Foo thoughts on last night

All in all an improvement and you always felt we had that little bit of extra quality to see us through but I still don't feel the balance is quite right and for me the midfield is not controlling games in the way they should do at this level. again for a period in the second half we had a spell where we just didn't have any decent possession and as such did not completely close out a game we could have done. Thankfully, unlike the prem, you can get away with that more often at this level.

Positives:

Good goal, taken well by Howson.
I like the look of McGovern. Very composed in all he did and looks like he may actually save some shots although not the biggest which scum may look to exploit.
Wes got on the ball more and created most of our good things.
Klose and Bennett look very solid. If they stay fit we will keep clean sheets.
Canos looked tidy. Not quick but another technically good player who will link well with our midfielders.
Good game from Tettey.

Negatives

Murphy looks like he doesn't yet have the belief at this level. Funny that his brother looks so much stronger given Josh played at a higher level last season.
Howson still needs to get on the ball and dictate the tempo more.
Whilst at times going forward the midfield looks incisive and great, I am still not 100% convinced the balance is right with Naismith playing the central AM role. He fluctuates between excellence and utter crapness in the blink of an eye and needs to work harder after losing the ball.

All in all though we were not at our best against a team on the up and still won relatively comfortably so bring on the scum.

Posted By: Jim, Aug 17, 08:08:02