It wasn't a great watch but I felt comfortable, even after the sending off. Sending off was a bit silly, more so the first booking. I do wonder if when the team is relatively safe and key players are on bookings why they are not subbed off. When Inness was sent off Watson was a risk of us going down to nine and some refs might have sent him off for that hand ball even though there was no intent.
Anyway, another clean sheet. A game against a decent side on Saturday made tougher for the players we have missing.
It wasn't a great watch but I felt comfortable, even after the sending off. Sending off was a bit silly, more so the first booking. I do wonder if when the team is relatively safe and key players are on bookings why they are not subbed off. When Inness was sent off Watson was a risk of us going down to nine and some refs might have sent him off for that hand ball even though there was no intent.
Anyway, another clean sheet. A game against a decent side on Saturday made tougher for the players we have missing.
You are right, that's unfair. I meant lucky in terms of shot to goal ratio, but the wins weren't lucky in terms of game control.
You're right that it's still all a bit early and there are questions over the attack. But I feel like we would've got another one if we'd kept 11 men on the pitch yesterday. We were starting to play some really nice stuff.
Washington seems like the wildcard upfront for us this season. He makes clever runs in behind and has got three already.
Bogle? Not looking likely at the moment but he also looks so unfit. At 70 minutes yesterday the ball was running two yards in front of him and he was too knackered to go and get it. I agree that Smyth is more of a creator than a goalscorer.
I'm confident our attack will improve, it has to. They've only had four games together, they're not fit, we still have four first-11 players out in Maddison, Gilbey, Doughty and Aneke, all attack-minded. It's a work in progress. But the fact is, if our defense continues in this vein, we won't have to score many goals to win games.
Can see LB starting with the same side on Saturday but with Matthews coming in as Gunter moves to the centre and JFC in for Watson. Still good attacking players on the bench if we fall behind (Maddison, Williams, Aneke).
At last we can absorb injuries and suspensions although we could do without any more defenders going down.
You are right, that's unfair. I meant lucky in terms of shot to goal ratio, but the wins weren't lucky in terms of game control.
You're right that it's still all a bit early and there are questions over the attack. But I feel like we would've got another one if we'd kept 11 men on the pitch yesterday. We were starting to play some really nice stuff.
Washington seems like the wildcard upfront for us this season. He makes clever runs in behind and has got three already.
Bogle? Not looking likely at the moment but he also looks so unfit. At 70 minutes yesterday the ball was running two yards in front of him and he was too knackered to go and get it. I agree that Smyth is more of a creator than a goalscorer.
I'm confident our attack will improve, it has to. They've only had four games together, they're not fit, we still have four first-11 players out in Maddison, Gilbey, Doughty and Aneke, all attack-minded. It's a work in progress. But the fact is, if our defense continues in this vein, we won't have to score many goals to win games.
Yes there is hope things will get better, I understand that. 1 more thing. With our recent 100% ratio of shots on target to goals, people might suggest they were clear cut chances. Well here is a little more doom mongering. Of the past 6 goals:
Shinnee: goalkeeping error Washington: great run but he hit his finish inexplicably right at the keeper. I don't think he went for a nutmeg, it was quite lucky. Pratley: good goal Own goal: excellent run from doughty, final ball was a shocker and lucky to get an own goal JFC: goalkeeping error Chuks: good goal
Last night after the first 25 I thought we were being comfortably outplayed and is the first time in the new era I’ve had a few doubts that we won’t stroll in to the play offs with a chance of getting the top two
Defence is the best we’ve had in years - the rest I’m not totally convinced by yet but as has been said, let’s judge it when all are available - no complaints here, just happy the club and team are going in the right direction
v Oxford: 2 goals from 2 shots on target v Northampton: 2 goals from 2 shots on target v Blackpool: 1 goal from 1 shot on target v Wigan: 1 goal from 5 shots on target v Sunderland: 0 goals from 0 shots on target
Although it should be impossible to be negative after 4 wins and 5 clean sheets, this luck can't continue. And bear in mind that the 4 wins (with minimal chances created) were against the teams 23rd, 20th, 19th, and 18th in the table. And let's face it, we were bloody lucky not to concede against Sunderland.
