Negan Posted September 17, 2017 Posted September 17, 2017 Well what an amazing start to the season, the team looks good and Johnson is finally looking like he can handle both this club and the league. When this month started I'm sure I wasn't the only one that looked at the first 3 fixtures of Reading, Wolves and Derby and thought "ok let's be honest a point will be good from that!" But to take 7 and come so close to all 9 is nothing short of amazing and we have to take our hats off to the man in charge, Lee Johnson. However... I think you know what I'm about to say. We've been here before haven't we. This time last season all was looking well in BS3 and there were whispers of a promotion challenge but wins slowly become loses and we started tumbling down that table at an alarming rate. What looked like an amazing squad was now being picked at by our fans, a brilliant young manager was now out of his depth and didn't know what he was doing. Our billionaire owner who loves the club so much and has given us so much was even receiving hate.. so do we think it could happen again?... NO is my answer. I look back at last season and see the wins we picked up against Wigan and Burton as incredibly lucky, both winning goals late in to the game and both games we weren't exactly great, then followed two 1-0 defeats to Norwich and Newcastle which at the time we didn't see so bad but looking back now I think THIS team could have got points in those games. Then came the Villa game. They absolutely battered us first half and should have maybe been 3 or 4 nil up but again we got off lucky and a magic 2nd half took place. When I look back now at our good start I can't help but think "yeah we got so lucky with most of our points" this season every point on the board we have deserved. Yes Wolves and Reading gave us a good bloody football lesson but we stood our own with them and came so close to winning both, the millwall game aside we've played very very well in every game so far this season and I have more hope and trust in this squad and management staff than I did this time last year. so do you think it will happen again like last season? Or do we finally catch a break at this level and show everyone just how good we are! UTFC!
Red Army 75 Posted September 17, 2017 Posted September 17, 2017 I know this might sound weird. But last seasons capitulation was a blessing in disguise. At the time it was horrendous. And LJ should of been fired IMO . No doubt. But LJ and the players would of learned so much from it . Plus we have a better squad this season. I won't get carried away. Been watching city to long for that to happen. But there are plenty of positives . Long may it continue
Phileas Fogg Posted September 17, 2017 Posted September 17, 2017 Don't think so. Sure, we might go on a 2 or 3 game losing run at some point.. but many teams do. I don't think we'll experience anything like last season again though. Our squad is too strong and balanced. Also, we don't have any troublemakers in the squad like Tomlin who must be a nightmare to have about when things aren't going well.
Vespa Red Posted September 17, 2017 Posted September 17, 2017 Everything seemed to go a bit pear shaped after the press sniffed potential last season and came knocking on Lee Johnson/Steve Lansdown's door. This time last year, there were articles in the qualities about the usual cliches: premier league potential/sleeping giant/catchment area. I can see why - we started well result wise even if we flattered to deceive from a performance point of view. I'm pleased to see that Cardiff have had the press coverage this season and, a bit like the manager of the month curse, it's their turn to wobble. So will it change? The signs this year are more positive: the first half against Barnsley was brilliant and yesterday was possibly the best performance I've seen City deliver since Johnson took over. We've ground a point out of a game we should have lost (Brentford), gone toe to toe with one of the best teams in the division (Wolves) and only lost one game which we should have won. Oh, and playing some bloody good football in ever expanding patches. My only anxiety is the gaps that still appear between the back four and midfield which leaves us vulnerable when other teams break. Still not convinced by Baker yet but then he is rebuilding his partnership with Flinty. Dare to dream? Today I am!
Monkeh Posted September 17, 2017 Posted September 17, 2017 no we have an air of arrogance, confidence about us, we look a threat every time we go forward even when we are out played, Top half finish is on the cards at the moment,
BobBobSuperBob Posted September 17, 2017 Posted September 17, 2017 I don't believe so We will inevitably lose games , includingsome we would hope or expect to win but such a disastrous run ? NI don't think we will Why ? * Think Lee has learnt a lot of lessons from last season * Think the three coaches are working in harmony * Think we will see less changes in team selections /formations / tactics - tweaks rather than big changes * A much better knitted and cohesive squad with indications of a better spirit through it (No LT and maybe one or two others) * Better squad in terms of strength in depth * think we are looking more drilled and coached this season (Not differently but development that's been ongoing for 18 months) * Personally - My one concern / caveat is how we react to a couple of losses and a drop in confidence - Think confidence is massive for this young squad and the type of technical players we've assembled - our bouncebackability will be very telling
Robbored Posted September 17, 2017 Posted September 17, 2017 This season start so far has been better than last season because the performances have been better in every area of the pitch. FF is playing well and kept us in a couple of games with excellent goalkeeping. The aquisition of Baker has added to the CB position and he and Flint must look like a brick wall to the opposition at times. Bryan at LB puts in consistent displays and is coveted by other clubs. In the last two matches Wright has looked very comfortable at RB. Midfield with Smith and Pack looks decent and with the likes of GoN (when fit), O'Dowda, Brownhill , Hegelar all vying for a place Up top Reid has been a revelation. Famara seems to be finding his feet. Woodrow, Taylor both pushing for a start and Đurić on his way back. Id be very disappointed if City hit the wall as they did last season. That desperate run of defeats started at Cardiff where Colin outsmarted LJ tactically. To me this current squad of players and the way LJ has them performing feels differently to this time last season. Yesterday's top performance convinced me of that.
