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)
You do speak some utter piffle at times. I think Watson has been awful so far but the last thing you could accuse him of is hiding. His whole game is the complete opposite of hiding.
I am sure that some of the teams above us will peak and run out of gas,Peterborough do it every year,Ipswich last year,and I cannot see Lincoln ,Hull and Doncaster continuing as they are,other teams (us) will not peak until we have our full squad match fit and ready to go.I forecast play off spot by new year,that has happened 2 months early,I now think top 2 by new year is realistic. Washington could be the 20 goal man,does not need many chances to score.Shame about Innis,but he was unlucky. The last two refs we have had have both been good,and very consistent,the one last night was appalling,how does a foul on the half way line warrent a booking,when a trip on a man through on goal does not,this drives players and managers mad.
Trying to keep my sensible head on and not get carried away but I certainly feel there is plenty of room for optimism this season. Yes, people can criticise certain parts of our recent performances. But, remember, things are only going to get better and not worse. We have cover throughout the squad and with the likes of Maddison and Gilbey still to throw into the mix, we can certainly make the play-offs at the very least. A massive plus from last night was Shinnie's performance, while Amos and Smyth deserve honourable mentions. Plus, Pratley and Watson did not do too badly (but, then, I am a fan of the old boys).
Innis was unfortunate to get the 2nd yellow .. 2 men going for the ball, 1 big, 1 small, the big one won and just stood his ground (but with a slightly over aggressive tackle) and the big man was sent off after the little man made not a meal but a feast of his 'injury' .. Oxford were not at all bad, we just scored 2 very good goals .. we don't look over convincing but are just not conceding goals and we're getting the breaks .. solid defence, attack is getting better, midfield needs sorting and fine tuning, keeper is as good as Phillips (LOL), management team is right on the case .. we'll have a stern test on Saturday without a couple of influential players and that will be a good indication of a) how good we really are and b) what needs to be done to keep up the challenge for the top .. so far, a good season that is gradually getting better
A quickly assembled squad after the season had already started, 8 games gone and already in 6th, 5 clean sheets on the trot. Bowyer/Gallen should not have to keep rebuilding a squad so many times but circumstances/crap owners dictated that. But yet again they have done it, of course bit all the signings will work but if the majority of them do that all you can ask, and yet again they have done it
The thing about Saturday is that whilst many have been calling for Watson and Pratley not to start together in midfield, most want one of them. Now it looks like Pratley will have to play centre half, which he can do well enough, but it has consequences for the midfield. We still have options though and Aneke to come back in.
We haven't conceded a goal in weeks! Watson has played most of the games as a DEFENSIVE midfielder. He's a big part of the reason that we've kept those clean sheets.
I really don't know what some of you are expecting from him??
Another reminder we may not have had a club a couple of months ago, but let's all have a moan up cos we've not created enough whilst winning 4 on the spin!
I think there are some thoughts on here regarding the second goal that seems to only blame the GK for a poorly made attempt to save, and in doing so takes away the praise due to Shinnie for the goal. I thought it was an excellently taken free kick, and the main reason the save wasn't made was down to the accuracy and pace of the kick, the GK was in perfect position, but because of the skill involved was unable to get anywhere near it.
In my view both yellow cards for Innes were legitimate within the rules of football. If the referee was good or bad in other instances seems irrelevant. We are now nicely back on the equivalent of having won every home game and drawn every away game which is the obvious target for success in my view. If we can continue on to win at home then one win and two defeats from the next three away is acceptable. My point being that a defeat at Portsmouth is recoverable especially as we remain a work in progress. Other teams will also get injuries and suspensions one time or another.
I think there are some thoughts on here regarding the second goal that seems to only blame the GK for a poorly made attempt to save, and in doing so takes away the praise due to Shinnie for the goal. I thought it was an excellently taken free kick, and the main reason the save wasn't made was down to the accuracy and pace of the kick, the GK was in perfect position, but because of the skill involved was unable to get anywhere near it.
agreed to a point .. you'd have expected a premier keeper to stop that shot .. Eastwood is not a premier keeper though he has been in the Oxford team for quite a long time and is very capable (usually) and experienced
I think there are some thoughts on here regarding the second goal that seems to only blame the GK for a poorly made attempt to save, and in doing so takes away the praise due to Shinnie for the goal. I thought it was an excellently taken free kick, and the main reason the save wasn't made was down to the accuracy and pace of the kick, the GK was in perfect position, but because of the skill involved was unable to get anywhere near it.
let's be honest, the keeper should have saved it but Shinnie had a great game and hit it as well as was possible. To defend the keeper slightly, he had to cover three possibilities. A floated ball for our strong in the air players to run on to, a curler in the top left corner and the shot that happened. It needed to be very powerful to have a chance and it paid off.
