Couple of things from yesterday

1 - not for the first time, MotD highlights made us look better than we were. So, maybe, we are creating half chances at a similar rate to other mid-to-low prem teams, and maybe there's method in Hoots' plan after all. Maybe we do all need to face reality, and perhaps what we're seeing is in fact perfectly acceptable: personally, though, I think we're capable of much better. We're not fluent at all, and whoever plays up front meshes with the midfield more by fortune than design.

2 - at one point, Pilks wriggled free of his man and came up against another, and struggled to keep possession. Hooper was nearby, not offering anything, but nobody else came near, and possession was lost. This has been quite a familiar sight in recent months: is it because of instructions to remain within shape (I can't believe it is) or do the players have no faith in each other, or are they reluctant to commit, or press, in case they f**k up and attract blame? I don't know.

Oh all right, a couple more. Hoofing the ball upfield (Ruddy and the CBs) to a lone striker is dumb. The ball comes straight back. And although we're able to keep possession fairly well, it's always in non-threatening areas and the passing lacks any snap or fizz. Ncassel were no great shakes yesty but they were able to switch the ball smoothly with one touch per man. That meant they broke with pace, whereas we always seem to be slower and more laboured in our passing, and the only time we break with pace is along the flanks. A bit predictable really.

Posted By: Sugbad The Bad, Nov 24, 13:04:23