LondonBristolian Posted September 17, 2017 Posted September 17, 2017 I think a major factor last season was we started losing games in October and, from October to January, there were not enough options in the squad to make any drastic changes and then, by the time reinforcements did arrive, the rot had set in and belief had gone. This time I hope we have the players to come in to arrest any slump before it really escalates...
old_eastender Posted September 17, 2017 Posted September 17, 2017 The beauty of the EFL and the Championship in particular is that it is so difficult to predict. Not many, myself very much included, would have seen us picking up 7 points from the last 3 games. At the moment all is good but never is the old cliché about taking it "one game at a time" more important, already some fans are talking us up as playoff contenders, way too soon. One thing for sure, if the players start thinking they are good enough to just turn up to get a result, this league will soon bite us on the arse. Yesterday was really good, 2nd half at Brum, Brentford & Millwall was really bad. Consistency is the key and we have a way to go to show we can achieve that... but lets hope we do. 7 points from the next 3 games as well and the wave of optimism really will be justified.
Davefevs Posted September 17, 2017 Posted September 17, 2017 15 minutes ago, BobBobSuperBob said: I don't believe so We will inevitably lose games , includingsome we would hope or expect to win but such a disastrous run ? NI don't think we will Why ? * Think Lee has learnt a lot of lessons from last season * Think the three coaches are working in harmony * Think we will see less changes in team selections /formations / tactics - tweaks rather than big changes * A much better knitted and cohesive squad with indications of a better spirit through it (No LT and maybe one or two others) * Better squad in terms of strength in depth * think we are looking more drilled and coached this season (Not differently but development that's been ongoing for 18 months) * Personally - My one concern / caveat is how we react to a couple of losses and a drop in confidence - Think confidence is massive for this young squad and the type of technical players we've assembled - our bouncebackability will be very telling We have a balanced squad, multiple players in each position. Might be half a player over at CB, but rather have too many. One injury, or a loss of form, or 3 game ban and you have no wriggle room (under loan rules).
BobBobSuperBob Posted September 17, 2017 Posted September 17, 2017 Still believe that the LT factor and the obvious major problems off the pitch / disharmony in the squad ( Not all down to LT but a major contributor) had the most single impact I do wonder whether senior players were also influencing / suggesting different tactical approaches to further confuse issues I get the impression that Lee and his lieutenants are the ones in control this season and will stick with their plans - keep saying it's but Lee appears far calmer , and more relaxed this season , as if he has quiet belief that all is running much more smoothly
Mr Popodopolous Posted September 17, 2017 Posted September 17, 2017 We have more depth this year. LJ will have learnt a lot from last year. Plus, these young players- and we had a reasonably young squad last season, they have had a year playing together at this level- Brownhill, Paterson just 2 examples. That years experience last year- especially all the ups and downs- they will have learnt a lot. Can never say never in football but this squad, is our best balanced at this level in quite some while IMO.
You Do The Dziekanowski Posted September 17, 2017 Posted September 17, 2017 4 minutes ago, Mr Popodopolous said: We have more depth this year. LJ will have learnt a lot from last year. Plus, these young players- and we had a reasonably young squad last season, they have had a year playing together at this level- Brownhill, Paterson just 2 examples. That years experience last year- especially all the ups and downs- they will have learnt a lot. Can never say never in football but this squad, is our best balanced at this level in quite some while IMO. I wouldn't say more depth, but strength in depth. As proved today we made changes and didn't look like a makeshift team at all.
Kibs Posted September 17, 2017 Posted September 17, 2017 Since that run we have also added some absolute warriors - Bailey Wright, Baker and Pisano.
CHAZ MICHAELS Posted September 17, 2017 Posted September 17, 2017 Johnson summed it up for me in his inteview yesterday when he said something along the lines of 'we looked in control physically, tactically and technically' and he was absolutely right. With our passing, moving and fluidity we made Derby look like a slow, cumbersome side. Last year, players didn't really seem to know what the tactics were or what they were supposed to be doing and confidence suffered because of it. This year we do seem to know what we are doing both offensively and defensively. We will lose some games and we may lose 3 or 4 on the bounce at some point as that is the nature of this division and despite yesterdays result I believe there won't be much in most games, 1 goal either way will probably decide it. We do seem to have more resilience and options, and when Đurić is fit we will have another different option up front. Leko looks one hell of an acquisition and looks like he could give us that bit of magic that you often need. I really am quite excited at the potential of this team and whilst I think it may be a premature to start talking of play offs etc, I believe we will be comfortably top half of the table.