I agree with Seth, we can recover from a defeat at Portsmouth, and a draw would be great whilst a win would be fantastic. The depth of the squad is really being tested on Saturday and is up to it. I'm not so interested in the table at this moment, it is all about us. An average of two points is very likely to get you automatic promotion and that is where we are at now.
We all have different opinions and I wouldn't normally bother commenting on other fans views on players but I do think anyone who doesnt rate Watson is just plain bonkers. The guy is our heartbeat, our quarterback , he would be the first name on my teamsheet and probably is on Bowyer's. He has already made a huge difference to our team. Sure he gets booked a lot - inevitably he's lost some pace since he played in the Premiership but he is a lot older and we are in Div 1 and that's why we got him !! but the bloke never ever stops challenging. He is a very important player for us, possibly even the most important player.
Levitt has been absolute poo so far. I don't want him anywhere near the first squad.
For Saturday I'd hope we go 4-3-3 again. I don't want to see us mess with players natural positions too much, I'm not keen on us moving Gunter inside, instead I'd prefer we bring Barker back in to defence.
Another vital 3 points on the Thomas Sandgaard journey to global domination.
Injuries and cards continue to impact on our season. The mandatory yellow for Watson and Inniss cemented his cult hero status. Washington confirming that he is a 1 goal in 3 games goalscorer and Aneke, Maddison, Gilbey and Doughty (no time soon) being prepared so we can add some cream to the basic pudding.
League 1 continues to look a shadow of its former self when Norwich, Leeds and Southampton graced the 3rd tier but "it is what it is" and we will continue to negate the opposition and hope the keepers continue to have butter fingers (not Amos!) and we savour the crumbs on offer up front.
Master chef Darren Pratley told us it was going to be a long Slog; the proof of the pudding...
Levitt has been absolute poo so far. I don't want him anywhere near the first squad.
For Saturday I'd hope we go 4-3-3 again. I don't want to see us mess with players natural positions too much, I'm not keen on us moving Gunter inside, instead I'd prefer we bring Barker back in to defence.
Levitt has been absolute poo so far. I don't want him anywhere near the first squad.
For Saturday I'd hope we go 4-3-3 again. I don't want to see us mess with players natural positions too much, I'm not keen on us moving Gunter inside, instead I'd prefer we bring Barker back in to defence.
Amos
Matthews - Gunter - Famewo - Maatsen
Shinnie - Pratley - F.Caskey
Smyth - Aneke - Washtn
or
Amos
Gunter - Barker - Famewo - Maatsen
Agreed, both line ups look good with a 4-3-3, and like to welcome Aneke back, however, he will not make a full 90 mins, so will have to switch back to 4-4-2, but who comes in if not Levitt, maybe Morgan?
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.
I think it is fair comment to say that we were slightly lucky to get 4 wins in a row. We've not looked like losing any of them, but in different circumstances there could easily have been 1 or 2 extra nil nils in that run
The last time I looked at the league table was just before we went on this run. I have no intention of looking at it until we succumb to someone; which I hope will not be anytime soon!
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.
Last season we were up against far better players though. I'm sure our 2019/20 side would have held on to the win against Oxford last night as well
I think there are some thoughts on here regarding the second goal that seems to only blame the GK for a poorly made attempt to save, and in doing so takes away the praise due to Shinnie for the goal. I thought it was an excellently taken free kick, and the main reason the save wasn't made was down to the accuracy and pace of the kick, the GK was in perfect position, but because of the skill involved was unable to get anywhere near it.
And this is why you should shoot more. Who knows how many other teams goalkeepers might have flappy arms......most of the time we never know as we never test them.