When we signed Bogle and Smyth as strikers, everyone looked at their goal scoring records and were worried. Well they've both got 4 appearances to their name now and 0 goals. They don't naturally get into goal scoring positions, and Smyth just isn't a striker, so not sure why he was classified or signed as one. We are hanging our hats on Chuks, but he can't complete 90 mins and is injured half the time. Our best winger is now out for a couple of months or so.
Our attack is absolutely torrid. We shouldn't let 4 wins against relegation fodder disguise that fact. I see troubles ahead, unless Maddison makes a huge impact.
v Oxford: 2 goals from 2 shots on target v Northampton: 2 goals from 2 shots on target v Blackpool: 1 goal from 1 shot on target v Wigan: 1 goal from 5 shots on target v Sunderland: 0 goals from 0 shots on target
Although it should be impossible to be negative after 4 wins and 5 clean sheets, this luck can't continue. And bear in mind that the 4 wins (with minimal chances created) were against the teams 23rd, 20th, 19th, and 18th in the table. And let's face it, we were bloody lucky not to concede against Sunderland.
When we signed Bogle and Smyth as strikers, everyone looked at their goal scoring records and were worried. Well they've both got 4 appearances to their name now and 0 goals. They don't naturally get into goal scoring positions, and Smyth just isn't a striker, so not sure why he was classified or signed as one. We are hanging our hats on Chuks, but he can't complete 90 mins and is injured half the time. Our best winger is now out for a couple of months or so.
Our attack is absolutely torrid. We shouldn't let 4 wins against relegation fodder disguise that fact. I see troubles ahead, unless Maddison makes a huge impact.
What I wrote only better.
Bet you couldn’t wait for us to go under Golfie and Balham...so you would have an excuse to support Liverpool instead!
Last night after the first 25 I thought we were being comfortably outplayed and is the first time in the new era I’ve had a few doubts that we won’t stroll in to the play offs with a chance of getting the top two
Can see LB starting with the same side on Saturday but with Matthews coming in as Gunter moves to the centre and JFC in for Watson. Still good attacking players on the bench if we fall behind (Maddison, Williams, Aneke).
At last we can absorb injuries and suspensions although we could do without any more defenders going down.
Sounds like we Oxford were a tad unlucky though in first half
Oxford reminded me of the Duracell Bunny. Ran around as quickly as possible and kept chucking crosses into the box in the hope someone would get on the end of one. They’re not a bad side but they came up against a back five who stood firm
Sounds like we Oxford were a tad unlucky though in first half
Oxford reminded me of the Duracell Bunny. Ran around as quickly as possible and kept chucking crosses into the box in the hope someone would get on the end of one. They’re not a bad side but they came up against a back five who stood firm
Can see LB starting with the same side on Saturday but with Matthews coming in as Gunter moves to the centre and JFC in for Watson. Still good attacking players on the bench if we fall behind (Maddison, Williams, Aneke).
At last we can absorb injuries and suspensions although we could do without any more defenders going down.
Can see him playing 352 :
Amos
Gunter, Pratley, Famewo
Matthews, JFC, Shinnie, Levitt/ Williams, Maatsen
Smyth, Bogle/ Washington
Levitt as holding midfielder for sure. I hope it's the making of him
Loving every day of the TS era. Even happier that my two recent 2-0 predictions came off. I won’t chance it for the Portsmouth game - I just hope we remain their bogey team.
Wish we were luckier with injuries. Perhaps the SL Infirmary needs to have an extension or the whole 3rd floor added back and given over to injury rehab.
Solid and very unexciting. Very few chances created again and a member of the opposition obliges again by conceding a soft goal.
