Mon Oct 15, 2012 8:42 am
Now I haven't been able to get down to a game this season yet and have only heard second hand reports of how well we are playing, so perhaps I can give a more objective view of the game. Plus, I saw it on tv so you get a much different view of things.
First and foremost, what really struck me is how much excellent football we played. I'd been told we were, but nothing could have prepared me for just how much. First 25 minutes we were absolutely superb, but even after that, we continued to play some really good stuff. We faded after Cuvelier went off, but that was also partly because we started playing the longer ball to chase the game.
And what's the key to this passing game? Well certainly it helps to have the right personnel and, in that respect Cuvelier, Chambers, Baxendale and Featherstone are perfect. But the other keys are movement and a desire to have the ball and pass it simply. And that's where I find the criticism of Paterson over the top. Yes he's a young lad who makes the wrong decisions in possession a lot, but he is a major factor in our good football because he moves and he asks for the ball.
Yesterday was "one of those days", as is the current run. A fair result would have been 4-2. We missed chances that would normally have gone in, we had bad luck with the Butler header and a couple of other shots and their keeper was inspired at times.
Yes, of course we could do with a striker. If we got one, I honestly think we could be up there around the play-offs. Without one? I really can't see us struggling because we will win more games than we lose if we continue to play like that.
As for the weaknesses, there were two glaring ones - firstly, Bowerman was abysmal. Having not seen him since last season, I had high hopes for watching him yesterday but, in fact, he didn't do any of the basics right. It's all very well to say he was isolated on his own, but that doesn't stop you moving, making runs into space, asking for the ball and generally making a nuisance of yourself. He didn't all game. It may be that, in his first full season, he's tiring from a lot of recent games.
Secondly, I remember coming back from a youth cup final at the gay meadow a few years ago and raving about the right back. He was a class above anything else on the pitch. For that reason, I've always wanted Taundry to succeed. Unfortunately, playing alongside players who are comfortable on the ball and are able to do the simple things effortlessly, he's made to look even more second-rate. Nobody can fault his effort and commitment, for that he deserves praise, but it takes him so much longer to bring the ball under control and then think about the pass, it stops our style of play at times. As for his crossing, it was awful. I've obviously not seen Purkiss play, but when I've watched highlights, it's been noticeable how many goals have been from quality crosses he has put in. Based on that alone, I'm very surprised that he has been dropped.
As for bringing in a striker, I totally disagree with those thinking an Ibehre or someone like Morgan would be a good signing. Again, they don't have the ability to play in our style. What we do need is a Macken from 2 seasons ago, he would be spot on right now, holding the ball up and playing the midfielders through with deft passes.
Finally, did I see some criticism of the keeper?!?! I know he's not inspired confidence in other games, but I thought he had a decent game yesterday and I like the way he plays with a smile on his face.
