Having watched the extended highlights back, I have got to say it only reiterates the point I made regarding Forster-Caskey.
In the first half, he nearly scored from a little flick by running to the front post from a low cross by Smyth. It was a good instinctive save by the keeper.
He won an important header on half way, setting Smyth free to win the free kick, in which Forster-Caskey hit the bar from.
It was Forster-Caskey who played an intelligent clipped ball up to Pratley to flick on, then Aneke nearly scored from his excellent swivel and shot.
Yes he gave the ball away a couple of times needlessly, but if you watch carefully, he works hard to get back and he also is very aware defensively when the ball comes into the box. Always looking at where his player is, always ensuring he is goal side.
In the second half, when Aneke again turned brilliantly, skipped passed a few players to play in Pratley, Forster-Caskey was on the other side of the box, waiting at the back post should the ball fell to him.
It was Forster-Caskey who picked up the ball on half way, to drive forward and win the free kick, of which he stepped up and scored from.
It was also Forster-Caskey who won a loose ball in the middle third again, after a long goal kick from Amos. He drove forward onto the right hand side of the box and pulled it back. Pratley couldn't quite get the right connection on it to score, but it was another positive move. His anticipation is very good.
The more I watch him, the more he reminds me in a way of Jackson, the way he plays, the positions he takes up. I am not saying he's as good, but he most certainly has the same type of traits.
His overall game on Saturday was excellent and I think he deserves to start tonight.
That was how JFC was playing 2 years ago before his injury, breaking into the box late, something which is crucial in his position.
He's definitely a much better player given licence to break forward, rather than being stuck in a defensive role
Aneke was my man of the match but I just can’t see him being our main goal threat this season. He holds it up pretty well. Wins a few decent flick ons but his style is lumbering and that’s not meant to be an insult. He’s not got enough explosive qualities needed to get 10 - 12 goals a season never mind 20. Can’t see him partnering Bogle either. I’m sure we tried for another mobile striker but I still feel we won’t score enough goals to get promoted.
I would tend to agree on the 'lumbering' comment because it always seems to look that way. But on closer inspection you can see Chucks is pretty quick when running with the ball, maybe that's because it would take a brave defender to try to stop him!
Thing is I really like Chuks. He’s got bags of ability but a number nine he’s not. My feeling is that our defence is key to any success this season. If we can become difficult to beat then we might just grind out enough wins to reach the playoffs. Sandgaard wanted to see 4 - 3 wins not 1 - 0 wins. I’m willing to bet he won’t see many games when we score 4.
Too early to say for me. We've yet to see the team come together. Yet to see the effect Maddison has on the team and everyone at full fitness and gelled. Yet to see Bogle or Smyth given a run. A lot of unknowns remain.
When it all comes together our attacking play might look a lot different. And to be fair, compared to the Sunderland game where we didn't register a shot and barely even made it into their final third, it's already made some strides.
I agree with that last comment but it’s still worrying that we’ve not scored from open play in nearly five hours.
Aneke was my man of the match but I just can’t see him being our main goal threat this season. He holds it up pretty well. Wins a few decent flick ons but his style is lumbering and that’s not meant to be an insult. He’s not got enough explosive qualities needed to get 10 - 12 goals a season never mind 20. Can’t see him partnering Bogle either. I’m sure we tried for another mobile striker but I still feel we won’t score enough goals to get promoted.
I would tend to agree on the 'lumbering' comment because it always seems to look that way. But on closer inspection you can see Chucks is pretty quick when running with the ball, maybe that's because it would take a brave defender to try to stop him!
Thing is I really like Chuks. He’s got bags of ability but a number nine he’s not. My feeling is that our defence is key to any success this season. If we can become difficult to beat then we might just grind out enough wins to reach the playoffs. Sandgaard wanted to see 4 - 3 wins not 1 - 0 wins. I’m willing to bet he won’t see many games when we score 4.
Too early to say for me. We've yet to see the team come together. Yet to see the effect Maddison has on the team and everyone at full fitness and gelled. Yet to see Bogle or Smyth given a run. A lot of unknowns remain.
When it all comes together our attacking play might look a lot different. And to be fair, compared to the Sunderland game where we didn't register a shot and barely even made it into their final third, it's already made some strides.
I agree with that last comment but it’s still worrying that we’ve not scored from open play in nearly five hours.
It is concerning, but we’ve also not conceded in 3 hours. I believe things will come together at striking end of the pitch once the attacking players have got used to each other.
Despite their parlous state and having lost a lot of good players, Wigan gave it a right good go .. this season will be no pushover for whatever teams get promoted .. AND, why does Bowyer still get his teams to go on the defensive after going one up ? .. this only encourages the opposition as it has done for the past two seasons .. a bit of caution ? yes, total surrender of territory ?, NO
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He's definitely a much better player given licence to break forward, rather than being stuck in a defensive role
We need him attacking as he is creative too something we've lacked since Gallagher left.