Thought Famewo and Maatsen were really outstanding. Very shrewd recruitment again. Shinnie was very good and our only creative outlet. The rest of our midfield and attack is very pedestrian.
Too soon to write anyone off but what is wrong with Watson? Looks like someone's Dad is playing for us at the moment.
Portsmouth will be a much sterner test. Shame about Mad Frankie Innis.
We are underwhelmed by Watson so far, as can be seen by the match thread, comments and marks, yet include him in the list of players we will sorely miss in our next game against the almighty Portsmouth!
Just to note - this free scoring, invincible Portsmouth are one point above us, while having played a game more.
Having the Ipswich game postponed has helped us, as we've begun to gel and they have dropped off a little. That surely must be a clever plan by Gallen (hence our 3 Welsh players) to give breathing space over the course of season, or purely accidental/coincidental?
Second booking for Inniss was harsh but his style makes him vulnerable to referees noticing him. Nice strike by Shinnie for second goal but the GK really needs to ask himself some serious questions about not at least getting a hand on it.
We are underwhelmed by Watson so far, as can be seen by the match thread, comments and marks, yet include him in the list of players we will sorely miss in our next game against the almighty Portsmouth!
Just to note - this free scoring, invincible Portsmouth are one point above us, while having played a game more.
Having the Ipswich game postponed has helped us, as we've begun to gel and they have dropped off a little. That surely must be a clever plan by Gallen (hence our 3 Welsh players) to give breathing space over the course of season, or purely accidental/coincidental?
A lot of people are saying he played well or are giving him a free pass, ignoring quite how much he spent the whole game hiding. I'm excited to see Levitt given another chance to correct his overplaying errors vs Sunderland, hopefully this time not in gale-force winds. (If I'm not allowed to make up my mind about Watson, you're not allowed to about Levitt)
A new team hastily put together as transfer deadline loomed, build from the back (think we are doing that), midfield will take time to get as will our forwards, whilst that’s happening we are keeping clean sheets (that’s a total team effort) and winning games. What’s not to like, not far short of 4 points per 2 games, once this team really gels a top 2 finish is a reality.
Of course sport is fall of ups and downs but confident we have a squad and team spirit to challenge for a top 2 slot. Come January might be interesting if loan players are recalled and Doughty moved on if not signed a contract but TS has cash so replacements could be found. Feeling more optimistic than I was 2 seasons ago in League 1 as bar Taylor the squad (Overall) in my opinion is better & similar to the squad Powell put together in terms of character and fight.
I’m pinning my attacking hopes on Maddison, Gilbey & Shinnie assisting/scoring for Chucks & Washington......Also transfer window in January do who knows what else we will do!
We are underwhelmed by Watson so far, as can be seen by the match thread, comments and marks, yet include him in the list of players we will sorely miss in our next game against the almighty Portsmouth!
Just to note - this free scoring, invincible Portsmouth are one point above us, while having played a game more.
Having the Ipswich game postponed has helped us, as we've begun to gel and they have dropped off a little. That surely must be a clever plan by Gallen (hence our 3 Welsh players) to give breathing space over the course of season, or purely accidental/coincidental?
A lot of people are saying he played well or are giving him a free pass, ignoring quite how much he spent the whole game hiding. I'm excited to see Levitt given another chance to correct his overplaying errors vs Sunderland, hopefully this time not in gale-force winds. (If I'm not allowed to make up my mind about Watson, you're not allowed to about Levitt)
Watson played really well yesterday, especially after Inniss was sent off. He does a side of the game that isn't glamorous but he allows our better players to play and gives confidence to others around him.
shakes head at some of the negative comments on this thread
- 4 wins on the bounce - not conceded for f**k knows how long - basically a new squad that are 3/4 weeks behind every other side - some absolutely quality new players still finding their feet, midfield will look a whole lot different in a few weeks I suspect - lucky to still have a club to support, let alone one that is absolutely flying at the moment
Yes we didn't get that 20 goal a season striker (the Danish fella was obviously ear marked for that but for obvious reasons he chose to stay where he was for the sake of his family), but I'm confident there's enough goals within our squad.
