To be fair that injury wrecked team never gave up or let their heads go down and kept going right to the end. You can only praise them for that.
But ...
Defensively, we were an absolute shambles for much of the night. If the Luton forwards could have shot straight, we could have been thrashed. And I have to say that LB's decision to go with only 3 in midfield didn't help.
One thing that annoyed the hell out of me tonight was our corners. They are pathetic and offered no danger whatsoever. Don't the players practise them? One things for sure - JJ needs to get them sorted out quickly.
A disappointing night. Not unexpected with that team but if it carries on like this much longer it's going to be a very long season that is surely going to see us struggle to stay up.
Only concern is the fact that we're failing to win because of our defence (Page the only one out) Bowyer will sort it though, have every faith in him - Get the senior players back further up the pitch and we wont find ourselves losing the ball as often
To be fair that injury wrecked team never gave up or let their heads go down and kept going right to the end. You can only praise them for that.
But ...
Defensively, we were an absolute shambles for much of the night. If the Luton forwards could have shot straight, we could have been thrashed. And I have to say that LB's decision to go with only 3 in midfield didn't help.
One thing that annoyed the hell out of me tonight was our corners. They are pathetic and offered no danger whatsoever. Don't the players practise them? One things for sure - JJ needs to get them sorted out quickly.
A disappointing night. Not unexpected with that team but if it carries on like this much longer it's going to be a very long season that is surely going to see us struggle to stay up.
Bowyer’s decision to play three midfielders?
We only have three midfielders! One of them we just recalled from loan in non-league.
There was no decision about it. His hands were tied.
Only concern is the fact that we're failing to win because of our defence (Page the only one out) Bowyer will sort it though, have every faith in him - Get the senior players back further up the pitch and we wont find ourselves losing the ball as often
Page, JFC and Matthews all missing and they'd have offered arguably more than Solly and Purrington (latter was decent but not really a forward threat). But yeah, our defence wasn't protected. We need to work out how to play without Cullen, and fast.
Need to get something from Saturday’s game. There are five teams we haven’t yet played. Seven points from those games takes us to 30 at the half way stage. Would we have settled for that at the start of the season? Then, hopefully, we have Taylor, Williams and Aneke back from injury. Gallagher will return from his ban. Matthews will be fitter. Bonne has proved himself capable at this level but might need a rest. Leko is scoring. Not sure where we are with Kayal and Hemed. A full squad is more than capable in this league and we need to keep supporting the team through this horrendous injury period.
Only concern is the fact that we're failing to win because of our defence (Page the only one out) Bowyer will sort it though, have every faith in him - Get the senior players back further up the pitch and we wont find ourselves losing the ball as often
Page, JFC and Matthews all missing and they'd have offered arguably more than Solly and Purrington (latter was decent but not really a forward threat). But yeah, our defence wasn't protected. We need to work out how to play without Cullen, and fast.
THAT SAID, Phillips didn't have that much to do
You also have to wonder if Bowyer would be playing with Wing-Backs so often if we had more Midfielders available Matthews certainly offers more at the moment than Solly but think thats because he's more suited as a Wing-Back whereas Solly is more than good enough as part of a back four
This is what happens when you get such a severe injury crisis. We played a formation to suit the players we had available for selection and their four man midfield passed around our three with ease. Albie didn't play too badly but you can see why Lee Bowyer wanted him to learn his defensive trade more on loan at a lower level. When we brought Alfie Doughty on and matched up tactically we looked much better, getting on the front foot and putting their defence under pressure. If we had taken the game to them from the off I think we could have got a result tonight. Alfie did very well, building on his cameo at the weekend and contributing all over the pitch. I think Leko had his best game for us, although he faded a bit as the match wore on. Him, together with Pratley, Bonne and Pearce were our standout performers in what was generally a pretty sub-standard performance. Conor was below par by his own incredible standards but we can forgive him that.
But, we are scratching around at present, trying to snatch whatever points we can. Getting our better players back from injury is obviously key but Lee has to avoid the temptation of bringing them back too quickly and risking further damage. Be patient, ride out the storm and aim to have a strong run when we are able to field a proper Championship eleven.
At the end of the day we didn't look anywhere near as bad as many, including myself have made out.
Phillips - solid game, not much could be done about either goal... Feels like I say that weekly now. Lockyer, Pearce and Sarr - look woeful together. We looked even weaker at the back when Sarr was hooked. Solly - was poor bar a few crosses. Purrington - was anonymous bar one clearance. Gallagher - started poorly but was trying to carry the team, you're 19 lad don't try to carry the weight of a senior team. So unlucky with the shot off the post. Second half was better but other than maybe Leko and Bonne, players aren't on his wavelength. Pratley was middle of last season Pratley. Morgan - tried hard isn't tenacious like Cullen but has a better pass on him. Just needs to refine the rest of his game. Learn all you can from Cullen and you'll be a good player. Leko - what a game, if everyone else was as tuned in today as he was it'd have been 3 or 4 goals for us. Bonne - Worked really hard, faded last 10. - Doughty - Has something special. Davison - No time to do anything.
