I'm not sure I felt we were really in control

With the ball we were good, kept it well, used it well. Perhaps overpassed it a little in the final third, but we created quite a few good chances.

However, when we lost the ball, Fulham used it equally well. Bags of pace and turned defence into attack quickly.

It's that latter element that made me feel like we weren't really in control.

In the secod half, with a slightly different formation and Fulham sitting back a bit we penned them in for the last 25 mins or so. They still had a chance or two though, but it did feel like a goal was coming, you just never know whether it will or not!

In the first half, I thought Fulham bybassed our high press very well, it left lots of space for their midfield playmaker to ping balls in behind the wing backs. One could criticise the formation and perhaps the positioning of Wildschut and Husband at times, but equally, that would do a disservice to how well Fulham dealt with our tactics.

At half time, I wasn't dissatisfied, I thought there was a lot to be pleased about, even though clearly a lot to think about. I remember thinking that we were good but needed to be better second half, and we were.

Other observations: I liked Reed, although I thought we were a little lightweight in a few of the tackles in midfield at points, but not really to the team's detriment. Madison was impressive, I can't recall him giving it away once. Our defending needs a bit of work, but I think that will come as we refine the formation.

So all in all very encouraging. I liked the way we were able to change tactics and influence the match, I also liked the way we had more possession than Fulham did (who are another team that likes to dominate the ball) at Craven Cottage. It was great to see the players playing with purpose and with a clear idea of what they should be doing, I recall the Fulham game last season; we seemed to just play a bit aimlessly hoping something would happen, all a bit disjointed. This was completely different. Time will tell if it is better.

Posted By: SimonOTBC on August 7th 2017 at 10:04:29

Message Thread

Those who went Saturday what did you think, listening to it on the Radio (NCFC) - lovely old job, Aug 7, 09:46:14
- I was really impressed, yes there is room for improvement (NCFC) - emmaroyds, Aug 7, 10:28:54
- I'm not sure I felt we were really in control (NCFC) - SimonOTBC, Aug 7, 10:04:29
  - Pleased to hear re Maddison. Hadn't seen much written or said about him (NCFC) - Tricky Hawes, Aug 7, 10:10:34
    - He wanted the ball all the time and he's a very good footballer (NCFC) - SimonOTBC, Aug 7, 10:19:18
      - He did a lovely turn before his shot on goal that took a few of their defenders out the (NCFC) - essexcanaryOTBC, Aug 7, 11:41:35
      - He did ok but nothing spectacular, will he keep his position (NCFC) - strap_on sally, Aug 7, 10:58:33
        
        Don't see Naismith replacing him IMO, doesnt retain the ball well enough. (n/m) (NCFC) - Waz, Aug 7, 12:09:17
        
        Although I don't disagree with that.... (NCFC) - SimonOTBC, Aug 7, 11:10:58
        
        I don't think I could even guess our best 11 when everyone is fit (NCFC) - strap_on sally, Aug 7, 12:17:52
        
        Maddison also brings out a lot of fouls/free kicks from the opposition (NCFC) - essexcanaryOTBC, Aug 7, 11:43:08
      - agree with all of that, mention in dispatches also to zimmerman (NCFC) - Tombs, Aug 7, 10:36:12
      - Cheers. Will pass on to said nephew... (n/m) (NCFC) - Tricky Hawes, Aug 7, 10:34:11
- I think on both halves they seesm have more counterattacking chances (NCFC) - XXL16, Aug 7, 10:00:12
- It was a pretty fair result I would say (NCFC) - trianglepatch, Aug 7, 09:59:38
- Didn't go but watched it, (NCFC) - I Am Hoot, Aug 7, 09:57:30

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