by The Cube » 28 Jul 2018 23:19
by leon » 28 Jul 2018 23:55
The Cube I thought there were quite a few positives.
Mannone saved two on-target shots. OK, so I would have saved them as well, but he could easily have messed them up.
Aluko will surely never be allowed to take a corner again.
Gunter was hopeless for only 34 of the 90 minutes, which I think is a personal best.
O'Shea was nowhere to be seen at all.
We apparently managed to do some good business by shifting a poor player after he had been named on the bench.
McNulty had a spell of about 15 minutes without touching the ball, so will have quickly learned that he has to be sharp with the occasional chance that he might get.
Any watching opposition scouts will have learned absolutely nothing about how we intend to crack open their defences.
Overall, it was a massive improvement on the last home game, even though we lost both of them 0-4.
by Snowflake Royal » 29 Jul 2018 08:10
Denver RoyalSnowflake Royal Go into the season expecting a relegation fight.
Screw that. A few said Top 10. As genome says, a meltdown after a friendly?
by Sutekh » 29 Jul 2018 08:33
WoodleyRoyal :| its a friendly
by Snowflake Royal » 29 Jul 2018 09:55
by Snowball » 29 Jul 2018 11:03
by PieEater » 29 Jul 2018 11:08
by Snowflake Royal » 29 Jul 2018 11:25
Snowball I am shocked by the negativity here.
I expected us to lose by at least 3 v Fulham (0-0), expected a big defeat by Beisktas (2-2) and another defeat by The Russians (0-0).
To get three draws from this games was very, VERY solid results-wise.
My personal prediction yesterday was "We'' scrape a 2-2 or be tonked 0-3"
I note that Palace's friendlies were 2-2 away, 6-1 away, 3-1 away, and this 4-0 (15-3) They ain't a bad side!
It wasn't as if Palace attacked in wave after wave and our keeper had to make ten saves, and they hit posts, bar, wasted loads of chances.
They were, relative to any side outside of the top 3 in the Championship, a clear class above, and there is no shame in that. They were particularly strong on both wings and Zaha is apparently, about to move for 50 Million.
Until the first goal, although Palace dominated the possession, I was pleased with how we looked across the back and Meyler looked to steady the midfield. I thought Kelly was almost back to his first-season next (loved that one dribble) and I wouldn't hesitate to play him v Derby.
Barrow was good first half and one burst of speed was ridiculously good. What we lacked though was the striker who can see where Barrow will put it. Meite looked not-good-enough (IM0). He worked hard, tried to close down, but his first touch was poor, and he didn't seem to have a great football brain. (Yes, I know it's only one game. I'm merely saying "in this game he".
The combo of Bod and McNulty when they came on, looked WAY better, movement, thinking, winning ball. If Smith was to stay I'd have Meite fourth choice.
Gunter was his usual crossing-lady in defence "this way luv" but did make one goal-saving interception. I thought Richards was very decent. Yiadom looks a very solid full back and the defence will be better for his presence. He wasn't always helped by Aluko and the wing play against him was good, rather than he bad. Did Kebe in his pomp beating full-backs for fun mean those FBs were bad players?
I'd put money of Yiadom becoming Mr Reliable this season and challenging for PotS
I thought Ilori had a decent game. Still think he will be a very good CB over the years
I was disappointed with Swift, but I was further disappointed when Clement came on (I'd heard he was playing well pre-season). There appears to be a problem of zip in midfield. Meyler will be the rock, Kelly will do his thing, but we need either some guile (Swift on form) or some drive like Williams was or Bacuna if he isn't already "finished" with RFC. Wing play is great, but we have to have a driving midfield threat too. Someone suggested Barrow. That might work if we play Popa and/or Harriot wide in his place (or Bod who has played wing a fair bit).
Aluko continues to frustrate. I think he needs dropping for as long as it takes to make him work harder for the team. ATM I would rather Harriot, Popa or Bod in his place. I think I'd rather Gunter, but having said that, I do believe there is a footballer in there somewhere.
by Hound » 29 Jul 2018 11:30
by 3points » 29 Jul 2018 11:47
Hound I don’t like to scapegoat but I felt the first two goals were very largely due to Aluko’s ineptness as a wide midfielder. He really doesn’t work there
I’d much rather play a proper wide midfielder or hard working winger (McCleary, Harriott, Yiadom or even Clement) and f Aluko has to play, then as a 10 where Swift was
by Hound » 29 Jul 2018 11:54
by Snowball » 29 Jul 2018 12:03
Snowflake RoyalSnowball I am shocked by the negativity here.
I expected us to lose by at least 3 v Fulham (0-0), expected a big defeat by Beisktas (2-2) and another defeat by The Russians (0-0).
To get three draws from this games was very, VERY solid results-wise.
