I just got back from Qld and haven't seen a minute of the game. Some great analysis on here but also some very conflicting opinions.
Hey Pat Jennings......any chance you could give me your opinions and player ratings.....don't want to piss in your pocket but you are usually spot on.
While you're waiting for Pat's here are a couple of mine, for what they are worth. From viewing the game from up high but not watching the replay yet.
The team showed massive improvement over the Sydney game. Whether that was due to weaker opposition or CCM improvement, not sure, but probably a bit of both. Massive improvement but still no more than half way there.The first half hour was good. They are definitely trying to play "Ange ball" keep possession and when you lose it get it back. Roar put plenty of pressure on McGing and Neil and both were found wanting (Neil especially). However the team generally managed to defend a lot better and get themselves out of trouble while mostly maintaining possession, long clearance played when necessary.
Possession was generally turned over by poor passes in midfield. Attack worked very well down the wings but Roar coped with that and CCM really had no more to offer. Overall the attack is improving, with faint glimpses of combinations beginning to develop, and at times the team looked dangerous, but we are definitely lacking in central midfield.
At the 60 minute mark the team was running out of legs and Roar began to come into the game. Until that point we were by far superior.
To individual players:
Izzo had his best game for a long while. Some very good saves, good sweeping and controlled the area and was more mobile than Ivan. One dreadful mix up at the edge of the box when Izzo came for the ball in traffic, could not claim it and only slapped it away. This led to the goal. Not yet first team keeper but may learn.
Fatty was very competent and made me glad we did not get rid of him after the first game. Defended well, went forward a couple of times and looked dangerous and showed a good turn of speed over most of the field to close down a Roar break. Only did a couple of silly things towards the end when he was running out of legs. A professional centre half display. If he plays like that every week he will retain his spot and earn his money.
McGing had a lot of pressure put on him and coped better than usual. Pulled off a couple of good tackles and generally played the ball well. A tough position to play when you are young and inexperienced.
Neil was very disappointing. I am starting to feel sorry for him because I am fast coming to the conclusion he is not a fullback but is put there because he is the only option or is willing. He really needs time to develop his game in a different position. At the moment leaving him there is just destroying him.
Roux is starting to come back. Ran himself into the ground, worked well I thought with Budgie late in the game when he was really stuffed. Will get better with more match time.
Tavares played the best game I have seen him play and was man of the match. Defended well, provided options, good passes and mobility. Another professional. Shared man of the match.
The back 5 worked very well together and did cover for each other as necessary and kept a good structure. Hopefully a sign of the coach beginning to take effect.
Monty did not have a great game. Afraid he looked a year older and a yard slower. Hopefully just having a bad day.
Paine. Worked his butt off, looked dangerous all the time. This was recognised by Roar and led to him being hacked to pieces. Shared man of the match.
Fab a good comeback and was pointed out elsewhere actually raced back to defend.
Budgie came on for Fab at about 60 min mark and looked really good. Intelligent off the ball runs and managed to cut in into space a couple of times. Provided a lovely ball for Powell I think that any #10 would have been proud of.
Powell did some good things but I did not notice him a lot. I need to look at the replay rather than do him a disservice. At times seems to just be invisible. probably my fault not his.
Roy worked hard as usual but as a lone striker with minimal service what can he do. Dropped back often to help out and pick up the ball but in any other team he would be a league golden boot contender.
We did look dangerous in attack at times but most of it is down the wings and oppositions know that is our attacking strength. We still need to develop understandings in attack. If we had those last night we would have won 4-1. There is just no options in attack in central midfield and Roy is being wasted by being left on his lonesome.
It would be interesting to see how the team would run with a 4 4 2 structure with a diamond midfield. Not that I would dare suggest it until we showed our back 4 and dm was a solid defensive unit. And also definitely too much to ask a team that is trying to learn a new style of playing. But until we develop some more attack and mobility in central midfield we are limited. Just a thought.
We definitely need a #10 to run at players and put the fear of God into defenders. With that the and the speed out wide we will be feared.
Overall probably our best match for this season (or last). Good progress was in evidence and for me I can see a light at the end of the tunnel.
IF it continues mid table by the end of the season would not be unexpected.
