Thoughts on last night

As a NW resident, ventured along to Ewood Park last night. Unfortunately sat in with the Blackburn fans as went with a mate who supports them. Was right by the Norwich dug-out though so good to observe Lambert and Co from close quarters.

Thoughts as follows:

- We had a lot of possession and played lots of pretty passes without any real cutting edge. Our only attacking avenue (until he went off), seemed to be through Wes, which was a bit one-dimensional. We also seemed scared of shooting, instead trying to thread another ball through to make an easier opportunity, which ultimately didn't come off. There were 3 or 4 great shooting opportunities in the first half that we didn't take (Wes, Horse & Simeon all guilty of this).

- Blackburn were a lot bigger/more physical than us. Christopher Samba is a monster and we did not compete well at all from set pieces. The first goal was from a long throw and Samba got a flick on to set up Diouf. There were too many times when Blackburn players found themselves unmarked with easy chances from free-kicks/long throws (they could and should have had more than the 3 goals they did score). There aren't going to be any sides as big as Blackburn in the Championship but there will be strikers that will punish slack marking. Lambo needs to sort this out!

- Overall I wasn't too disappointed as I thought we would lose. We played decent football throughout the match which gave cause for optimism but I fear we just lack that killer pass/cutting edge in the final third. We need to start creating some more chances/shooting when we do have half chances.

Player ratings:

Rudd - 7 - Some good saves, gets a ridiculous amount of backspin on his kicks (!), looked a bit hesitant at times. I wish he was 3 inches taller and a bit wider!

Martin - 6 - Played left-back and actually looked better here than at right-back! Reasonably solid throughout.

Ward - 7 - Quite a commanding performance I thought. Looks like a great buy, very committed player.

Askou - 6 - Fairly good. Think his marking was a bit slack at the set pieces they had.

Francomb - 5 - Seemed to be nervous, which is understandable. It was like he was trying to do everything he knows he should but not quite pulling it off. Wasted several good crossing opportunities by over-hitting them.

Fox - 6 - Kept possession well but didn't really contribute too much to the team performance.

Gill - 6 - See above although broke up play better than Fox.

Lappin - 7 - Thought he had a really good game, seemed to be everywhere, good delivery from set pieces and open play, got stuck in.

Wes - 8 - Had a good game, especially after we went 1 down in the first half. Wanted the ball at all times and was given lots of space by the Blackburn players. Our best player ont he night I'd say.

Horse - 6 - Won his fair share of headers, looked a bit off the pace, still getting up to speed after missing some pre-season I'd say. Vital to have him up top for the team to do well though.

Jacko - 4 - Didn't think he had a good game at all. The ball seemed to bounce off him when played in to him or he'd have a heavy touch when running with it. Think he looks well short of confidence so hopefully this will come.

There, I've said it!

Posted By: JD3, Aug 25, 09:18:47