Neil Ravenscroft wrote:I'm only going by WM, but it seemed that Merson hardly saw the ball second half - although, to be fair, Standing is "weak" in the tackle at the best of times. What we really needed was someone to bring on who could "dig in", but the only ones we've got were on the pitch. They did say on WM that Fryatt (like Saturday) looked like he had a lot on his mind.
I disagree with you about Merson, Neil. I thought that it was wiser to keep himself on, bearing in mind how poor Standing had looked in the first half (setting Bournemouth up for a 1-on-1 which needed a fantastic double save from Oakes - who incidently probably had his best all round game for the club - and generally being weak in the tackle, and being surplus to requirements in a 10-man side following Bennett's stupidity). Kinsella didn't do much when he came on, but he was the 'protection' that couldn't be provided by Standing, and I think that Merson could be more influential on the field, rather than off it in that situation.
Bennett is an absolute fool. He should be fined 2 weeks wages, and now surely he has relegated himself to a season on the perifery of the squad through his own stupidity, just like Roper did last season at Torquay. It isn't like it is a secret that there is a directive for lunging, 2 footed challenges to lead to a red card.
A strong performance really - a battled performance, and we reduced Bournemouth to long range efforts. Hearing the Bournemouth fans on the way out, I don't think that they were too surprised.
Osborn MUST start, as must either Gerrard or Roper. We must play 4-5-1, or the 3-5-2 as we started yesterday, and Merson must consider himself more often, though I think he only shone in a greater light yesterday because of a poor Standing.
The only concern about the 3-5-2 is the lack of height of the wing backs. Though both Pead and Taylor did have a good first half hour before Bennett's stupidity, they were beaten for EVERY header by both Bournemouth's wingers and full backs (who did a great job on the overlap I thought).
Bournemouth are nothing more than a mid-table side - but it remains a great point (and an even better clean sheet) considering the circumstances.
Thank God we got them in August though, apparently away fans will soon only be accomodated in a small section of the side stand, and the exposed open end behind the goal. Two away games on the bounce that I've come home with a tan...can't argue with that! :)