The old adage you won't win anything with kids! Morgan gave the ball away a lot although grew into game 2nd half. Too easy for their midfield tonight. Gallagher worked his socks off and was unlucky with 2nd half strike that hit post but thought we were poor and always looked vulnerable. Poor clearance by Sarr for equalizer.
Great start away from home. Notwithstanding the contentious offside for their goal we should have cleared the ball before Sarr, I think, teed up their scorer. Their second was again down to our own cock up, poor control by Pratley, when pushing forward near halfway and Lockyer losing their man to score and go 1-2 behind. To their credit we never gave up spurred on by the youngsters who acquitted themselves well and Luton were glad to hear the final whistle. Gallagher suspended on Saturday now with 5 bookings but every confidence in Doughty and Morgan to stay in the side and whoever else gets fit, hopefully Oshilaja and Oztumer at least. It is what it is with our injury situation it's Individual errors and poor defending that is costing us. Mom Leko who took his goal well and had his best game for us.
We panic in defence and can't clear the ball - did the same thing on Saturday. Need a lot more composure otherwise we'll keep conceding. Can't blame the midfield for this.
Very impressed with Alfie Doughty tonight. Tenacious and skillful. Good movement. One substantial bright spot if he can make the most of our depleted squad situation.
To be fair that injury wrecked team never gave up or let their heads go down and kept going right to the end. You can only praise them for that.
But ...
Defensively, we were an absolute shambles for much of the night. If the Luton forwards could have shot straight, we could have been thrashed. And I have to say that LB's decision to go with only 3 in midfield didn't help.
One thing that annoyed the hell out of me tonight was our corners. They are pathetic and offered no danger whatsoever. Don't the players practise them? One things for sure - JJ needs to get them sorted out quickly.
A disappointing night. Not unexpected with that team but if it carries on like this much longer it's going to be a very long season that is surely going to see us struggle to stay up.
Bowyer’s decision to play three midfielders?
We only have three midfielders! One of them we just recalled from loan in non-league.
There was no decision about it. His hands were tied.
Take your point. But was Oshilaja fit to play? Or he could have played Leko wide right in a midfield 4. He could started Doughty there after a good performance after coming on last Saturday. Or even the kid Vennings.
None of those options perfect I admit but options nonetheless.
Defensively we are woeful and it’s the area where injuries havent taken their toll. Simply not good enough and needs addressing massively whether it be a kick up the arse for Lockyer and Pearce or a change it tactics from Bowyer.
Yep, said the same at half time on Saturday. I have zero confidence in us keeping a clean sheet at the mo. Don’t think it’s just a couple of defenders, it’s us across the team as a defensive unit. Other team get into the final third a d just find bal, to feet space too easily.
Has any team dropped more points from winning positions?
as Tom Petty sang, we are free, free falling.
Nottingham Forest (D) | Swansea (L) | Fulham (D) | Bristol City (L) | Cardiff (D) | Luton (L) When we've conceded first Barnsley (D) | West Brom (D), dont get the first goal and we're fucked Midweek form this season: (D)(L)(L)(L) - Saturday form after midweek: (W)(D)(D)(?)
from our goal in the 7th minute was it really over an hour till our next attempt on target (that's what the tv commentator said) , that's lame against a team who had lost their last 5
Oh look, it's me again! With my usual stopped-clock words of wisdom. This, from Player Marks:
"Lockyer: 6.5 steady Sarr: 3 complete waste of player in first half due to formation. Wasn't in it apart from poor clearance"
I mean...maybe Sarr could have...I don't know, he was on the stretch...tried to put it out for a corner rather than out to the side? But he was pretty unlucky that an unmarked midfielder smashed it in from there.
But apart from that he didn't do a single thing wrong! No shit passes, no missed tackles, won a few headers, played some lovely balls.
And yet these are the marks! And Lockyer is 'steady' after THAT shitshow!
If we get the injured players back we will stay up.
We won't go up, forget it.
This is a freak injury crisis, for at least the second season in a row. Hamstrings, calfs and grions are preventable, knees, ankles, shoulders and fingers aren't.
Only, roughly, 3 injured players would have started tonight if everyone was fit
The fire and zip from the Leeds and Fulham games isn't there.
If we get the injured players back we will stay up.
We won't go up, forget it.
This is a freak injury crisis, for at least the second season in a row. Hamstrings, calfs and grions are preventable, knees, ankles, shoulders and fingers aren't.
Only, roughly, 3 injured players would have started tonight if everyone was fit
The fire and zip from the Leeds and Fulham games isn't there.
To be fair that injury wrecked team never gave up or let their heads go down and kept going right to the end. You can only praise them for that.
But ...
Defensively, we were an absolute shambles for much of the night. If the Luton forwards could have shot straight, we could have been thrashed. And I have to say that LB's decision to go with only 3 in midfield didn't help.