Funny how so far this season we have scored 2 goals directly from free kicks, both of which people have deemed to have been "saveable".
As the old adage says..... if you don't shoot you won't score.
We haven't conceded a goal in weeks! Watson has played most of the games as a DEFENSIVE midfielder. He's a big part of the reason that we've kept those clean sheets.
I really don't know what some of you are expecting from him??
Totally agree. He breaks things up and is always going to pick up yellow cards. Shame he is ruled out for Saturday - we will miss him.
In my view both yellow cards for Innes were legitimate within the rules of football. If the referee was good or bad in other instances seems irrelevant. We are now nicely back on the equivalent of having won every home game and drawn every away game which is the obvious target for success in my view. If we can continue on to win at home then onec win and two defeats from the next three away is acceptable. My point being that a defeat at Portsmouth is recoverable especially as we remain a work in progress. Other teams will also get injuries and suspensions one time or another.
Absolutely... When I said it was frustrating we cant appeal its why someone replied saying we wouldnt win anyway
Trouble is though:
(1) Nearly every foul is deserving of a Yellow Card, whether its a late challenge or whether its a niggly challenge (2) The referee proved yesterday with Gorrin that he was being lenient with second / third fouls so where was the consistency? (3) Its also the sort of incident where the referee could easily pull the player aside, tell him he's on a fine line so be careful
The only defence I can give the referee is he had a word with Inniss over fouling the Goalkeeper; Inniss only a few minutes later has unfortunately gone into that challenge and the referee has thought: "Okay mate, you didnt listen when I told you off for the first yellow minutes ago, I cant be bothered with you anymore" - I wonder if the two yellow cards had been more spread out then we would have seen more of a ticking off from the referee
I think there are some thoughts on here regarding the second goal that seems to only blame the GK for a poorly made attempt to save, and in doing so takes away the praise due to Shinnie for the goal. I thought it was an excellently taken free kick, and the main reason the save wasn't made was down to the accuracy and pace of the kick, the GK was in perfect position, but because of the skill involved was unable to get anywhere near it.
agreed to a point .. you'd have expected a premier keeper to stop that shot .. Eastwood is not a premier keeper though he has been in the Oxford team for quite a long time and is very capable (usually) and experienced
I thought the keeper did worse for Washington's goal. No way it should have gone past him
The last time I looked at the league table was just before we went on this run. I have no intention of looking at it until we succumb to someone; which I hope will not be anytime soon!
I think there are some thoughts on here regarding the second goal that seems to only blame the GK for a poorly made attempt to save, and in doing so takes away the praise due to Shinnie for the goal. I thought it was an excellently taken free kick, and the main reason the save wasn't made was down to the accuracy and pace of the kick, the GK was in perfect position, but because of the skill involved was unable to get anywhere near it.
agreed to a point .. you'd have expected a premier keeper to stop that shot .. Eastwood is not a premier keeper though he has been in the Oxford team for quite a long time and is very capable (usually) and experienced
I thought the keeper did worse for Washington's goal. No way it should have gone past him
He had a nightmare for both goals - I’d be very disappointed if Amos had conceded them.
We haven't conceded a goal in weeks! Watson has played most of the games as a DEFENSIVE midfielder. He's a big part of the reason that we've kept those clean sheets.
I really don't know what some of you are expecting from him??
Totally agree. He breaks things up and is always going to pick up yellow cards. Shame he is ruled out for Saturday - we will miss him.
I think its damned impressive that Watson didnt get booked against Northampton come to think about it
Gotta give him his due there, he was having a moan from the sidelines when Smyth got brought down so surprised the referee didnt trot over then
Comments
Washington could be the 20 goal man,does not need many chances to score.Shame about Innis,but he was unlucky.
The last two refs we have had have both been good,and very consistent,the one last night was appalling,how does a foul on the half way line warrent a booking,when a trip on a man through on goal does not,this drives players and managers mad.
Yes, people can criticise certain parts of our recent performances. But, remember, things are only going to get better and not worse. We have cover throughout the squad and with the likes of Maddison and Gilbey still to throw into the mix, we can certainly make the play-offs at the very least.
