and their deflected shot hits the post, it might have been different. Bottom line is though, it isn't different, we lost. Not too much damage done and we could climb as high as 18th if we win our next game in hand.
If, if, if...
Blimey, fine margins!? Be grateful if you would forward your links to 'streamed' games please Exiled. Either that or let me know what you are drinking whilst watching! The only fine margin at this game could be found in the neatness of the match day programme!
If Hamer makes a better decision, they don't score an easy first and if Reza's deflected shot drops another inch or two we'd have taken the lead. Goals change games and who knows how it might have gone from there. The third goal was yet another deflected effort that took a shot out of reach of Hamer, seems we've been conceding at least one of these in all of our recent defeats. Those are the fine margins that can swing a result from defeat to victory. That's my point. They also missed a one on one and a good shot was deflected wide, so it could also have been worse. Not saying we particularly deserved any points, just saying we maybe came closer to getting some than the stats may suggest.
We had no chance of winning today and I doubt even the most optimistic thought we would bag any points. Our cup final is on Tuesday and every other winnerable match thereafter until we are safe.
Thought we looked leggy but as others have said, if Reza's shot goes in its a different game. On to the next game, hopefully without Sordell who was truly awful.
Technically quite a few of our attacking players have been found wanting. The passing style is definitely the way to go but it needs a focal point of a technically adept centre-forward.
Let's face it, this season will be viewed as a success if this team survives relegation. Is it a much better team than the Pardew/Parkinson team that finished rock bottom? Probably not.
However, unlike the aforementioned Pardew misfits, this team have proved that they are a spirited bunch and despite their obvious limitations, they are doing their best. The next two hurdles to overcome, are coming from behind to take a point or three and winning back to back games. At least the next two games are Tuesday and Friday so maybe this week is the time to put that one to bed!
Technically quite a few of our attacking players have been found wanting. The passing style is definitely the way to go but it needs a focal point of a technically adept centre-forward.
Let's face it, this season will be viewed as a success if this team survives relegation. Is it a much better team than the Pardew/Parkinson team that finished rock bottom? Probably not.
However, unlike the aforementioned Pardew misfits, this team have proved that they are a spirited bunch and despite their obvious limitations, they are doing their best. The next two hurdles to overcome, are coming from behind to take a point or three and winning back to back games. At least the next two games are Tuesday and Friday so maybe this week is the time to put that one to bed!
which was the situation at the start of the season but many were unwilling or unable to see it.
Technically quite a few of our attacking players have been found wanting. The passing style is definitely the way to go but it needs a focal point of a technically adept centre-forward.
Let's face it, this season will be viewed as a success if this team survives relegation. Is it a much better team than the Pardew/Parkinson team that finished rock bottom? Probably not.
However, unlike the aforementioned Pardew misfits, this team have proved that they are a spirited bunch and despite their obvious limitations, they are doing their best. The next two hurdles to overcome, are coming from behind to take a point or three and winning back to back games. At least the next two games are Tuesday and Friday so maybe this week is the time to put that one to bed!
What is the passing style exactly? Walk around a bit, pass it five yards, pass it sideways, pass it back, back to Hamer, repeat process.
Technically quite a few of our attacking players have been found wanting. The passing style is definitely the way to go but it needs a focal point of a technically adept centre-forward.
I know some people get offended at his mention, but what a difference Kermorgant might have made in a game like today, especially now we are keeping it on the floor.
That would be a nicely balanced team IMO with energy, a bit of steel and some quality and creativity. Not quite a promotion contender but good enough to get us out of trouble fairly comfortably. Switch Kermorgant for Sordell/Church/Obika/Piggott and suddenly there is a fundamental weakness sticking out like a sore thumb.
copying my comment from the match thread-: The stats prove we were second best all over the pitch, yes we had a bad goal for offside given against us....but watching the stream was not good I'm afraid.....we need the 3 points on Tuesday....sorry for those who were following the thread...I couldn't understand why not many were following and saw that someone had found a stream so I switched to that...hope you didn't mind today...........I'll be back as normal on Tuesday.
