BFC_53
Well-known member
Today was an excellent performance and totally deserved win (forget about the manner of it). We were everything that we hadn't been in previous games - positive, aggressive in midfield, moved the ball quickly, and used the ball in the final third intelligently. Our decision making was vastly improved.
We adopted a much more direct approach, and I think today conclusively proved (if proof were ever required) that passing relentlessly in a 'possession is key' style through defence and midfield, just doesn't suit the players we have at all. You need some real technical ability in midfield to pull it off and we don't have that right now, at least not to the level required to make it successful. We seem to play better when we're playing on instinct rather than taking time to think about things. I actually thought Wigan played exactly like we'd done in previous home games, all possession and no bite at all.
CJ obviously stood out (even though I'm generally not a fan), but we definitely played to his strengths and he took full advantage. I thought Norburn was much better, as was Morgan.
Rhodes' quality is obvious. You can tell why he's played consistently at a higher level, and it may prove an inspired signing.
I was particularly impressed by Casey who is proving to be a really shrewd signing. He's slow, but his anticipation, strength and aerial ability is top class. He's got his chance and it's great to see him taking it.
It's still disappointing that we didn't sign anyone yesterday because I feel like if we'd signed a good striker that could've replaced a tiring Rhodes, the last few minutes of the game today wouldn't have been anywhere near as nervous, and in future games could actually cost us. But we are where we are. The fact we outplayed a form team who beat Bolton 4-0 away recently is really encouraging, particularly as we were without Lavery, and we've yet to see Joseph and Dembele.
If we keep that style of play this season we have a much better chance of a top six place. For the first time today I saw signs we might be good enough, even though it's only one game. If we revert to the passing/possession style, we'll be nowhere near. Make the right choice Critchley!
We adopted a much more direct approach, and I think today conclusively proved (if proof were ever required) that passing relentlessly in a 'possession is key' style through defence and midfield, just doesn't suit the players we have at all. You need some real technical ability in midfield to pull it off and we don't have that right now, at least not to the level required to make it successful. We seem to play better when we're playing on instinct rather than taking time to think about things. I actually thought Wigan played exactly like we'd done in previous home games, all possession and no bite at all.
CJ obviously stood out (even though I'm generally not a fan), but we definitely played to his strengths and he took full advantage. I thought Norburn was much better, as was Morgan.
Rhodes' quality is obvious. You can tell why he's played consistently at a higher level, and it may prove an inspired signing.
I was particularly impressed by Casey who is proving to be a really shrewd signing. He's slow, but his anticipation, strength and aerial ability is top class. He's got his chance and it's great to see him taking it.
It's still disappointing that we didn't sign anyone yesterday because I feel like if we'd signed a good striker that could've replaced a tiring Rhodes, the last few minutes of the game today wouldn't have been anywhere near as nervous, and in future games could actually cost us. But we are where we are. The fact we outplayed a form team who beat Bolton 4-0 away recently is really encouraging, particularly as we were without Lavery, and we've yet to see Joseph and Dembele.
If we keep that style of play this season we have a much better chance of a top six place. For the first time today I saw signs we might be good enough, even though it's only one game. If we revert to the passing/possession style, we'll be nowhere near. Make the right choice Critchley!