Port Said Red Posted September 17, 2017 Posted September 17, 2017 To me the positives are the way the squad have answered all the fears on here before the season started. Lack of pace Where are the goals going to come from Lack of creativity strength in depth So far so good.
INCRED Posted September 17, 2017 Posted September 17, 2017 1 hour ago, Negan said: Well what an amazing start to the season, the team looks good and Johnson is finally looking like he can handle both this club and the league. When this month started I'm sure I wasn't the only one that looked at the first 3 fixtures of Reading, Wolves and Derby and thought "ok let's be honest a point will be good from that!" But to take 7 and come so close to all 9 is nothing short of amazing and we have to take our hats off to the man in charge, Lee Johnson. However... I think you know what I'm about to say. We've been here before haven't we. This time last season all was looking well in BS3 and there were whispers of a promotion challenge but wins slowly become loses and we started tumbling down that table at an alarming rate. What looked like an amazing squad was now being picked at by our fans, a brilliant young manager was now out of his depth and didn't know what he was doing. Our billionaire owner who loves the club so much and has given us so much was even receiving hate.. so do we think it could happen again?... NO is my answer. I look back at last season and see the wins we picked up against Wigan and Burton as incredibly lucky, both winning goals late in to the game and both games we weren't exactly great, then followed two 1-0 defeats to Norwich and Newcastle which at the time we didn't see so bad but looking back now I think THIS team could have got points in those games. Then came the Villa game. They absolutely battered us first half and should have maybe been 3 or 4 nil up but again we got off lucky and a magic 2nd half took place. When I look back now at our good start I can't help but think "yeah we got so lucky with most of our points" this season every point on the board we have deserved. Yes Wolves and Reading gave us a good bloody football lesson but we stood our own with them and came so close to winning both, the millwall game aside we've played very very well in every game so far this season and I have more hope and trust in this squad and management staff than I did this time last year. so do you think it will happen again like last season? Or do we finally catch a break at this level and show everyone just how good we are! UTFC! We don't have a maverick character this time who undermines the coaches and bully's young players which in turn creates a bad atmosphere This group we have now are bound by a strong team spirit and are set up to work and play as one That has been clear as they have ground out results against good sides as well as yesterday where the confidence was that high they demolished a decent team
Fordy62 Posted September 17, 2017 Posted September 17, 2017 Hmmm, interesting. I think it's almost unthinkable that we could go on a similar run this season. But the style of play is different. Some of what I saw yesterday was mesmerising one touch. As one of LJ's biggest detractors, I have to keep reminding myself that I'm not a fan. Hell, I even considered watching his interview yesterday! (I couldn't quite manage it by the way!) I really hope this continues... but we need to be realistic that it's not possible every game will be like Derby. There will be ups and downs. For now, LJ has bought himself a little credit with me. And long may it continue.
Simon79 Posted September 17, 2017 Posted September 17, 2017 No, not imo. Firstly & probably most importantly, the players ( mostly young ) have gained a season of experience in the Championship. I think this alone is massive in so many ways. LJ would of also learnt a lot from the torrid phase he went through. He also has what you would call ' his staff ' along side him, think this is & has been massive in our improvements. The squad as a whole is much more balanced & you only have to look at yesterday's bench & think about who is unavailable at the moment to realise the depth is so much stronger than this time last season. Another factor for me, SL sticking with LJ when so many wouldn't of, it sends a clear message to the players that you can't just down tools like in previous seasons. We look more organised & resolute on the pitch. Lots & lots of positives at the moment. But as with most things, it's how we react in adversity that will be just as important. COYR
INCRED Posted September 17, 2017 Posted September 17, 2017 8 minutes ago, Simon79 said: No, not imo. Firstly & probably most importantly, the players ( mostly young ) have gained a season of experience in the Championship. I think this alone is massive in so many ways. LJ would of also learnt a lot from the torrid phase he went through. He also has what you would call ' his staff ' along side him, think this is & has been massive in our improvements. The squad as a whole is much more balanced & you only have to look at yesterday's bench & think about who is unavailable at the moment to realise the depth is so much stronger than this time last season. Another factor for me, SL sticking with LJ when so many wouldn't of, it sends a clear message to the players that you can't just down tools like in previous seasons. We look more organised & resolute on the pitch. Lots & lots of positives at the moment. But as with most things, it's how we react in adversity that will be just as important. COYR Well we lost 2-1 to Brum and the reaction has been excellent. I suppose adversity is a losing streak?