My personal prediction yesterday was "We'' scrape a 2-2 or be tonked 0-3"
I note that Palace's friendlies were 2-2 away, 6-1 away, 3-1 away, and this 4-0 (15-3) They ain't a bad side!
It wasn't as if Palace attacked in wave after wave and our keeper had to make ten saves, and they hit posts, bar, wasted loads of chances.
They were, relative to any side outside of the top 3 in the Championship, a clear class above, and there is no shame in that. They were particularly strong on both wings and Zaha is apparently, about to move for 50 Million.
Until the first goal, although Palace dominated the possession, I was pleased with how we looked across the back and Meyler looked to steady the midfield. I thought Kelly was almost back to his first-season next (loved that one dribble) and I wouldn't hesitate to play him v Derby.
Barrow was good first half and one burst of speed was ridiculously good. What we lacked though was the striker who can see where Barrow will put it. Meite looked not-good-enough (IM0). He worked hard, tried to close down, but his first touch was poor, and he didn't seem to have a great football brain. (Yes, I know it's only one game. I'm merely saying "in this game he".
The combo of Bod and McNulty when they came on, looked WAY better, movement, thinking, winning ball. If Smith was to stay I'd have Meite fourth choice.
Gunter was his usual crossing-lady in defence "this way luv" but did make one goal-saving interception. I thought Richards was very decent. Yiadom looks a very solid full back and the defence will be better for his presence. He wasn't always helped by Aluko and the wing play against him was good, rather than he bad. Did Kebe in his pomp beating full-backs for fun mean those FBs were bad players?
I'd put money of Yiadom becoming Mr Reliable this season and challenging for PotS
I thought Ilori had a decent game. Still think he will be a very good CB over the years
I was disappointed with Swift, but I was further disappointed when Clement came on (I'd heard he was playing well pre-season). There appears to be a problem of zip in midfield. Meyler will be the rock, Kelly will do his thing, but we need either some guile (Swift on form) or some drive like Williams was or Bacuna if he isn't already "finished" with RFC. Wing play is great, but we have to have a driving midfield threat too. Someone suggested Barrow. That might work if we play Popa and/or Harriot wide in his place (or Bod who has played wing a fair bit).
Aluko continues to frustrate. I think he needs dropping for as long as it takes to make him work harder for the team. ATM I would rather Harriot, Popa or Bod in his place. I think I'd rather Gunter, but having said that, I do believe there is a footballer in there somewhere.
I'd rather play Gunter RB, Blackett LB and Yiadom RW than have Aluko make another appearance personally. And I hate Gunter and Blackett as fullbacks.
by Snowball » 29 Jul 2018 12:04
Hound Obvs was way too late by then, but I thought the shape looked quite good when Blackett came on and we played 3 at the back with Yiadom and Richards wing backs (and Bod and McNulty as the front 2)
by Snowflake Royal » 29 Jul 2018 12:09
SnowballSnowflake RoyalSnowball I am shocked by the negativity here.
I expected us to lose by at least 3 v Fulham (0-0), expected a big defeat by Beisktas (2-2) and another defeat by The Russians (0-0).
To get three draws from this games was very, VERY solid results-wise.
My personal prediction yesterday was "We'' scrape a 2-2 or be tonked 0-3"
I note that Palace's friendlies were 2-2 away, 6-1 away, 3-1 away, and this 4-0 (15-3) They ain't a bad side!
It wasn't as if Palace attacked in wave after wave and our keeper had to make ten saves, and they hit posts, bar, wasted loads of chances.
They were, relative to any side outside of the top 3 in the Championship, a clear class above, and there is no shame in that. They were particularly strong on both wings and Zaha is apparently, about to move for 50 Million.
Until the first goal, although Palace dominated the possession, I was pleased with how we looked across the back and Meyler looked to steady the midfield. I thought Kelly was almost back to his first-season next (loved that one dribble) and I wouldn't hesitate to play him v Derby.
Barrow was good first half and one burst of speed was ridiculously good. What we lacked though was the striker who can see where Barrow will put it. Meite looked not-good-enough (IM0). He worked hard, tried to close down, but his first touch was poor, and he didn't seem to have a great football brain. (Yes, I know it's only one game. I'm merely saying "in this game he".
The combo of Bod and McNulty when they came on, looked WAY better, movement, thinking, winning ball. If Smith was to stay I'd have Meite fourth choice.
Gunter was his usual crossing-lady in defence "this way luv" but did make one goal-saving interception. I thought Richards was very decent. Yiadom looks a very solid full back and the defence will be better for his presence. He wasn't always helped by Aluko and the wing play against him was good, rather than he bad. Did Kebe in his pomp beating full-backs for fun mean those FBs were bad players?
