Obviously still not mathematically safe but that's a big step in the right direction, at this point we can't relax but neither do we need to but the panic button if we get less than three points next time round.
Don’t want our goal difference to be a factor, but … Lapslie coming on today was such a game changer. Some on the match thread ridiculing it. Got to trust in LB.
Massive result. Wasn’t expecting anything other than a defeat on the first half performance. Inspired substitution from Bowyer. Really pleased for Lapslie. Dread to think what would have happened had we lost Taylor. I’d be tempted to keep him as Captain as well.
Hold my hands up, when I saw Lapslie coming on I thought shit that's negative but he changed the game.
If he'd been coming on for a forward or Oztumer then yes but we plainly needed a midfielder - any midfielder - to replace Deji
You were pretty scathing of his substitute appearances before the game, maybe you could "hold your hands up" too.
Scathing of times he's been introduced for an attacking player. This time he was introduced for our defensive pivot, which is a new one for him, and which I was even at the time in agreement with
It has occurred to me that being team captain next season might be one of the unnamed things Lee said Lyle wanted to happen before he would consider signing a new contract. The absence of other senior players such as Pearce & Solly today might have made it an uncontroversial game to give it a trial without putting other noses out of joint.
I don't really know why people weren't happy to see Lapslie come on. We clearly needed more control of the middle of the park and Lapslie brings so much energy, just like Gallagher used to. If you're not playing a very wide line-up then you have to have players who can get around the pitch constantly and Lapslie can do that, even if he's not technically the best footballer. Shame Deji was so poor at holding midfield today as I don't think Bowyer really rates him as a CB either.
The important thing is though that's 3 essential points. At 2-1 I was terrified of a late equaliser but we've managed to turn the screw today and finish the game off which is so important. Being able to bring on players who can change a game in different ways as well is very welcome. Shame that Wigan and Barnsley won; people can be happy that Middlesbrough dropped points but when it's as tight as this it doesn't matter if you're 18th or 21st when one win can flip the whole thing round; I'd much rather have the bottom three cut away completely. Not going to happen though, so we need to make sure we're picking up points in some of our winnable games coming up, hopefully meaning that the Wigan match is just a means to finishing the season rather than a relegation deathmatch. I have a bad feeling about Wigan at the moment.
Hold my hands up, when I saw Lapslie coming on I thought shit that's negative but he changed the game.
If he'd been coming on for a forward or Oztumer then yes but we plainly needed a midfielder - any midfielder - to replace Deji
You were pretty scathing of his substitute appearances before the game, maybe you could "hold your hands up" too.
Scathing of times he's been introduced for an attacking player. This time he was introduced for our defensive pivot, which is a new one for him, and which I was even at the time in agreement with
He didn't play in that position though did he, Davis did. Just praise his performance rather than look to say "see I was right!" which you often do.
LB got everything spot on today. When we saw Lapslie was coming on everyone thought it was too negative but he changed the game. As already mentioned, a Gallagher-esque performance from him. Also, bringing on Bonne for Oztumer and putting Taylor at the number 10 role was surprising yet very effective. He dictated the tempo in that position, and was largely involved in our 3rd, as was Bonne who provided the assist.
LB got everything spot on today. When we saw Lapslie was coming on everyone thought it was too negative but he changed the game. As already mentioned, a Gallagher-esque performance from him. Also, bringing on Bonne for Oztumer and putting Taylor at the number 10 role was surprising yet very effective. He dictated the tempo in that position, and was largely involved in our 3rd, as was Bonne who provided the assist.
All subs spot on but not the starting eleven. Lets not forget how shit we were first half.
As I say, there are two parts of every substitution - the player going off as well as on. If people saw Oshilaja going off as negative then they really weren't thinking straight - the only people on the bench I'd have seen coming on for him were Pearce and Lapslie, with the latter the less negative option
As I say, there are two parts of every substitution - the player going off as well as on. If people saw Oshilaja going off as negative then they really weren't thinking straight - the only people on the bench I'd have seen coming on for him were Pearce and Lapslie, with the latter the less negative option
At the time I'd have had McGeady on for him, which is why I thought it was negative. I was wrong.
Pretty dreadful first half. Usual defensive frailties, really struggled to clear our lines, poor decision making on the ball, and no clear link between midfield and attack. Thought we looked very poor and a moment of magic from Taylor saved us going in a goal behind. Thank goodness Luton are such a poor side otherwise it would’ve been another Blackburn or Stoke.
Two big let offs early in the second half - free header from a corner and then, probably, a wrongly disallowed goal after more ponderous possession in midfield.