Disgraceful, lacking commitment and passion. Just didn't want it enough and failed to turn up. Charlton weren't much better.
What is the passing style exactly? Walk around a bit, pass it five yards, pass it sideways, pass it back, back to Hamer, repeat process.
Without a suitable centre-forward then yes, I suppose it is.
Don't forget though, the manager hasn't had a clear week yet to train these blokes. Keep the manager, give him a whole pre-season to shape and train the squad and give the players a decent pitch to play on. In the meantime, try to scrape through.
A very meek performance and Brighton's defence can rarely have had an easier afternoon. Our general play was poor, although Wiggins and Cousins did well. Great to see Solly back.
Still, the other results went our way (notwithstanding Millwall's late equaliser) and a win on Tuesday will push us up to the giddy heights of 18th. I wouldn't want to be in Blackpool's shoes, especially given their atrocious form in the second half of the season - they have to play Burnley, Brighton and Wigan before our game on 3 May.
The passing style is 'if it's not there, don't do it' as opposed to 'if it's not there, hoof it forwards anyway and hope for the best'. The result IS a lot of passing around the back four yes, but that's all while waiting for players to get into decent positions, not just lumping it up there.
it's not just tues night though as we still have 5 games to go after that and against teams that like to score goals; Sheff W have scored 3 in consecutive games, Blackburn have Jordan Rhodes and Watford score their share too and I fear that we need to get above Blackpool & Donny as Millwall are picking up points and will soon be above us.
From last ten Mowow = 1.2 pts per game, Charlton = 1.4. Mwawl now have 4 games left, we have 6. On this form we would end the season with 49-50, Mwaaw with 44-45. Looking at the less attractive last 5 games as an indicator of form would leave us on 48 - 49, Mwuh on 47-48, but both of us would finish above 'Pool.
The passing style is 'if it's not there, don't do it' as opposed to 'if it's not there, hoof it forwards anyway and hope for the best'. The result IS a lot of passing around the back four yes, but that's all while waiting for players to get into decent positions, not just lumping it up there.
The problem is the players we have seem incapable of finding the space. The ball gets knocked around the defence, no-one moves for it and we eventually get caught in possession
Beating Barnsley would all but relegate them and Yeovil. From that point, I think a further 4-5 points will do it.
With only one place and four games left, Doncaster and Millwall still have to face each other. Not possible for them to both win that. Blackpool are in trouble too.
it's not just tues night though as we still have 5 games to go after that and against teams that like to score goals; Sheff W have scored 3 in consecutive games, Blackburn have Jordan Rhodes and Watford score their share too and I fear that we need to get above Blackpool & Donny as Millwall are picking up points and will soon be above us.
From last ten Mowow = 1.2 pts per game, Charlton = 1.4. Mwawl now have 4 games left, we have 6. On this form we would end the season with 49-50, Mwaaw with 44-45. Looking at the less attractive last 5 games as an indicator of form would leave us on 48 - 49, Mwuh on 47-48, but both of us would finish above 'Pool.
not worried about the last 10 games - what are the figures for the last 3 games ?? Millwall are on a bit of a roll with 7 points out of 9 available. There is usually 1 team that gets out of trouble by going on a late run (we did it last year) and I can just see Millwall not losing now until the end of the season.
Biggest game of the season Tuesday. One of our two games in hand.
This says it all. I didn't go, my old man went said we were poor. I get win lose, win lose is better than 2 draws, but I worry about the inconsistency. The games have been non stop for the last 6 weeks, did we look tired? Are the games starting to get on top of us. Millwall' last 3 results aren't good for us. 7 pts from 9 is a good return, we don't want them picking up now. Having said that, Blackpool and Donny right in it, but Tuesday is a MUST MUST win. I hope we can put today behind us as if it didn't happen and keep our Tuesday night gravy train on the tracks.....COYR
Total and utter garbage performance. Let`s not try and hide it with some bullshit! I am sick to death of watching this turgid, lame surrender at away games and loads of people saying how acceptable it is. That performance today was not acceptable and there is no way to gloss over it!
Despite our own ability to ruin it not a bad day. Still out of the relegation zone, Millwall still a win behind us Blackpool still dropping like a stone and Donny sucked in.