One thing that annoyed the hell out of me tonight was our corners. They are pathetic and offered no danger whatsoever. Don't the players practise them? One things for sure - JJ needs to get them sorted out quickly.
A disappointing night. Not unexpected with that team but if it carries on like this much longer it's going to be a very long season that is surely going to see us struggle to stay up.
The balls in were in dangerous areas but the lads didn't attack the ball once from a corner.
from our goal in the 7th minute was it really over an hour till our next attempt on target (that's what the tv commentator said) , that's lame against a team who had lost their last 5
Don't worry mate, Taylor will be back on Saturday.....................................................................
Comments
We really are struggling and can't see much changing on Saturday.
But it's a long season.
UTA
But ...
Defensively, we were an absolute shambles for much of the night. If the Luton forwards could have shot straight, we could have been thrashed. And I have to say that LB's decision to go with only 3 in midfield didn't help.
One thing that annoyed the hell out of me tonight was our corners. They are pathetic and offered no danger whatsoever. Don't the players practise them? One things for sure - JJ needs to get them sorted out quickly.
A disappointing night. Not unexpected with that team but if it carries on like this much longer it's going to be a very long season that is surely going to see us struggle to stay up.
Bowyer will sort it though, have every faith in him - Get the senior players back further up the pitch and we wont find ourselves losing the ball as often
Come on, folks. A bit of perspective.
This a bare bones team propped up with untried youngsters. So many key players missing.
They'll return in time and it'll turn around.
You don't think Bowyer and Jacko have thrown in the towel, do you?
We only have three midfielders! One of them we just recalled from loan in non-league.
There was no decision about it. His hands were tied.
THAT SAID, Phillips didn't have that much to do
Then, hopefully, we have Taylor, Williams and Aneke back from injury. Gallagher will return from his ban. Matthews will be fitter. Bonne has proved himself capable at this level but might need a rest. Leko is scoring. Not sure where we are with Kayal and Hemed.
A full squad is more than capable in this league and we need to keep supporting the team through this horrendous injury period.
Matthews certainly offers more at the moment than Solly but think thats because he's more suited as a Wing-Back whereas Solly is more than good enough as part of a back four
as Tom Petty sang, we are free, free falling.
Phillips - solid game, not much could be done about either goal... Feels like I say that weekly now.
Lockyer, Pearce and Sarr - look woeful together. We looked even weaker at the back when Sarr was hooked.
Solly - was poor bar a few crosses.
Purrington - was anonymous bar one clearance.
Gallagher - started poorly but was trying to carry the team, you're 19 lad don't try to carry the weight of a senior team. So unlucky with the shot off the post. Second half was better but other than maybe Leko and Bonne, players aren't on his wavelength.
Pratley was middle of last season Pratley.
Morgan - tried hard isn't tenacious like Cullen but has a better pass on him. Just needs to refine the rest of his game. Learn all you can from Cullen and you'll be a good player.
Leko - what a game, if everyone else was as tuned in today as he was it'd have been 3 or 4 goals for us.
Bonne - Worked really hard, faded last 10.
-
Doughty - Has something special.
Davison - No time to do anything.
To their credit we never gave up spurred on by the youngsters who acquitted themselves well and Luton were glad to hear the final whistle. Gallagher suspended on Saturday now with 5 bookings but every confidence in Doughty and Morgan to stay in the side and whoever else gets fit, hopefully Oshilaja and Oztumer at least. It is what it is with our injury situation it's Individual errors and poor defending that is costing us. Mom Leko who took his goal well and had his best game for us.
None of those options perfect I admit but options nonetheless.
A player that needed a rest. Not overly worried about a 1 game ban for Gallagher. It's a fixture we were bound to struggle in.
When we've conceded first
Barnsley (D) | West Brom (D), dont get the first goal and we're fucked
Midweek form this season: (D)(L)(L)(L) - Saturday form after midweek: (W)(D)(D)(?)
I said 21st would be a wonderful season, given the constraints Bowyer and co are operating under, and we have seen why over the past few games.
God forbid the lunatic selling someone important in January.
"Lockyer: 6.5 steady
Sarr: 3 complete waste of player in first half due to formation. Wasn't in it apart from poor clearance"
I mean...maybe Sarr could have...I don't know, he was on the stretch...tried to put it out for a corner rather than out to the side? But he was pretty unlucky that an unmarked midfielder smashed it in from there.
But apart from that he didn't do a single thing wrong! No shit passes, no missed tackles, won a few headers, played some lovely balls.
And yet these are the marks! And Lockyer is 'steady' after THAT shitshow!
I just don't like bias, that's all.
If we get the injured players back we will stay up.
We won't go up, forget it.
This is a freak injury crisis, for at least the second season in a row. Hamstrings, calfs and grions are preventable, knees, ankles, shoulders and fingers aren't.
Only, roughly, 3 injured players would have started tonight if everyone was fit
The fire and zip from the Leeds and Fulham games isn't there.