Well, that turned out to be a bit disappointing, didn’t it?
It’s not particularly the scoreline that bothers me, but more the manner of the defeat.
I listened to most of the second half and part of the first and the message was pretty consistent, in that we lacked any pace or effort and couldn’t raise the sort of tempo needed to win the game.
All in all, it meant that we conceded three goals that were practically gifted, because we were slack.
That simply isn’t good enough.
That sort of attitude won’t win us anything next season and more importantly, won’t be accepted by Steve Bruce, who will surely have given the players a right rocket.
It sounded like a pretty lacklustre game overall and one that suited Reading, although it was pretty open.
Even though the remaining games are pretty meaningless, it’s no excuse and we should still be going all out to win, if we’re to keep the momentum up for next season.
I can’t specifically comment, but from what I heard, it sounded to me like Mile Jedinak was the overall most involved player, in that he threatened up top while doing his usual covering at the back.
I’m somewhat surprised he wasn’t taken off, but he sounded too pivotal and was moved back into the defence for the last quarter.
Actually, I find that a little bit concerning, as we all know Jedinak isn’t at his peak anymore and we need to find some real sort of quality who can replace/back him up.
Which won’t be easy. He really is looking like a steal of a buy.
What else?
It sounded like Hourihane was pinging some great balls in from set pieces, something that sounded like our best bet for scoring.
That always worries me too.
It’s great if you make something of them, as we saw under Martin O’Neil, but as it stands, we don’t score many in that fashion. And that’s even though it was Chester who scored today.
It all says we don’t create enough from open play, which is what I believe is going to be Bruce’s biggest problem in the summer.
Yes, we have Hourihane and Lansbury, who were very decent at their previous clubs, but they aren’t doing it for us.
How long do you stick with them?
I know, that might sound harsh and I’m not in the slightest advocating that we get rid, but we have to go with players that are achieving, next season. There won’t be time for giving players chances to come into form, will there, if we’re expecting to seriously challenge?
All that said, we played a decent side, who look to have made the play-offs.
Yes, I know. We’ve spent a fortune and should be up there too.
But it doesn’t always work like that.
What we don’t want, is a repeat performance against Fulham.
A third successive loss would be pretty demoralising.
And surely see Steve Bruce going an even darker shade of Purple.
Yes, it’s all pretty meaningless now.
But there’s no excuse whatsoever for getting the flip-flops out.
Had to look at our results …we have only lost one “on the trot”…..so far.
All through our recent brill run we never showed any real energy either….just doing enough and having the run of the ball….for a change.
Totally fair comment.
But the draw against Burton felt like a loss.
That’s the only excuse I’ve got 🙂
Yep, just doing enough.
And while it’s ok if you’re getting the results, it’s not if you aren’t.
And that’s my point.
From reports we were pretty dismal yesterday with no energy (apart from the Jedi that is) – on the beach already? With nothing left to play for SB has to motivate the team to a strong finish. He has to introduce some of the development squad – Andre Green a must. What they lack in experience they will make up with energy.
It’s rare I would single out an individual player, but why is Bacuna near the first team. To me he represents all that was wrong with the club. Given a ridiculous contract , heart not in the club and a very limited footballer. Every time I see his name on the team sheet it reminds me of the fall from grace we are enduring.
Am I alone in this view?
No don’t think you are but Bruce has come out and said he thinks he is a very good player – hence he plays him I suppose. Whether he is or isn’t, like Gabby he’s lost the support, trust and respect of the fans and unlike Hutton who, dare I suggest, has regained all of those attributes, neither Bacuna nor Gabby have done anything to suggest they will be welcomed back. Bruce should cut his losses and get rid of both in the summer – that’s assuming anyone would take them!
Cant stand him! How he is still here is beggars belief. Every game he plays is wasted time for our youth players. Anyway im sure a champions league club will be desperate to sign him in the summer!!
🙂
Here are some cheery stats ahead of today’s game!
We haven’t won a Monday league game since 2009 – played 11 lost 9
We have only won once in 10 visits to Craven Cottage – lost 5
Think I’ll watch from behind the sofa!
Last time we won here was Gabby versus Smalling ..2-1…dare I hope for 2-1 to us today….at last will be able to actually see us play…
bet we don’t turn up.
Awful, dreadful and when will Bruce realise that 3-5-2 doesn’t work with the players we have. Then Kodjia kicks a defender for no good reason and gets sent off. All the away fans should be given their money back. Cricket score coming up.
Banned for blues game as well. Should never have played him
he was kicked 1st and their bloke should have gone……as well as another one using his elbow….homer officials
If he was and it’s on camera FA can take retrospective action – bet they don’t though as it’s a London club! Still no excuse for retaliation – brainless and will miss rest of season.
1-1…take that
B*****…2-1
Still Blues are losing 2-0 – if we can mug them then they are definitely in danger of falling through the trap door – shame really 🙂
At present we have no style of play and Bruce does not know what formation will get the best out of the players we have. I wanted Bruce as manager but I am afraid I am pretty bored now watching non descript half hearted players who are no better than the Ashley Westwoods we got rid off