Simon79 Posted September 17, 2017 Posted September 17, 2017 16 minutes ago, INCRED said: Well we lost 2-1 to Brum and the reaction has been excellent. I suppose adversity is a losing streak? That's basically what I meant yeah. I mentioned on another thread that after Derby scored, one of my first thoughts was, let's see how we react. & we didn't disappoint. The same as Wolves & to have that in such a young group can only bowed well for the future. But basically I was talking after a few loses type scenario, which in this league is likely to happen at some point. Not just the players as well, the fans etc. COYR
ThreeWordCityNerd Posted September 17, 2017 Posted September 17, 2017 2 hours ago, Red Army 75 said: And LJ should* of** been fired IMO . No doubt *could **have
Alex_BCFC Posted September 17, 2017 Posted September 17, 2017 It could happen - of course it could. Many will deny it but the exact same feelings as yesterday were felt after the 3-1 Villa win/beating Leeds 1-0 etc. However, I am very hopeful it won't...
Bar BS3 Posted September 17, 2017 Posted September 17, 2017 2 hours ago, LondonBristolian said: I think a major factor last season was we started losing games in October and, from October to January, there were not enough options in the squad to make any drastic changes and then, by the time reinforcements did arrive, the rot had set in and belief had gone. This time I hope we have the players to come in to arrest any slump before it really escalates... This is exactly the reason why I don't think so. We could pretty much make 8/9 changes to the starting 11, without any serious reduction in quality. Looking good, strong and positive.
downendcity Posted September 17, 2017 Posted September 17, 2017 2 hours ago, old_eastender said: The beauty of the EFL and the Championship in particular is that it is so difficult to predict. Not many, myself very much included, would have seen us picking up 7 points from the last 3 games. At the moment all is good but never is the old cliché about taking it "one game at a time" more important, already some fans are talking us up as playoff contenders, way too soon. One thing for sure, if the players start thinking they are good enough to just turn up to get a result, this league will soon bite us on the arse. Yesterday was really good, 2nd half at Brum, Brentford & Millwall was really bad. Consistency is the key and we have a way to go to show we can achieve that... but lets hope we do. 7 points from the next 3 games as well and the wave of optimism really will be justified. An important factor is that Brentford and Millwall, had they been last season, would have seen us capitulate and lose easily. Similarly at Wolves; last season, had Wolves scored first and put us under the same pressure as last week, then we would have lost without a doubt. This team seems to have a resilience that I think will see us stay in games, even when we are not playing well and the opposition are dominant. They do seem to playing as a unit and with a togetherness that makes us a much tougher outfit than a year ago. As others have commented, it is starting to look like our best transfer business of the summer was Tomlin going to Cardiff.
willy bedlock Posted September 17, 2017 Posted September 17, 2017 We look much stronger this season , top half at least imo
chipdawg Posted September 17, 2017 Posted September 17, 2017 As I said on another thread, last year we were winning despite a lack of resilience, this year we're picking up points because if it. It's a much more solid base to build from
22A Posted September 17, 2017 Posted September 17, 2017 1 hour ago, Tammy JR said: We look much stronger this season , top half at least imo Agree. As some posted last season; that 5-0 defeat at PNE was a blessing in disguise as performance s picked up after that and have continued this season.
fanjita Posted September 17, 2017 Posted September 17, 2017 There are people waiting for it to go pear shape so they can return to the "sack Johnson" posts. I am glad we stuck by him as changing manager isn't always the answer. now let's all behind the team, and enjoy what we are watching at the moment.
Lanterne Rouge Posted September 17, 2017 Posted September 17, 2017 5 hours ago, downendcity said: An important factor is that Brentford and Millwall, had they been last season, would have seen us capitulate and lose easily. Similarly at Wolves; last season, had Wolves scored first and put us under the same pressure as last week, then we would have lost without a doubt. This team seems to have a resilience that I think will see us stay in games, even when we are not playing well and the opposition are dominant. They do seem to playing as a unit and with a togetherness that makes us a much tougher outfit than a year ago. As others have commented, it is starting to look like our best transfer business of the summer was Tomlin going to Cardiff. I`d add Reading to that list. If we`d have gone into the last 20 at 0 -0 last season we`d have lost 2 -0 I reckon. Sure, the results are very much on a par with last season but we are winning points rather than scraping them.
REDOXO Posted September 17, 2017 Posted September 17, 2017 Keeping players hungry is the key. Elliason and Magnússon are playing well in training and are starting against Stoke according to LJ. A cup run is important as everyone gets something thus Tuesday is more of a key fixture than some would believe!
Ska Junkie Posted September 17, 2017 Posted September 17, 2017 I think another factor that we need to take into account, last season, was Gary J's illness. It must have affected LJ even though he would probably say it didn't. Personally, I'm cautiously optimistic although not getting carried away.