A massive plus from last night was Shinnie's performance, while Amos and Smyth deserve honourable mentions. Plus, Pratley and Watson did not do too badly (but, then, I am a fan of the old boys).
solid defence, attack is getting better, midfield needs sorting and fine tuning, keeper is as good as Phillips (LOL), management team is right on the case ..
we'll have a stern test on Saturday without a couple of influential players and that will be a good indication of a) how good we really are and b) what needs to be done to keep up the challenge for the top .. so far, a good season that is gradually getting better
We haven't conceded a goal in weeks!
Watson has played most of the games as a DEFENSIVE midfielder.
He's a big part of the reason that we've kept those clean sheets.
I really don't know what some of you are expecting from him??
goal that seems to only blame the GK for a poorly made attempt
to save, and in doing so takes away the praise due to Shinnie for
the goal.
I thought it was an excellently taken free kick, and the main reason
the save wasn't made was down to the accuracy and pace of the
kick, the GK was in perfect position, but because of the skill involved
was unable to get anywhere near it.
If the referee was good or bad in other instances seems irrelevant.
We are now nicely back on the equivalent of having won every home game and drawn every away game which is the obvious target for success in my view.
If we can continue on to win at home then one win and two defeats from the next three away is acceptable.
My point being that a defeat at Portsmouth is recoverable especially as we remain a work in progress.
Other teams will also get injuries and suspensions one time or another.
I agree with Seth, we can recover from a defeat at Portsmouth, and a draw would be great whilst a win would be fantastic. The depth of the squad is really being tested on Saturday and is up to it. I'm not so interested in the table at this moment, it is all about us. An average of two points is very likely to get you automatic promotion and that is where we are at now.
The guy is our heartbeat, our quarterback , he would be the first name on my teamsheet and probably is on Bowyer's. He has already made a huge difference to our team. Sure he gets booked a lot - inevitably he's lost some pace since he played in the Premiership but he is a lot older and we are in Div 1 and that's why we got him !! but the bloke never ever stops challenging. He is a very important player for us, possibly even the most important player.
For Saturday I'd hope we go 4-3-3 again. I don't want to see us mess with players natural positions too much, I'm not keen on us moving Gunter inside, instead I'd prefer we bring Barker back in to defence.
Matthews - Gunter - Famewo - Maatsen
Shinnie - Pratley - F.Caskey
Smyth - Aneke - Washtn
or
Amos
Gunter - Barker - Famewo - Maatsen
Shinnie - Pratley - F.Caskey
Smyth - Aneke - Washtn
Injuries and cards continue to impact on our season. The mandatory yellow for Watson and Inniss cemented his cult hero status. Washington confirming that he is a 1 goal in 3 games goalscorer and Aneke, Maddison, Gilbey and Doughty (no time soon) being prepared so we can add some cream to the basic pudding.
League 1 continues to look a shadow of its former self when Norwich, Leeds and Southampton graced the 3rd tier but "it is what it is" and we will continue to negate the opposition and hope the keepers continue to have butter fingers (not Amos!) and we savour the crumbs on offer up front.
Master chef Darren Pratley told us it was going to be a long Slog; the proof of the pudding...
DWWWW is pure ambrosia.
to welcome Aneke back, however, he will not make a full
90 mins, so will have to switch back to 4-4-2, but who
comes in if not Levitt, maybe Morgan?
Funny how so far this season we have scored 2 goals directly from free kicks, both of which people have deemed to have been "saveable".
As the old adage says..... if you don't shoot you won't score.
Trouble is though:
(1) Nearly every foul is deserving of a Yellow Card, whether its a late challenge or whether its a niggly challenge
(2) The referee proved yesterday with Gorrin that he was being lenient with second / third fouls so where was the consistency?
(3) Its also the sort of incident where the referee could easily pull the player aside, tell him he's on a fine line so be careful
The only defence I can give the referee is he had a word with Inniss over fouling the Goalkeeper; Inniss only a few minutes later has unfortunately gone into that challenge and the referee has thought: "Okay mate, you didnt listen when I told you off for the first yellow minutes ago, I cant be bothered with you anymore" - I wonder if the two yellow cards had been more spread out then we would have seen more of a ticking off from the referee
Gotta give him his due there, he was having a moan from the sidelines when Smyth got brought down so surprised the referee didnt trot over then