I'd put money of Yiadom becoming Mr Reliable this season and challenging for PotS
I thought Ilori had a decent game. Still think he will be a very good CB over the years
I was disappointed with Swift, but I was further disappointed when Clement came on (I'd heard he was playing well pre-season). There appears to be a problem of zip in midfield. Meyler will be the rock, Kelly will do his thing, but we need either some guile (Swift on form) or some drive like Williams was or Bacuna if he isn't already "finished" with RFC. Wing play is great, but we have to have a driving midfield threat too. Someone suggested Barrow. That might work if we play Popa and/or Harriot wide in his place (or Bod who has played wing a fair bit).
Aluko continues to frustrate. I think he needs dropping for as long as it takes to make him work harder for the team. ATM I would rather Harriot, Popa or Bod in his place. I think I'd rather Gunter, but having said that, I do believe there is a footballer in there somewhere.
I'd rather play Gunter RB, Blackett LB and Yiadom RW than have Aluko make another appearance personally. And I hate Gunter and Blackett as fullbacks.
I didn't REALLY mean I'd like to see Gunter RW, you know...
by PistolPete » 29 Jul 2018 12:14
by Denver Royal » 29 Jul 2018 13:14
PistolPete Can anyone point me towards highlights of the game yesterday? I have a theory I'd like to check evidence of!
by RG7Fan » 29 Jul 2018 13:16
Hatty9 My issue with today was how similar we still looked to last season.
Still messed around at the back
Still passed sideways too often
Still very slow in our passing
Still no second gear
Still no plan B
Any team playing against us will find it easy to defend as we play across in front of them a lot and don’t move the ball quickly enough to pull them out of shape.
Manonne doesn’t make the saves you expect him not to as in wouldn’t blame him directly for any goals today but another keeper might have stopped 2 of them.
Defence came up against a £50m player today which won’t happen in the league and will probably hold there own. Would still like to see the full backs attack more and add that bit extra we might need.
Midfield were too pedestrian Meyler and Swift both looked a second too slow and lost possession a lot because of it.
Attack was toothless I am not sure Aluko or Barrow got in behind once and Meite was no threat.
We need to spend all of the Moore money and I would like to see at least a striker, winger and centre back.
by Ascotexgunner » 29 Jul 2018 14:15
bobby1413 I still can not believe we sacked JS, only to bring in Clement. The football was the same after he took over and judging by today it's going to be the same for the new season.
I'm going to try to be hopeful, and I will support him and the team but I do feel very concerned about it all.
We all know what the championship is like. Fiercely competitive, some quality players, many could and will play in the PL, fast paced, aggressive and confident. I've very little faith that our team can stand up to majority of the league.
The likes of Swansea, West Brom, Derby, Leeds, Boro, Sheffields are going to absolutely destroy us.
by Snowflake Royal » 29 Jul 2018 15:17
RG7FanHatty9 My issue with today was how similar we still looked to last season.
Still messed around at the back
Still passed sideways too often
Still very slow in our passing
Still no second gear
Still no plan B
Any team playing against us will find it easy to defend as we play across in front of them a lot and don’t move the ball quickly enough to pull them out of shape.
Manonne doesn’t make the saves you expect him not to as in wouldn’t blame him directly for any goals today but another keeper might have stopped 2 of them.
Defence came up against a £50m player today which won’t happen in the league and will probably hold there own. Would still like to see the full backs attack more and add that bit extra we might need.
Midfield were too pedestrian Meyler and Swift both looked a second too slow and lost possession a lot because of it.
Attack was toothless I am not sure Aluko or Barrow got in behind once and Meite was no threat.
We need to spend all of the Moore money and I would like to see at least a striker, winger and centre back.
Same players
Same formation
Same result … quelle surprise!
by genome » 29 Jul 2018 15:24
CountryRoyalgenomeBarney
No. Folks are looking at...
1) Form over last 10 games of last season (take a look)
2) Where we have finished in 3 of the last 4 seasons.
3) The current batch of injuries.
4) The 'average' involvement in the transfer window
5) Potentially our best player about to leave
6) McShane off injured today.
7) A poor pre-season
The shocking performance at the last home game of last season
But hey....you crack on fella.
In fairness genome, and I do say in fairness because I have grown to like you as a poster after our rocky start, but...
You do love to play the cool relaxed card at every available opportunity even dismissing some very viable concerns that exceed JUST one result or even several. You were one of the earlier ones to fully commit to Stam our iirc (started the poll etc). I’m not saying it’s right or wrong but just getting down people’s throats calling them dramatic etc all the time without thinking truly about where they’re coming from isn’t always fair.
Truth is RTG or STG it’s somewhere in between the extremism. I’m hardly calling for Clement’s resignation, but equally I think we will struggle profusely.
I really hope to god I’m proved wrong.
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