Lanterne Rouge Posted September 17, 2017 Posted September 17, 2017 26 minutes ago, Ska Junkie said: I think another factor that we need to take into account, last season, was Gary J's illness. It must have affected LJ even though he would probably say it didn't. Personally, I'm cautiously optimistic although not getting carried away. Absolutely, it certainly wouldn`t have helped matters that`s for sure. The mistakes I made at work while my mum was having cancer treatment don`t bear thinking about and I`m sure Lee`s no different.
INCRED Posted September 17, 2017 Posted September 17, 2017 7 hours ago, Simon79 said: That's basically what I meant yeah. I mentioned on another thread that after Derby scored, one of my first thoughts was, let's see how we react. & we didn't disappoint. The same as Wolves & to have that in such a young group can only bowed well for the future. But basically I was talking after a few loses type scenario, which in this league is likely to happen at some point. Not just the players as well, the fans etc. COYR Let's hope we don't have that scenario too often but it will be interesting how we react
Phileas Fogg Posted September 17, 2017 Posted September 17, 2017 Amazing really that almost all the team that played yesterday were 26 or below. Only Flint and Fielding older. Quite a feat considering the experience in that Derby side.
INCRED Posted September 17, 2017 Posted September 17, 2017 49 minutes ago, REDOXO said: Keeping players hungry is the key. Elliason and Magnússon are playing well in training and are starting against Stoke according to LJ. A cup run is important as everyone gets something thus Tuesday is more of a key fixture than some would believe! It would be great for the squad if they could go a lot further in the cup and continue the level of confidence clearly there for all to see. I fancy us to beat Stoke and can see us getting in to the latter rounds if the draw is kind to us
RedLionLad Posted September 17, 2017 Posted September 17, 2017 This time last year we were looking like this Played 8 - Won 3 - Drew 2 - Lost 3 - Points 11 We then won our next 3 games to make it look like this: Played 11 - Won 6 - Drew 2 - Lost 3 - Points 20 At this moment in time we look like this: Played 8 - Won 3 - Drew 4 - Lost 1 - Points 13 If we can do a repeat of last year and win games 9, 10 and 11, we will look like this: Played 11 - Won 6 - Drew 4 - Lost 1 - Points 22. If we lose one of the next 3 games, it will technically mean we've had a worse start to 2017-18 than we did compared to 2017/18. So yes, we've started well.......but that doesn't mean that much at this stage of the season.......although, the signs are promising.
Phileas Fogg Posted September 17, 2017 Posted September 17, 2017 3 minutes ago, RedLionLad said: This time last year we were looking like this Played 8 - Won 3 - Drew 2 - Lost 3 - Points 11 We then won our next 3 games to make it look like this: Played 11 - Won 6 - Drew 2 - Lost 3 - Points 20 At this moment in time we look like this: Played 8 - Won 3 - Drew 4 - Lost 1 - Points 13 If we can do a repeat of last year and win games 9, 10 and 11, we will look like this: Played 11 - Won 6 - Drew 4 - Lost 1 - Points 22. If we lose one of the next 3 games, it will technically mean we've had a worse start to 2017-18 than we did compared to 2017/18. So yes, we've started well.......but that doesn't mean that much at this stage of the season.......although, the signs are promising. I think the nature of our performances are significant. Only really against Brentford have we looked second best whereas last season we were unconvincing at times even when we played well in the early games.
RedLionLad Posted September 17, 2017 Posted September 17, 2017 3 minutes ago, Phileas Fogg said: I think the nature of our performances are significant. Only really against Brentford have we looked second best whereas last season we were unconvincing at times even when we played well in the early games. If we lose a couple of games on the bounce, that's when this squad can show us what they're made of. Scoring four goals in the second half yesterday, well that was the best 45 minutes of football I've seen from City for a few years.
steviestevieneville Posted September 17, 2017 Posted September 17, 2017 3 minutes ago, RedLionLad said: If we lose a couple of games on the bounce, that's when this squad can show us what they're made of. Scoring four goals in the second half yesterday, well that was the best 45 minutes of football I've seen from City for a few years. Whole 90 for me, even though we didn't score some of the football was fantastic
RedLionLad Posted September 17, 2017 Posted September 17, 2017 10 minutes ago, steviestevieneville said: Whole 90 for me, even though we didn't score some of the football was fantastic Probably so, but I know which 45 I would most want to watch again.