Need to get this idea that we only need to turn up on Tuesday ... Barnsley will see this as a must win game and will come at us hard. Fans need to make a noise before and during the game.
F**k the fans "getting behind the boys & making some noise" I just want the team to turn up for once & put a shift in that we can be proud of. Tuesday night is now about as big as St Andrews in 1987. I was there then & I want to see the same commitment as those players gave that evening and not the team that turned up (or didn't) a month ago at Bramall Lane. We win tues night and we bring 2 or 3 other teams into the mix, which we need to as I fear Millwall will get out of trouble.
Tbh I'm feeling good about our chances. 18 points left to play for and those around us only have 12. Although knowing us last game of the season is away at Blackpool, which probably means we'll feck it up and need 3 points there to stay up.
it's not just tues night though as we still have 5 games to go after that and against teams that like to score goals; Sheff W have scored 3 in consecutive games, Blackburn have Jordan Rhodes and Watford score their share too and I fear that we need to get above Blackpool & Donny as Millwall are picking up points and will soon be above us.
From last ten Mowow = 1.2 pts per game, Charlton = 1.4. Mwawl now have 4 games left, we have 6. On this form we would end the season with 49-50, Mwaaw with 44-45. Looking at the less attractive last 5 games as an indicator of form would leave us on 48 - 49, Mwuh on 47-48, but both of us would finish above 'Pool.
not worried about the last 10 games - what are the figures for the last 3 games ?? Millwall are on a bit of a roll with 7 points out of 9 available. There is usually 1 team that gets out of trouble by going on a late run (we did it last year) and I can just see Millwall not losing now until the end of the season.
To do that, they'll have to take points off of Doncaster. Games are running out, and time is on our side
Why are we so scared to put the ball in the box? Every time it looked like someone was going to cross it they just passed it backwards/sideways. Even if there is no one in the box atleast you worry the defenders and give them something to do. We never looked like scoring all match.
Comments
The Gods are definitely smiling on us.
Four points from the two home games next week and we'll be in a very good position.
Seems we're not able to compete with teams in the top six (where Brighton are now) but can beat the rest.
Still think this will go to the last week of the season, maybe the last game.
On to the next game, hopefully without Sordell who was truly awful.
Let's face it, this season will be viewed as a success if this team survives relegation. Is it a much better team than the Pardew/Parkinson team that finished rock bottom? Probably not.
However, unlike the aforementioned Pardew misfits, this team have proved that they are a spirited bunch and despite their obvious limitations, they are doing their best. The next two hurdles to overcome, are coming from behind to take a point or three and winning back to back games. At least the next two games are Tuesday and Friday so maybe this week is the time to put that one to bed!
which was the situation at the start of the season but many were unwilling or unable to see it.
We could have been lining up on Tuesday
Hamer
Solly
Morro
Dervite
Wiggins
Wilson
Cousins
Poyet
Ajdarevic
Reza
Kermorgant
That would be a nicely balanced team IMO with energy, a bit of steel and some quality and creativity. Not quite a promotion contender but good enough to get us out of trouble fairly comfortably. Switch Kermorgant for Sordell/Church/Obika/Piggott and suddenly there is a fundamental weakness sticking out like a sore thumb.
;0)
What is the passing style exactly? Walk around a bit, pass it five yards, pass it sideways, pass it back, back to Hamer, repeat process.
Without a suitable centre-forward then yes, I suppose it is.
Don't forget though, the manager hasn't had a clear week yet to train these blokes. Keep the manager, give him a whole pre-season to shape and train the squad and give the players a decent pitch to play on. In the meantime, try to scrape through.
Still, the other results went our way (notwithstanding Millwall's late equaliser) and a win on Tuesday will push us up to the giddy heights of 18th. I wouldn't want to be in Blackpool's shoes, especially given their atrocious form in the second half of the season - they have to play Burnley, Brighton and Wigan before our game on 3 May.
With only one place and four games left, Doncaster and Millwall still have to face each other. Not possible for them to both win that. Blackpool are in trouble too.