Just enjoy the ride....
I swear some people literally want us to fail and will love being able to say 'I told you so'?!?!
In previous seasons (especially last year), if we’d been 2-0 up with 30 minutes to go and then down to 10 men, I’d have been on edge of seat expecting a draw. Last night I was relaxed and enjoying the commentary still, convinced that our players were comfortable to allow Oxford good spells without conceding.
Comments
Anyway, another clean sheet. A game against a decent side on Saturday made tougher for the players we have missing.
Washington seems like the wildcard upfront for us this season. He makes clever runs in behind and has got three already.
Bogle? Not looking likely at the moment but he also looks so unfit. At 70 minutes yesterday the ball was running two yards in front of him and he was too knackered to go and get it. I agree that Smyth is more of a creator than a goalscorer.
I'm confident our attack will improve, it has to. They've only had four games together, they're not fit, we still have four first-11 players out in Maddison, Gilbey, Doughty and Aneke, all attack-minded. It's a work in progress. But the fact is, if our defense continues in this vein, we won't have to score many goals to win games.
At last we can absorb injuries and suspensions although we could do without any more defenders going down.
1 more thing. With our recent 100% ratio of shots on target to goals, people might suggest they were clear cut chances. Well here is a little more doom mongering. Of the past 6 goals:
Shinnee: goalkeeping error
Washington: great run but he hit his finish inexplicably right at the keeper. I don't think he went for a nutmeg, it was quite lucky.
Pratley: good goal
Own goal: excellent run from doughty, final ball was a shocker and lucky to get an own goal
JFC: goalkeeping error
Chuks: good goal
It can't be understated how lucky we have been.
Amos
Gunter, Pratley, Famewo
Matthews, JFC, Shinnie, Levitt/ Williams, Maatsen
Smyth, Bogle/ Washington
https://www.cafc.co.uk/news/view/5f989cd2b276d/bowyer-on-oxford-win-i-think-they-should-be-proud-of-that-because-i-am-proud-of-them
Shinnie is such a shrewd signing. Him and Famewo were a cut above.
Thought Famewo and Maatsen were really outstanding. Very shrewd recruitment again. Shinnie was very good and our only creative outlet. The rest of our midfield and attack is very pedestrian.
Too soon to write anyone off but what is wrong with Watson? Looks like someone's Dad is playing for us at the moment.
Portsmouth will be a much sterner test. Shame about Mad Frankie Innis.
We are underwhelmed by Watson so far, as can be seen by the match thread, comments and marks, yet include him in the list of players we will sorely miss in our next game against the almighty Portsmouth!
Just to note - this free scoring, invincible Portsmouth are one point above us, while having played a game more.
Having the Ipswich game postponed has helped us, as we've begun to gel and they have dropped off a little. That surely must be a clever plan by Gallen (hence our 3 Welsh players) to give breathing space over the course of season, or purely accidental/coincidental?
He'll be a huge miss on Saturday.
- 4 wins on the bounce
- not conceded for f**k knows how long
- basically a new squad that are 3/4 weeks behind every other side
- some absolutely quality new players still finding their feet, midfield will look a whole lot different in a few weeks I suspect
- lucky to still have a club to support, let alone one that is absolutely flying at the moment
Yes we didn't get that 20 goal a season striker (the Danish fella was obviously ear marked for that but for obvious reasons he chose to stay where he was for the sake of his family), but I'm confident there's enough goals within our squad.
Just enjoy the ride....
I swear some people literally want us to fail and will love being able to say 'I told you so'?!?!
“11 behind the ball mode”.
Twice now with a man short we still pushed forwards to defend.
Soooooo much better on the nerves👍