Harry Posted September 17, 2017 Posted September 17, 2017 I'm not getting carried away. There's a lot of hyperbole on this forum today - which I can fully understand after such a great result AND performance v Derby. Let's not get ahead of ourselves though. Here's how I see this season so far : Barnsley - great 1st half vs a team who are clearly going to be in the bottom 6 this year. What we got - 3 points. What we deserved - 3 points. Brum - a good 20 minute spell in 1st half, otherwise we were outplayed by a team who've lost all their other games this season. What we got - 0 points. What we deserved - 0 points. Brentford - most one-sided game in many a year. Thoroughly outplayed by a team who've not managed many positive results as yet. What we got - 1 point. What we deserved - 0 points. Millwall - worst city performance of the season. Bullied out of the game by a team who will be bottom half without doubt. What we got - 1 point. What we deserved - 0 points. Villa - fairly open and even game. Could easily have gone either way. What we got - 1 point. What we deserved - 1 point. Reading - very professional performance vs a possible contender. What we got - 3 points. What we deserved - 3 points. Wolves - craziest 2nd half of football I've witnessed in a long time. Totally outplayed for the majority and could do easily have lost this 6-3. What we got - 1 point. What we deserved - 0 points. Derby - astounding 2nd half, fully deserved win vs experienced side. What we got - 3 points. What we deserved - 3 points. So overall, we have 13 points. The way the games could so easily have gone we could have 10. Still a decent return. But I'm not getting carried away just yet. We've basically snuck 3 draws where we've been 2nd best by a long way, which in one way bodes well for our resilience but could also be looked at as a worry that we were outplayed by the likes of Millwall, Brum, Brentford.
Rob k Posted September 17, 2017 Posted September 17, 2017 9 minutes ago, Harry said: I'm not getting carried away. There's a lot of hyperbole on this forum today - which I can fully understand after such a great result AND performance v Derby. Let's not get ahead of ourselves though. Here's how I see this season so far : Barnsley - great 1st half vs a team who are clearly going to be in the bottom 6 this year. What we got - 3 points. What we deserved - 3 points. Brum - a good 20 minute spell in 1st half, otherwise we were outplayed by a team who've lost all their other games this season. What we got - 0 points. What we deserved - 0 points. Brentford - most one-sided game in many a year. Thoroughly outplayed by a team who've not managed many positive results as yet. What we got - 1 point. What we deserved - 0 points. Millwall - worst city performance of the season. Bullied out of the game by a team who will be bottom half without doubt. What we got - 1 point. What we deserved - 0 points. Villa - fairly open and even game. Could easily have gone either way. What we got - 1 point. What we deserved - 1 point. Reading - very professional performance vs a possible contender. What we got - 3 points. What we deserved - 3 points. Wolves - craziest 2nd half of football I've witnessed in a long time. Totally outplayed for the majority and could do easily have lost this 6-3. What we got - 1 point. What we deserved - 0 points. Derby - astounding 2nd half, fully deserved win vs experienced side. What we got - 3 points. What we deserved - 3 points. So overall, we have 13 points. The way the games could so easily have gone we could have 10. Still a decent return. But I'm not getting carried away just yet. We've basically snuck 3 draws where we've been 2nd best by a long way, which in one way bodes well for our resilience but could also be looked at as a worry that we were outplayed by the likes of Millwall, Brum, Brentford. I don't think Milwall particularly deserved 3 points against us, the rest I agree with though
Lanterne Rouge Posted September 17, 2017 Posted September 17, 2017 3 minutes ago, Rob k said: I don't think Milwall particularly deserved 3 points against us, the rest I agree with though Same here. It was such an awful game that for either side to have won it would have been a travesty.
cidered abroad Posted September 17, 2017 Posted September 17, 2017 I don't have an inside info but I suspect that two events have drastically altered us. Firstly, LT leaving but more importantly the replacement of Pemberton with Macca. As I said no ITK but since the latter change, we've looked a different outfit.
Harry Posted September 17, 2017 Posted September 17, 2017 26 minutes ago, Rob k said: I don't think Milwall particularly deserved 3 points against us, the rest I agree with though They had more clear cut chances than us, our keeper had to do his job well, their keeper may as well not have been there. They dominated and bullied us from start to finish, not sure of exact stats but they must have had in excess of 20 corners! We were fortunate to get a point in this game.
Rob k Posted September 17, 2017 Posted September 17, 2017 9 minutes ago, Harry said: They had more clear cut chances than us, our keeper had to do his job well, their keeper may as well not have been there. They dominated and bullied us from start to finish, not sure of exact stats but they must have had in excess of 20 corners! We were fortunate to get a point in this game. We had 59% possession albeit we were terrible, we both only had 3 shots on target and whilst they did have 16 corners I still don't thin they did enough to win the game. I still think a point was a fair result
Harry Posted September 17, 2017 Posted September 17, 2017 3 minutes ago, Rob k said: We had 59% possession albeit we were terrible, we both only had 3 shots on target and whilst they did have 16 corners I still don't thin they did enough to win the game. I still think a point was a fair result Same shots on target but theirs were more clear cut. The one that springs to mind was jed Wallace in front the Atyeo.
