Shiggy
Well-known member
Not usually one to write a big post following a game, I usually just reply to other posts, argue with some strangers for a bit, and then call it a night, but I feel a need to vent after yesterday for lots of reasons, so even if no one reads it it will be worth while.
Everything was set up for that to be a great day yesterday. The weather was ideal, we had 4,000 travelling fans in good spirits, and I’d say our biggest game of the season so far. I like many decided to use the trains as my mode of transport and I like many probably regret that now but it wasn’t too bad going. It’s always hilarious seeing people who clearly aren’t in to football be hit with the realisation that there’s in fact a big game on and that their trip to the Manchester Christmas markets may not go as smoothly as they’d anticipated. Chorley was a good stop off in between and after a few beers I headed to the ground.
I liked the lineup when it was released. Dembele was starting. Norburn was back. I liked that Thompson was included. In hindsight though I don’t think we should play with a lone striker. 5 at the back AND 1 up top to me seems like overkill and feeds into this narrative over Critchley’s cautiousness. It’s a real shame Lavery was injured, I’m a big fan of his anyway but I think that game was crying out for him yesterday. For all Rhodes’ qualities he doesn’t excel at pressing or chasing down lost causes like Lavery does.
On to the game and, it’s really difficult to put into words. At no point did I feel like we were going to lose that game. I thought we started well and asserted ourselves away to one of the best sides in the division. I know Carey divides opinion but I think you could see he’s boosted his confidence massively. He was far more inclined to turn and try to beat men rather than play backwards. Bolton were ok but barely threatened and we looked solid. Towards the end of the half I found myself itching for ht as we came under a bit of pressure but like I said nothing really came of it.
Second half we were just dull. I would’ve taken a draw before the game but 3 points were there for the taking and we just didn’t take advantage. It was a case of constantly waiting for something to happen and it never did. We then give the ball away cheaply and their lad scores a good goal and that’s the game. A disappointing defeat when it looked like it had been set up for a good away day result.
I would love us to try 4-4-2. Our defence is good enough to be just as solid. Norburn can play the anchor role which he does so well. And I think with a bit more freedom CJ and Dale could cause more problems, especially Dale. I’m a big defender of Critchley but I just can’t see us going up if yesterday is the standard. I don’t agree with the idea that we play shite football under him but we are too cautious and everyone is sick of cautious. Fans want us to have a go and take the game to teams and they have every right to want that. If he doesn’t take the handle-brake off and we continue with the inconsistency then more and more people will start to get on his back I fear.
Oh, as for the train debacle after the game. What a cock up. We’ve known since July that we’d be playing Bolton away on the 11th November and yet everything and everyone responsible for managing the crowds were completely unprepared. We’re lucky there wasn’t any serious injuries.
Everything was set up for that to be a great day yesterday. The weather was ideal, we had 4,000 travelling fans in good spirits, and I’d say our biggest game of the season so far. I like many decided to use the trains as my mode of transport and I like many probably regret that now but it wasn’t too bad going. It’s always hilarious seeing people who clearly aren’t in to football be hit with the realisation that there’s in fact a big game on and that their trip to the Manchester Christmas markets may not go as smoothly as they’d anticipated. Chorley was a good stop off in between and after a few beers I headed to the ground.
I liked the lineup when it was released. Dembele was starting. Norburn was back. I liked that Thompson was included. In hindsight though I don’t think we should play with a lone striker. 5 at the back AND 1 up top to me seems like overkill and feeds into this narrative over Critchley’s cautiousness. It’s a real shame Lavery was injured, I’m a big fan of his anyway but I think that game was crying out for him yesterday. For all Rhodes’ qualities he doesn’t excel at pressing or chasing down lost causes like Lavery does.
On to the game and, it’s really difficult to put into words. At no point did I feel like we were going to lose that game. I thought we started well and asserted ourselves away to one of the best sides in the division. I know Carey divides opinion but I think you could see he’s boosted his confidence massively. He was far more inclined to turn and try to beat men rather than play backwards. Bolton were ok but barely threatened and we looked solid. Towards the end of the half I found myself itching for ht as we came under a bit of pressure but like I said nothing really came of it.
Second half we were just dull. I would’ve taken a draw before the game but 3 points were there for the taking and we just didn’t take advantage. It was a case of constantly waiting for something to happen and it never did. We then give the ball away cheaply and their lad scores a good goal and that’s the game. A disappointing defeat when it looked like it had been set up for a good away day result.
I would love us to try 4-4-2. Our defence is good enough to be just as solid. Norburn can play the anchor role which he does so well. And I think with a bit more freedom CJ and Dale could cause more problems, especially Dale. I’m a big defender of Critchley but I just can’t see us going up if yesterday is the standard. I don’t agree with the idea that we play shite football under him but we are too cautious and everyone is sick of cautious. Fans want us to have a go and take the game to teams and they have every right to want that. If he doesn’t take the handle-brake off and we continue with the inconsistency then more and more people will start to get on his back I fear.
Oh, as for the train debacle after the game. What a cock up. We’ve known since July that we’d be playing Bolton away on the 11th November and yet everything and everyone responsible for managing the crowds were completely unprepared. We’re lucky there wasn’t any serious injuries.
