Lacking in guile?

[kbd_pne]

Firstly, I’ll take that point today considering for long spells we were struggling to string 2 passes together.

However, that’s now 3 draws in 4 home, and I think we’re lacking a bit of guile, creativity, and ability to create things in small spaces to break teams down and turn those draws into wins.

Today we brought on ‘runners’ like Horgan and Mavididi but we didn’t look any closer to breaking them down. We did the same against Millwall. These types of subs may work better away from home, like a Hull last week, with more space to play/run in, but at home I don’t think it’s working.

IMHO we’re lacking a player who can make things happen in small spaces and play that clever pass through to break down sides with a lot of men behind the ball. Harrop’s the closest we’ve got to that but he can’t do it all alone, especially with Johnson playing quite deep.

Some of our guys once they got into the box didn’t know what to do. Robinson for example at the end, ran forwards, didn’t want to shoot, didn’t see a pass, ended up just doing a half-hearted, mindless flick.

It’s been a good start and I don’t think I’m overreacting, just think we need more guile and better ideas in the final third to break teams down at home when they’ve shut up shop.

 

[MrHodgeheg123]

Yes you are overreacting.
Given where we are at this stage of the season, no criticism what so ever from me.

 

[Mer5eywhite]

Yes you are overreacting.
Given where we are at this stage of the season, no criticism what so ever from me.

All depends on what you view as success. If you're happy to see your club playing in the championship then he is overreacting. If you'd like a realistic tilt at promotion then we need more quality than we currently have.

Not complaining, just being realistic.

 

[MrHodgeheg123]

All depends on what you view as success. If you're happy to see your club playing in the championship then he is overreacting. If you'd like a realistic tilt at promotion then we need more quality than we currently have.

Not complaining, just being realistic.

I think we all want promotion, that's a given. I just think comments like those from the op so soon into the season are a bit harsh. Those players have got us to top six and personally, I think we'll be there at the end. Any team can be improved personnel wise but at the moment, I'm not going to complain with what we've got.

 

[NG White]

Firstly, I’ll take that point today considering for long spells we were struggling to string 2 passes together.

However, that’s now 3 draws in 4 home, and I think we’re lacking a bit of guile, creativity, and ability to create things in small spaces to break teams down and turn those draws into wins.

Today we brought on ‘runners’ like Horgan and Mavididi but we didn’t look any closer to breaking them down. We did the same against Millwall. These types of subs may work better away from home, like a Hull last week, with more space to play/run in, but at home I don’t think it’s working.

IMHO we’re lacking a player who can make things happen in small spaces and play that clever pass through to break down sides with a lot of men behind the ball. Harrop’s the closest we’ve got to that but he can’t do it all alone, especially with Johnson playing quite deep.

Some of our guys once they got into the box didn’t know what to do. Robinson for example at the end, ran forwards, didn’t want to shoot, didn’t see a pass, ended up just doing a half-hearted, mindless flick.

It’s been a good start and I don’t think I’m overreacting, just think we need more guile and better ideas in the final third to break teams down at home when they’ve shut up shop.

Easy answer. Ben Pearson fit, DJ further forward.

 

[Atko_pne956]

I think we're doing brilliant, 6th in the league with 19 points on board. Look at the big teams were above and have a beer to celebrate.

 

[sedgwick__7]

There's definitely a bit of a pattern with some of these home draws. Just switching the fast wide men for other fast wide men not unlocking teams. Adding another creative option might be something to look at in January, but in the meantime hopefully Neil can find a way. He's got most things right so far.

 

[Walmer88]

Sounded like a bit of an 'off' day today? We all knew they had the ability to play so in the end a draw is more than good enough (specially if Maxwell should have possibly gone off?). Technically joint 4th as it currently stands on points and only 4 points off the top - so I don't think we can have any complaints at this point. Will be good when we have some of our injuries back, just need to keep in touch with the top 6 until we do - proved we are more than capable and ready to be taken seriously as contenders - even if it is after 11 games. AN gave a good post match interview too.

 

[sports rehab]

Firstly, I’ll take that point today considering for long spells we were struggling to string 2 passes together.

However, that’s now 3 draws in 4 home, and I think we’re lacking a bit of guile, creativity, and ability to create things in small spaces to break teams down and turn those draws into wins.

Today we brought on ‘runners’ like Horgan and Mavididi but we didn’t look any closer to breaking them down. We did the same against Millwall. These types of subs may work better away from home, like a Hull last week, with more space to play/run in, but at home I don’t think it’s working.

IMHO we’re lacking a player who can make things happen in small spaces and play that clever pass through to break down sides with a lot of men behind the ball. Harrop’s the closest we’ve got to that but he can’t do it all alone, especially with Johnson playing quite deep.

Some of our guys once they got into the box didn’t know what to do. Robinson for example at the end, ran forwards, didn’t want to shoot, didn’t see a pass, ended up just doing a half-hearted, mindless flick.