Admin Ian M Posted September 17, 2017 Admin Posted September 17, 2017 As I have posted elsewhere, I think there has been a difference in approach from LJ since the latest international break. Whether it was a contributory factor to his thinking or not, last season the turnaround was based on largely keeping the same XI starting wherever possible. Lee started this season in the same manner, in my opinion to the detriment of our intended tactics. Since the international break, LJ has started making a handful of changes to the side each game and things like shots on target faced are far lower than at the start of the season. If I am correct and the squad rotation is indeed helping our performances we may see that our form since the break is more indicative of how we will do this season rather than our results before it.
glastonred Posted September 17, 2017 Posted September 17, 2017 Don't forget that one person we definitely need to give a lot of credit to is Frankie. His saves have kept us in it on lots of occasions this season. he might not be the greatest kicker of the ball, but he sure makes up for it with his superb reflexes. His form has been crucial...
Robin101 Posted September 17, 2017 Posted September 17, 2017 45 minutes ago, glastonred said: Don't forget that one person we definitely need to give a lot of credit to is Frankie. His saves have kept us in it on lots of occasions this season. he might not be the greatest kicker of the ball, but he sure makes up for it with his superb reflexes. His form has been crucial... Agreed. He's been a revelation.
steviestevieneville Posted September 17, 2017 Posted September 17, 2017 2 hours ago, Harry said: I'm not getting carried away. There's a lot of hyperbole on this forum today - which I can fully understand after such a great result AND performance v Derby. Let's not get ahead of ourselves though. Here's how I see this season so far : Barnsley - great 1st half vs a team who are clearly going to be in the bottom 6 this year. What we got - 3 points. What we deserved - 3 points. Brum - a good 20 minute spell in 1st half, otherwise we were outplayed by a team who've lost all their other games this season. What we got - 0 points. What we deserved - 0 points. Brentford - most one-sided game in many a year. Thoroughly outplayed by a team who've not managed many positive results as yet. What we got - 1 point. What we deserved - 0 points. Millwall - worst city performance of the season. Bullied out of the game by a team who will be bottom half without doubt. What we got - 1 point. What we deserved - 0 points. Villa - fairly open and even game. Could easily have gone either way. What we got - 1 point. What we deserved - 1 point. Reading - very professional performance vs a possible contender. What we got - 3 points. What we deserved - 3 points. Wolves - craziest 2nd half of football I've witnessed in a long time. Totally outplayed for the majority and could do easily have lost this 6-3. What we got - 1 point. What we deserved - 0 points. Derby - astounding 2nd half, fully deserved win vs experienced side. What we got - 3 points. What we deserved - 3 points. So overall, we have 13 points. The way the games could so easily have gone we could have 10. Still a decent return. But I'm not getting carried away just yet. We've basically snuck 3 draws where we've been 2nd best by a long way, which in one way bodes well for our resilience but could also be looked at as a worry that we were outplayed by the likes of Millwall, Brum, Brentford. Thought we deserved something at Brum, had plenty of chances. Thing is, anyone can beat anyone on their day and this league is so competitive that every team we play will have spells of pressure. Millwall have a way of playing that's getting results and other styles of play in the championship which makes it so interesting. There will be games where we deserve 3 points and will come away with none, it's the beauty of the league.
Bobfish Posted September 17, 2017 Posted September 17, 2017 I don’t think we will and the reason for this, I feel, is LJ is now able to get the team to play in the manner he stated he wanted the team to play in an interview post derby, not last season, but the season before. He tried the high pressing game that is working so well now last season, but the thing with a high press is that everyone across the width of the pitch has to do it to close down the passing options, and last season that didn’t happen (LT and others) often leaving the team looking disjointed. Then when the losses started he played about with formations and tactics etc to fit LT in, to try and stop the rot, adding to the confusion. I think it has taken this preseason to really drill all the players into this high press, led from the front, of course, by the work rate of bobby and FD. I think this is one reason why Engvall was loaned out again, because against Barnsley, I think, when he came on as sub, his high press was half-hearted and failed to stop the move that eventually led to their goal; of course Engvall wasn’t with us all of preseason to be drilled in this. Neither was Woodrow, but at least he is used to the pace and physicality of the championship. As others have said, we are more resilient with tough players having joined us. And a lesson learned from the end of last season, having the wide midfielders cover the full backs makes us solid. I know C’odowda gets some stick on here, but he works hard defensively, as all our players do (now LT is gone, cough). I wanted LJ gone last season post Cardiff (second game), but I am glad to see he has “got all his ducks in a row” now. Credit where credit due. However we still have room to improve and need a plan b, for example when millwall outmuscled us. I don’t think we will fold like last season though and we now have depth in all positions on the pitch, so much so that the competition for each position is just that, real competition from players well-drilled in their role within the team. And with the high intensity of our game we will need to rotate. Even if we had eleven injuries, we could field a strong team, although some of the new boys need a bit of coaching to get up to speed (Eliasson defensively, for example – we will see against stoke how that has progressed.) I’m looking forward to a good season, but I don’t think we are playoff material quite yet, but then we are no longer relegation battle material either. Hopefully.
