Good 3 points against an in form Burnley side will do
for me any day of the week. Was it a good performance
? Well, first half we were by far the better team, had
all the possession and could have gone in 2 or 3 up.
We played some decent football and created some good
chances from set pieces and open play. The difference
in that first half was that everyone was comfortable
on the ball and we showed good control and good
ability to hold the ball up. Ok, it wasnt exactly
dynamic but for me it was a step in the right
direction. Id much prefer to see this sort of
performance rather than a load of huff and puff with
little ability. Kishishev and Thompson are excellent
footballers who rarely miscontrol and rarely give the
ball away and in my opinion are streets ahead of
Douglas when it comes to football ability. If they can
both increase the work rate for the remaining games I
think well do it. However, I do concede that in this
match they didnt carry on their good work in the
second half. Nobody was able to step up and drive us
forward in the second half. A mixture of lack of
fitness and stamina and negative tactics lead to a
very disappointing second half performance. It was
torturous watching us boot the ball up field and then
retreat without any real effort to add to our one goal
lead. Wise will point to the fact that his tactics
worked and I cant argue against that but the type of
football we played second half does my head - long
aimless balls into space, timewasting, long throws
its horrible but at this stage maybe its what we
need.
So for me it was a tale of two halves. A first half of
good football, good crosses, good set pieces and some
good shots (richardson hit the bar from 30 yards) and
the second full of negative tactics and lack of
ambition.
Ankergren 8. Absolutely nothing to do except a
decent first half save when he came out well and
covered the angle.
Richardson 8. Thought he did well today. A lot of
the old Fraser good control and good pace and drive
going forwards.
Gray 8. Excellent again. Not quite the same force
going forward but very solid at this level.
Heath 7. Did well, scored a good brave goal.
Michalik 8. Very powerful at the back.
Lewis 7. Worked hard but didnt really show much in
attack.
Kishishev 7. Hardworking performance.
Thompson 7. So obviously not fit but yet so
obviously the best player on the pitch.
Blake 5. Disappointing. He isnt a right winger.
Healy 7. I thought he was really lively first half
and held the ball up better than hes ever done.
Cresswell 6. Worked hard, had one decent header but
apart from that he looked a little pedestrian to me.
Subs :
Marques 8. Came on and did a great job sat in front
of the back four. Good tactics by Wise so Akinbye
didnt get a kick it worked. This guy is the best
defender at the club he should play.
Others not on long enough.
Wise and Poyet its definitely coming together. You
can see what Wise is aiming for. 4 wins 2 draws and a
loss from the last 7 is good going. Good job though
cos all the teams down there seem to be getting good
results (except for Mr Blackwells team )
Burnley were shite - but I think our defence had a lot
to do that - we were very strong.
Crowd - 23k , not bad. Bit of bother with the Dingles
on the way out resulting in a few of their lads
getting nicked. They never learn do they.
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