Engvall’s Splinter

Just now, robinforlife2 said:

I thought we were okay. Probably a shade unlucky not to have won. 

Wasn't overly impressed by Cornick, he tried to be too technical at times, rather than do the simple thing. Think Mehmeti got better as the game went on. Think Sam Bell was poor when he came on. 

Would like to see Weimann, Mehmeti and Wells start Saturday. 

Thought Vyner was brilliant at the back, thought Scott and Williams ran their hearts out.

I still feel Max is very vulnerable at set pieces, he doesn't inspire me with confidence with his clearances, especially his punches.

Wigan set up shop very well, but when we scored, we should have really gone for them, and we never, we invited them back into the game and paid for it. It was a fair performance and we got what we deserved.

You leave Sykes out for a second game despite his form? 

Games have been thick and fast. Made sense to me. 

After a good win v Norwich, last night would’ve been one of those games we would have lost ! We didn’t though and in fact we looked stronger after their goal rather than wilting. 
 

I’ll take 4 points from 2 home games. Not perfect but progress. 

Haven’t had any issues in the Lansdown. 

4 hours ago, Cityboy1954 said:

Nige has made him captain il bet he does but agree shouldn't on recent performances.

Players chose him as captain. 

What is Idehen supposed to of done?

Have they held off releasing some tickets then? Doesn’t look to be many left in the home end. 

If I’m nitpicking his set pieces weren’t the best. 

10 minutes ago, GrahamC said:

Obvious from this thread that at least one poster is always going to look at anything negative to say re NP..

My view on the back four thing is this;

He simply didn’t trust Vyner fully enough earlier this season to go with him as the main man in the middle & let’s be honest, look at today’s back four;

Tanner 20 starts, Pring 35 starts & Atkinson 51 starts at Championship level, that doesn’t exactly scream experience, does it?

Vyner has been exceptional but those saying I would have done this all along with 4 inexperienced defenders & a keeper too are certainly taking a huge leap of faith.

Agreed. There is no way people would’ve suggested todays back four at the beginning / earlier part of the season. The extra centre half was what we all pretty much thought was required, an insurance policy perhaps.. I know I didn’t want Vyner in the back four, let alone playing in a CB pairing. 

2 minutes ago, JoeAman08 said:

So does every side. All those players have been available the majority of not only this season but last. He has had the tools to do this for the last 18 months. It has taken him 17 months to figure it out.

I am not buying the he dropped them and now they are better either. Pring, Atkinson and Tanner were all good last season too when given chances. Sykes playing a more natural forward position is now coming into form. 
 

Imo he has complicated things all season. It takes him half the season to settle on who his best XI is. All I am saying is I am not shouting off the roof he is the best manager we ever had because we had a good month. I do however hope he keeps it going. Happy to be “wrong” about NP but who knows what any manager could have done with 24 months and unlimited patience from the owner. 

 

You asked why and I’ve given you answer. We are speaking about City and not other sides. Well aware other teams have similar issues, perhaps not with a side with such youth and inexperience or a squad as wafer thin. 
 

I do chuckle at a few posters who do their utmost to avoid praising Pearson. Ducking and diving looking to find something to lob at him rather than revel in a the positivity we are feeling at the minute. Cringeworthy. 

12 minutes ago, The Bard said:

Steward should be sacked. Does not have the authority to manhandle a child. 

Whoever assaulted him should be banned. 

As for those outraged by a child running on the pitch, get a grip. We all used to it.

Embarrassing from all involved 

Did we?

7 minutes ago, JoeAman08 said:

Who hasn’t been available? A few have missed some here and there but no one in the side today has missed long term with injury or anything

How many fixtures have that starting eleven been available for? During periods we’ve missed Atkinson, Tanner, Pring, Sykes & Williams for a variety of reasons. I didnt say injured. 

1 minute ago, JoeAman08 said:

Still here. A good month and I am delighted with how we are playing. I just question why it took so long to change formation. Take out all other arguments I always said the squad was better than the results and performances. No one new really playing yet we have found balance, performances and form. 
 

Always said decide his future after the season. Happy for him to be finally turning a corner on saturdays. He has done well behind the scenes for sure. Nice to finally want to go to Ashton Gate to watch city and not just go for the football. Not many clubs would have kept him so long with how poor we have been. Would be nice for the tough decision of keeping him paying off. 

Player availability?  

1 hour ago, Lordofthebling said:

Is it a case of rapid development since the summer or Pearson can't spot this? I mean like genuinely, whys he not been playing???!! And Pring!!! Baffling 

I agree. Also why wasn’t Alex Scott playing for us when he was 15. 

Pearson out. 

35 minutes ago, Dullmoan Tone said:

Now I'm not writing anyone off after two appearances as sub after we've won, but Cornick is obviously coming on ahead of Weimann - who has shown he is very assured on the ball and a calm finisher, I know everyone misses chances, but in my opinion Cornick should have done much better late on.

But, more worringly, was I imagining it, or was Cornick really blowing by the 90th minute?

Blowing ? Did you see the amount of running he did in the time he was on? Bloke worked his socks off running from left to right. 
 

Let’s hope his career doesn’t go the Chris Weale route. Always thought he was decent until his injury problems took over. 

34 minutes ago, Port Said Red said:

I realise I am clutching at straws and with the squad they have it probably means very little, but the fact that Manchester City return to Champions League action the week before our cup tie, could mean that Pep will look to the second level of internationals for our game.

A very small crumb of comfort maybe?

Hope not. Would like to see Haaland at the gate for sure. 

I’m unsure if I felt as comfortable during the game. I actually thought Preston were decent value for a point. 
 

Anyway, three points. So who cares!

Little chuckle at the two wallies who were on Radio Bristol pre game - both suggested 3 goal victories with one calling MK Dons “cannon fodder”. Delusions of grandeur. 

2 hours ago, Bizyer said:

Revenge  - a dish best served cold

What happened?

Cunningham is a proper s*ithouse. Does Wells down his Achilles before going down like the di canio ref. 

OLeary. Ffs

Alex Scott has been superb on the ball. So calm in tight spots. 

Need a strong ref today I feel.