Part of the problem is that Emi, Stiepi/Vrancic and Cantwell

would all drop back at different times and help kickstart attacks (and help defend), providing a link between the thirds.

None of our alleged number 10s does that now and, if they do on occasion, they invariably give the ball away.

Kvist, Crnac and Diallo have all given up possession cheaply in our half. They may all be decent players in their correct positions in the correct set up, but they aren't the players you need if you want to play a possession-based game and build up through the pitch. And as much as we berate Manning, that's surely an error of recruitment.

Posted By: jamesward on September 22nd 2025 at 14:02:43

Message Thread

The defending for their goals (NCFC) - Jim, Sep 22, 10:17:31
- Medic in midfield? That would be hilarious (NCFC) - delia_s, Sep 22, 15:53:23
- there wasn't any defending...especially 2nd half. (n/m) (NCFC) - Goosebumps, Sep 22, 10:57:39
- Point on Medic is odd ? He’s only played midfield a handful… (NCFC) - loz, Sep 22, 10:43:04
  - I thought I read he was originally a defensive midfielder? Well if he’s always been a CB (NCFC) - Jim, Sep 22, 11:04:08
  - I think if he had been in midfield, Jim would have said he is clearly a (NCFC) - Legacy Fan, Sep 22, 10:49:09
    - Defenders being asked to link the play but nothing happening ahead of them… (NCFC) - loz, Sep 22, 10:54:45
      - I thought Matteson got better as the game went on but an clear problem we've had in (NCFC) - Jim, Sep 22, 11:23:58
        
        Yep nail on head … (NCFC) - loz, Sep 22, 11:30:03
        
        I don't think Manning is stubborn (NCFC) - 51eve, Sep 22, 11:34:29
        
        Ha! (NCFC) - Ken Dodds Dads Dog, Sep 22, 11:39:12
- 23rd worst team in the league defensively based on chances conceded … (NCFC) - loz, Sep 22, 10:42:06
  - The issue is in midfield (NCFC) - SimonOTBC, Sep 22, 11:17:01
    - The issue is in defense, midfield and attack.....oh wait ,that's everything. (n/m) (NCFC) - MORDENCANARY, Sep 22, 11:41:30
      - My view is that midfield is what really matters (NCFC) - SimonOTBC, Sep 22, 13:36:19
        
        Skipp and Kenny were superb at shielding the defence (NCFC) - jamesward, Sep 22, 13:40:43
        
        Most well-drilled season I can remember. Always knew where each player would be. (NCFC) - JD3, Sep 22, 14:18:30
        
        Yes, and that's THE problem IMO (NCFC) - SimonOTBC, Sep 22, 13:51:24
        
        Part of the problem is that Emi, Stiepi/Vrancic and Cantwell (NCFC) - jamesward, Sep 22, 14:02:43
        
        Yes, I'm sure there are issues with how we set up from a tactical perspective... (NCFC) - SimonOTBC, Sep 22, 14:09:17
        
        So in summary (NCFC) - jamesward, Sep 22, 14:11:23
        
        Maybe....I'm not sure we know just yet! (NCFC) - SimonOTBC, Sep 22, 14:12:40
    - And Duffy and McConville are no quicker than Medic (NCFC) - jamesward, Sep 22, 11:24:50
    - Agreed (mostlY) - there is too much last ditch defending as we can't control games (n/m) (NCFC) - Jim, Sep 22, 11:24:44
  - The keeper and Darling have papered over some major cracks (n/m) (NCFC) - Jim, Sep 22, 11:04:47

Reply to Message

In order to add a post to the WotB Message Board you must be a registered WotB user.

If you are not yet registered then please visit the registration page. You should ensure that their browser is setup to accept cookies.