Jerome was warming up separately from the main team early on

Suggests a possible 'late fitness test' - explains why he didn't start. And I suspect AN was worried about their pace on the counter attack, so made the midfield a little more 'robust' (defensive) early on - I reckon this is why we didn't see Brady get forward much until later on too - he seemed apprehensive to cross the half way line almost.

I'm certainly not more worried after that game than I was before it. Not that I expected to lose, but I was very encouraged by a lot of our play.

I was a bit confused by the choice to play Brentford a week ago - couldn't see many teams coming to FCR and playing that way, but Palace's back line were fairly similarly tricky to break down, although they sat higher up the pitch. Suggests AN DOES know what he was doing, and prepared the team for this game well, a week ago. I can't remember the exact starting line up and subs for Brentford but seems from memory, Mulumbu aside, it was fairly similar team.

Some typical doom and gloom on here but a lot of positives for me. One additional should out was the first OTBC on Saturday - that was immense and was very goose bumpy - a proper 'welcome back' to the football for the season - well done all.

Posted By: Jester, Aug 9, 13:53:27