It’s been a good start and I don’t think I’m overreacting, just think we need more guile and better ideas in the final third to break teams down at home when they’ve shut up shop.

imho we are lacking a CF who can win a header ........ Vaughan won nearly all his against Hunts, Browning and O'Shea never lost one today (or even needed to give any fouls away )...

We have no alternatives in this position.....but Vaughan must be worth £24m ( 3 x 8) based on todays performances

 

[Ron Burgundy]

First time we have conceded more than 1 goal this season.

 

[ashpie11]

Thought all 3 subs were poor today, Horgan looked lost at times and I think he was trying to do far too much whilst the other 2 kept running down blind alleys. Needed a spark and we didn't get it. Have a nice break and go again away at Fulham.

 

[york white]

We've done bloody well in last few weeks when you keep in mind our best player (and in my opinion the best player in the division) is injured. He is key to the way that AN wants to play and he's counting down the days until he is back. The rest of the division should be worried.

 

[paddysr]

I thought we looked knackered today. The international break has come at the right time

 

[Dirty Harry]

I thought we looked knackered today. The international break has come at the right time

But should we be looking knackered after 10 league games, an international break already, another one next week, and already out of the league cup?

 

[paddysr]

Probably not. I suspect it's going to take the players a little to cope with the demands Neil puts on them

 

[PNE_1995]

I think we all want promotion, that's a given. I just think comments like those from the op so soon into the season are a bit harsh. Those players have got us to top six and personally, I think we'll be there at the end. Any team can be improved personnel wise but at the moment, I'm not going to complain with what we've got.

+1 Most of us wouldn't have predicted that we would be where we are now at this point in the season (especially considering last seasons league positions of our first 5 opponents). However, we are getting the stage where we must be ruthless in every game in order to finish top 6. We are around 1/4 through the 'new season', if we are going to make it to the 'big time' then these are types of games we need to start winning. Having said that, I'm more than pleased with our current league positions, lets hope it lasts.

 

[wombat]

Firstly, I’ll take that point today considering for long spells we were struggling to string 2 passes together.

However, that’s now 3 draws in 4 home, and I think we’re lacking a bit of guile, creativity, and ability to create things in small spaces to break teams down and turn those draws into wins.

Today we brought on ‘runners’ like Horgan and Mavididi but we didn’t look any closer to breaking them down. We did the same against Millwall. These types of subs may work better away from home, like a Hull last week, with more space to play/run in, but at home I don’t think it’s working.

IMHO we’re lacking a player who can make things happen in small spaces and play that clever pass through to break down sides with a lot of men behind the ball. Harrop’s the closest we’ve got to that but he can’t do it all alone, especially with Johnson playing quite deep.

Some of our guys once they got into the box didn’t know what to do. Robinson for example at the end, ran forwards, didn’t want to shoot, didn’t see a pass, ended up just doing a half-hearted, mindless flick.

It’s been a good start and I don’t think I’m overreacting, just think we need more guile and better ideas in the final third to break teams down at home when they’ve shut up shop.

is that player not called Ben Pearson. IMO we are winning these home games with him

 

[prestongoddess]

With Pearson/Welsh this would've been a completely different performance.

 

[26-0]

Firstly, I’ll take that point today considering for long spells we were struggling to string 2 passes together.

However, that’s now 3 draws in 4 home, and I think we’re lacking a bit of guile, creativity, and ability to create things in small spaces to break teams down and turn those draws into wins.

Today we brought on ‘runners’ like Horgan and Mavididi but we didn’t look any closer to breaking them down. We did the same against Millwall. These types of subs may work better away from home, like a Hull last week, with more space to play/run in, but at home I don’t think it’s working.

IMHO we’re lacking a player who can make things happen in small spaces and play that clever pass through to break down sides with a lot of men behind the ball. Harrop’s the closest we’ve got to that but he can’t do it all alone, especially with Johnson playing quite deep.

Some of our guys once they got into the box didn’t know what to do. Robinson for example at the end, ran forwards, didn’t want to shoot, didn’t see a pass, ended up just doing a half-hearted, mindless flick.

It’s been a good start and I don’t think I’m overreacting, just think we need more guile and better ideas in the final third to break teams down at home when they’ve shut up shop.

Good points and constructive criticism by the sounds of it and not a case of simply moaning or complaining.

AN and coaches must be wrestling with the problem you highlight and considering all possible solutions.

I agree with Hatedingles that the return of BP allowing DJ to operate further forward would help but it would be good to have other solutions as well.

I guess most of us, if not all, are extremely happy with AN and the team's achievements so far but there's nothing at all wrong with people wanting to see us improve further and offer constructive, positive criticism. Why would we want to stand still and not address an obvious current weakness?

 

[Kingy]

Ball was like a hot potato today in the final third. Never have I ever seen the ball get stuck under a team's feet as many times as today.