Gabriel for Embleton

L

LA1 Seasider

Well-known member
I’m sure I wasn’t the only one who thought switching Embleton for Gabriel was an odd one given that Robson and Mitchell were still on the bench at the time or that Turton could step into midfield and Ward could move forward. In hindsight it was an absolute tactical masterclass by Critch as Graham was their only player getting any real joy (he’s having an outstanding season tbh and won’t be in League 1 next year) and by sacrificing Embleton, Turton and Gabriel were able to double up on him and shut down any chance of Gillingham getting back into the game. Gabriel looked a bit out of sorts when we had the ball as he was essentially playing RB, RW and AM at the same time but in terms of his support for Turton and the defence he was superb.

Real credit to the manager and coaches and the player for putting in a shift in an awkward position.
 
LA1 Seasider said:
I’m sure I wasn’t the only one who thought switching Embleton for Gabriel was an odd one given that Robson and Mitchell were still on the bench at the time or that Turton could step into midfield and Ward could move forward. In hindsight it was an absolute tactical masterclass by Critch as Graham was their only player getting any real joy (he’s having an outstanding season tbh and won’t be in League 1 next year) and by sacrificing Embleton, Turton and Gabriel were able to double up on him and shut down any chance of Gillingham getting back into the game. Gabriel looked a bit out of sorts when we had the ball as he was essentially playing RB, RW and AM at the same time but in terms of his support for Turton and the defence he was superb.

Real credit to the manager and coaches and the player for putting in a shift in an awkward position.
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Yep definitely tactical. Did it at Oxford as well when Virtue got injured as it didn't disrupt the balance too much to move Ward inside but not lose the press so it kept Brandon Barker out of the game. Why it's important to be able to fill the bench again with more options rather than tiny youth team players who NC won't trust in those moments.

Graham was an overage player for Wolves U21 in the PJT here last season. He got caught up in them becoming Portuguese and shooting up the leagues. Was basically free to a good home so Steve Evans has done well to help turn his career around. Think he had him on loan initially.
 
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