MillsyPepe the HorsemanMillsy
And every time there were knee jerks posts.
The first time maybe. The second time he got a bit of a bye because it was on the back of a good run of form. But the third time is unacceptable. That's not knee jerk, that's watching the same thing happen over and over again, and realising that this guy clearly doesn't have a clue what he's doing.
Ok.
I'd be really interested to know, genuinely, what the football experts would do here. If our beloved Southwood hadn't made yet another ballsup we'd have won likely 2-0 and few people would've moaned about a defensive 30mins. Fans are so good at hindsight vision.
First sub - Araruna. Forced, had no choice. Worked out fine.
Second sub - Azeez. Couldn't fault it at all. Hal tiring with his short legs, Azeez bright and energetic, almost scored - attacking move.
Third sub - Camara. Late but a reasonable response. Swift bloody awful. Camara almost instant impact quick break to Azeez who was unlucky not to score.
What would you do? Keep tired and slow Hal on? Keep the awful Swift on? Take Hoilett or Carroll off who were both brilliant, for toothless Puscas? Or even Clarke for that matter?
So then what,... bring Clarke on for... whom? Go 4-4-2 when you're winning the game?
I've sometimes felt like a lone voice beratign Pauno for not going 4-4-2 when chasing a game and he's now learned to do that. But when you're 1 or 2 goals up and you're 4-5-1, what do you do, go 4-4-2? Go 4-6-0? Other than swap shit tired or injured players what else can you do?
Genuine question, I'm failing to see what major tactical error cost us this game because if there was an obvious thing to do I don't see it and I normally point out what I think.
So it just boils down to, what... not telling the players to go gung-ho and try to get a third? So you tell your tired players who have been so effective all game at countering and scoring 2 goals against one of the best defences in the league (allegedly), who despite 70% possession didn't win... scrap that and suddenly go on the major offensive?
Can you imagine the uproar if going for the third we'd let in a goal or two then?
Yes of course perhaps a better manager can inspire and set up teams better to be more resilient when we have the lead, but I don't see that as a major crime, just something he can work on. It's not like he made one major blunder. it's the players on the pitch who have to take responsibility for not digging their heels in, the likes of Swift et al who didn't seem to give enough of a shit.
I think the subs were actually pretty good at the time. Nice positive moves, even though IMO Azeez wasn't that effective. But there was a bit of energy put on the pitch fro Hal.
My issue was tactically we could have been cleverer. They didn't really have much in the middle, and their tactic was to keep putting balls in. Yet we didn't do anything to ease that. Could have been a back 5 of Laurent Holmes and Dann. But it seemed like Carroll was filling instead leaving a gaping hole for.......their CB to get in the box. Hindsight is great, but we have seen time and time again, having no effect CF on the pitch just invites the pressure.