RedLionLad Posted September 17, 2017 Posted September 17, 2017 4 hours ago, Harry said: I'm not getting carried away. There's a lot of hyperbole on this forum today - which I can fully understand after such a great result AND performance v Derby. Let's not get ahead of ourselves though. Here's how I see this season so far : Barnsley - great 1st half vs a team who are clearly going to be in the bottom 6 this year. What we got - 3 points. What we deserved - 3 points. Brum - a good 20 minute spell in 1st half, otherwise we were outplayed by a team who've lost all their other games this season. What we got - 0 points. What we deserved - 0 points. Brentford - most one-sided game in many a year. Thoroughly outplayed by a team who've not managed many positive results as yet. What we got - 1 point. What we deserved - 0 points. Millwall - worst city performance of the season. Bullied out of the game by a team who will be bottom half without doubt. What we got - 1 point. What we deserved - 0 points. Villa - fairly open and even game. Could easily have gone either way. What we got - 1 point. What we deserved - 1 point. Reading - very professional performance vs a possible contender. What we got - 3 points. What we deserved - 3 points. Wolves - craziest 2nd half of football I've witnessed in a long time. Totally outplayed for the majority and could do easily have lost this 6-3. What we got - 1 point. What we deserved - 0 points. Derby - astounding 2nd half, fully deserved win vs experienced side. What we got - 3 points. What we deserved - 3 points. So overall, we have 13 points. The way the games could so easily have gone we could have 10. Still a decent return. But I'm not getting carried away just yet. We've basically snuck 3 draws where we've been 2nd best by a long way, which in one way bodes well for our resilience but could also be looked at as a worry that we were outplayed by the likes of Millwall, Brum, Brentford. 5 Millwall beat the previously unbeaten league leaders yesterday, Leeds, who have looked pretty good in all departments in their last 7 games. There will be plenty of surprise results in the league this year, just like there was last year. Sit back everyone and enjoy the ride !
DaveInSA Posted September 18, 2017 Posted September 18, 2017 I've decided to get off the fence. No, I don't think we can have that deadly run again. This league is fiercely competitive. On paper, we'll lose against teams we should have won against (Brum) and we'll beat teams that we have no right to (Derby). We have a young squad, who needed to buy into the ethos of the coach. LT confused everything last year and he's doing the same at Cardiff. He's a maverick. He couldn't play the high press game and he was a bad egg. Amazing talent though. The major difference, watching from afar in Africa is that we're resilient. We are organised and tough to score against. That is the most difficult thing to get right in football. The Villa game (the only one I have seen) we were short in midfield. That was our only weak point in the game. I hope that the coaching team and players have learnt from our mistakes. If they have, we'll do OK this season. We might even be dark horses for the play offs.
BobBobSuperBob Posted September 18, 2017 Posted September 18, 2017 15 hours ago, Bobfish said: I don’t think we will and the reason for this, I feel, is LJ is now able to get the team to play in the manner he stated he wanted the team to play in an interview post derby, not last season, but the season before. He tried the high pressing game that is working so well now last season, but the thing with a high press is that everyone across the width of the pitch has to do it to close down the passing options, and last season that didn’t happen (LT and others) often leaving the team looking disjointed. Then when the losses started he played about with formations and tactics etc to fit LT in, to try and stop the rot, adding to the confusion. I think it has taken this preseason to really drill all the players into this high press, led from the front, of course, by the work rate of bobby and FD. I think this is one reason why Engvall was loaned out again, because against Barnsley, I think, when he came on as sub, his high press was half-hearted and failed to stop the move that eventually led to their goal; of course Engvall wasn’t with us all of preseason to be drilled in this. Neither was Woodrow, but at least he is used to the pace and physicality of the championship. As others have said, we are more resilient with tough players having joined us. And a lesson learned from the end of last season, having the wide midfielders cover the full backs makes us solid. I know C’odowda gets some stick on here, but he works hard defensively, as all our players do (now LT is gone, cough). I wanted LJ gone last season post Cardiff (second game), but I am glad to see he has “got all his ducks in a row” now. Credit where credit due. However we still have room to improve and need a plan b, for example when millwall outmuscled us. I don’t think we will fold like last season though and we now have depth in all positions on the pitch, so much so that the competition for each position is just that, real competition from players well-drilled in their role within the team. And with the high intensity of our game we will need to rotate. Even if we had eleven injuries, we could field a strong team, although some of the new boys need a bit of coaching to get up to speed (Eliasson defensively, for example – we will see against stoke how that has progressed.) I’m looking forward to a good season, but I don’t think we are playoff material quite yet, but then we are no longer relegation battle material either. Hopefully. And breathe Bob.......... Bloody good post btw , with some very good points
RedLionLad Posted September 18, 2017 Posted September 18, 2017 11 minutes ago, BobBobSuperBob said: And breathe Bob.......... Bloody good post btw , with some very good points I'm only half way through his post,.... .......and I started before 11 o'clock last night !
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