Finally, though, Bowyer made the much needed change to the midfield and everything changed. Lapslie changed everything. Suddenly we had energy in midfield, everyone looked comfortable with their roles, and we had links between all the lines. Our early season balance was back. The fact he won the penalty and scored the clincher were just icing on the cake.
Strong showing from Dills, dealt with everything he could reasonably be expected to. Matthews was good and best of the defenders. Doughty looks to have lost his early fearlessness and looks a bit tentative to me, but was far from dreadful. Lockyer was ropey as in the first half, better second (no coincidence that the midfield was providing better protection), Sarr very unlucky not to score and generally decent otherwise. Cullen played well, very busy and getting his touch and sharpness of turn and passing back, more to come from him as he finds that last 5% of fitness. Deji, he’s a trier but absolutely no need to have in that midfield with two other defensive minded players. Davis looked lost on the right of the diamond, but much better at the base in the second half. Ozzy, in and out of the game but nearly unlocked them a few times, overdue a goal now. Green tried but didn’t really affect the game that much and missed an absolute sitter, his pace is an outlet though. Taylor, only one to put on a full 90 minutes of good quality, and a magic goal. Without him we’d already be down. Bonne looked decent when he came on, another assist and a physical handful for their defence - he’s learning more and more tricks from Taylor.
Conditions were poor with the wind, saw two lots of double headers in the first half. Sarr unlucky in hitting the bar with a right foot volley. Had the Luton player let the shot go in instead and kicking it and being offside, it might have been a different game. Battled well in the end and a deserved result.
LB got everything spot on today. When we saw Lapslie was coming on everyone thought it was too negative but he changed the game. As already mentioned, a Gallagher-esque performance from him. Also, bringing on Bonne for Oztumer and putting Taylor at the number 10 role was surprising yet very effective. He dictated the tempo in that position, and was largely involved in our 3rd, as was Bonne who provided the assist.
All subs spot on but not the starting eleven. Lets not forget how shit we were first half.
We need to stop playing two 'defensive midfielders' in our 5-3-2/4-1-2-1-2. We can't retain the ball and lose out in the midfield most of the time we do. Obviously the lose of Gallagher, and Williams been made out of glass has made this difficult.
When Pratley comes back I hope its either him or Davis and not both of them. Lapslie is great, but not sure he is the long term solution. I'd prefer Morgan but it's clear that Bowyer does not rate him.
MASSIVE result for us.... Whatever Lyle wants for him to sign a new contract, just give it to him. I know no player is bigger than the club but Lyle 100% is and that has clearly shown since he came back from injury.
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29/02 - Huddersfield (A) - 17th
07/03 - Middlesbrough (H) - 22nd
14/03 - Hull (A) - 24th
17/03 - QPR (H) - 20th
We sit 7th in the form table (10 points from our last 6)
Lapslie coming on today was such a game changer. Some on the match thread ridiculing it. Got to trust in LB.
They even shaft us when we're not playing them.
Dread to think what would have happened had we lost Taylor. I’d be tempted to keep him as Captain as well.
It has occurred to me that being team captain next season might be one of the unnamed things Lee said Lyle wanted to happen before he would consider signing a new contract. The absence of other senior players such as Pearce & Solly today might have made it an uncontroversial game to give it a trial without putting other noses out of joint.
Square pegs in round holes.
Play a player in his own specialist position. That's what he was developed to do - and where he will play best.
"If Lyle Taylor decides to stop football I think he'd make a god ballerina"
More cutting edge insight later but now I have to take her out for dinner...
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Strong showing from Dills, dealt with everything he could reasonably be expected to. Matthews was good and best of the defenders. Doughty looks to have lost his early fearlessness and looks a bit tentative to me, but was far from dreadful. Lockyer was ropey as in the first half, better second (no coincidence that the midfield was providing better protection), Sarr very unlucky not to score and generally decent otherwise. Cullen played well, very busy and getting his touch and sharpness of turn and passing back, more to come from him as he finds that last 5% of fitness. Deji, he’s a trier but absolutely no need to have in that midfield with two other defensive minded players. Davis looked lost on the right of the diamond, but much better at the base in the second half. Ozzy, in and out of the game but nearly unlocked them a few times, overdue a goal now. Green tried but didn’t really affect the game that much and missed an absolute sitter, his pace is an outlet though. Taylor, only one to put on a full 90 minutes of good quality, and a magic goal. Without him we’d already be down. Bonne looked decent when he came on, another assist and a physical handful for their defence - he’s learning more and more tricks from Taylor.
When Pratley comes back I hope its either him or Davis and not both of them. Lapslie is great, but not sure he is the long term solution. I'd prefer Morgan but it's clear that Bowyer does not rate him.