Just back from the match (ish!)

My first match since COVID kicked off and it was wonderful to be back in with the NCFC faithful. I thought the atmosphere in the away end was brilliant. Pretty much constant singing throughout. Of course, not going a goal behind helps with that. Didn't hear many negative comments at all - everyone fully behind the lads. Glad we could be heard clearly on the radio/streams - I guess that means the players could also hear!

Given the context of the run we've been on, I was delighted with a hard-fought point. We stood up to their tactics (long balls/crosses/s**thousery) surprisingly (to me) well. Hanley was a rock up against Chris Wood, ably supported by Ozan Kabak and Gibson. Now we've added that defensive resolve we really need to work out how to add fluid attacking play if keeping the same system. One step at a time though I guess!

I think the players seemed like they were still getting used to the system and who should be where when. When something went wrong there were discussions between them to ensure that it didn't happen again. Gibson was on to Dimi a lot in particular. It was in wide areas where most work is required as the wing backs were often exposed to multiple attackers. On the max side sometimes Sargent would come back as the extra cover, then other times it was PLM. Don't think they were always sure whose role it was.

If we're keeping the system we definitely need a ball-carrying central midfielder. Of the 3 in there, Normann seems to be the most capable in that regard but he's stuck (rightly) in the defensive role. Definitely worth giving Todd a go as one of the 3 IMHO - if it goes horribly wrong fine, but we need to find that attacking flair/spark from somewhere. Kenny was doing his best to get forward but it's not a natural role for him. I also don't think we can play Sargent and Pukki - needs to be one or the other with Tzolis or Rashica for company. There were several times one of those two might have got in on goal from decent through balls but Sargent was too slow to exploit the situations.

Haven't watched the highlights yet but was very worried we were going to get VARd for the penalty shouts in the first half, particularly Krul's fisting and Hanley's second on Vydra towards the edge of the area. Veeeeerrrry relieved when our friend Kevin blew for the game to continue. Seemed to be minimal delay, which was good.

I could see Tzolis warming up with his trousers off (shorts and socks on) from quite early in the second half so presumed he would be coming on relatively soon. Herr Farke thought otherwise and other subs came out to warm up to be used ahead of him (which was a shame as I really wanted to see him play). Subs came too late (I know, a frequent criticism). PLM, in particular, looked out on his feet already towards the end of the first half, as well as Sargent. Could've done with fresh legs sooner.

I thought Max had a great game at wing back. Got up and down tirelessly. Couldn't stop all deliveries from his side due to frequent overloads while he waited for support, but was superb at dealing with everything. I think he can add goals/assists if he gets a run of games there.

Overall, a solid performance and got what we deserved. We still gave the ball away/miscontrolled a few times in our own half but thankfully Burnley didn't have the counter-attacking quality to punish us. Work in progress but definitely a platform to build on.

My 12 year old nephew's verdict: "We need to shoot earlier when we get in the area"

#TooManyWords

Posted By: JD3 on October 4th 2021 at 13:37:05

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