MATCHWATCH : Millwall (a)

[CountryRoyal]

On the attacking front we struggle to create goals because it appears we don’t really have a consistent attacking philosophy. We rely too much on individual players producing individual skill and we have done for some time. It’s not a reliable game plan, especially at this level. This is a combination of poor coaching/management and poor recruitment with square pegs, round holes etc.

[Stranded]

Not sure about that.

Average watching around 35 games a season in full, not that it matters really. 4pm kick offs generally mean I'm at home by that point on Saturdays.

Good show. Then you more than anyone can see the problems we have and therefore agree with my rather sensible suggestions!

Yep, I never say there aren't problems - be foolish to say otherwise - I'm also aware that this does seem to be the pattern at the club at the moment. I also don't buy in to easy narratives i.e. zonal marking is shit when it currently isn't, though was (though would like to see at least one of Swift/Puscas left up field) as these don't seem to shift as things change.

7 or 8 games undefeated, 3 or 4 defeats, run of a few games undefeated, 2 or 3 defeats etc etc.

I'm all for giving the kids a go but I guess it is about balancing that right and we aren't doing that now - was interesting to watch last night that for about the first 30 mins, the team didn't seem to trust Ashcroft and often ignored him until he put in that peach of a cross that the defender just managed to divert from Puscas

[Pandoras Box]

Sorry, but I don’t subscribe to this ‘fatigue’ excuse.
I read somewhere once that on average the ball is in actual play for around 58-60 minutes per game.
Even if everyone had a fair share, it means they are physically in contact with the ball for about three minutes per game. Obviously some do more, but this means others do less. The rest of the time they are simply trotting around tracking, marking or getting into position. Does a professional footballer really get fatigued with this amount of work just once or twice a week?
You don’t see the referee flagging during the game and he’s running non stop.
Yes it can be knackering, but surely that’s what you should fundamentally be training for isn’t it? to ensure you can last those 90+ minutes.

You wouldn’t see a sprinter slowing down at 50m because those first paces tired him out, he’s trained to go the distance at full pace.
As another example, tennis players can play one on one for up to 4 hours non stop, moving faster and moving in all directions in a tighter space which would take far more out on the body muscles. Quite often they may do this three times in one week during a major tournament, don’t see them not giving it their all because they are tired.

Also many other teams also field the same players match after match, never being substituted or having a break in the season.
It’s the same for all teams, so how come this fatigue seems to only affect Reading players and requires in depth discussion before and after every match?

And just one other observation. Moore starts to stretch his leg at match end and Tim Dellor immediately says, ‘we won’t see him Saturday, another one to the injury list?’ Why? Is this now what it’s come to and the accepted result of any injury sustained on the pitch while playing for Reading regardless?

[Hendo]

Frustrating again last night, save for the first 10 mins, the first half was excellent and we controlled the game for large periods, but we just can't score. Way too far away to see if Puscas (I think it was) was close to getting onto a cross from the right that seemed to flash across goal.

Same old story second half though, text my dad about 15 mins in saying we were struggling and the goal was only a matter of time coming. Shocking defending for the goal, schoolboy stuff really, Rahman got totally caught out and Afobe won't score an easier goal all season.

We are just in a huge rut at the moment and I can't quite see how we're going to get out of it, the players are shot - not just physically, but mentally as well, which obviously just leads to mistakes. They needed to somehow just put 20 passes together for about 5 minutes in the second half and slow the game down completely, they would've taken the sting out of the tail a bit but Millwall just kept coming.

Quick word on Ashcroft, thought he looked decent in what was a tough game making his debut, if he can get a bit more experience this season, think we'll have a good little player on our hands, I did note him turning back when he got the ball on the halfway line, more-so in the first half, which yes is frustrating, but understandable for someone making his debut, he doesn't want to give the ball away so high up the pitch and then have them break on him - no issue with it at all. Seemed to grow in confidence in the second half though and put in a couple of robust tackles, which was good to see.

[hughsies no.1]

Difficult to be annoyed about the performance last night. Always enjoy going to the Den and had some decent results there in the past. The well documented injury crisis is beyond farcical now, we’ve been using the same XI for weeks and as soon as it hits the 60min mark you can see the players are shattered, if we haven’t gone ahead by that point then we are in trouble. Credit to the academy boys, couldn’t fault them.

Thought Millwall started the better and we then looked the more threatening in the first half. Swift is was head and shoulders the best player on the pitch.

On the support, great turnout I thought. However, when a large section started singing Bubbles I just wanted the ground to swallow me up. I know they’re just kids singing it but ffs what are they doing?! Later in the game there was the standard Mark McGhee song which restored some faith in our support along with 5 Parkinson’s. Just really grated on me our fans singing that, and I really dislike this new ‘sex offender’ song they’ve started to sing which is a copy of what Newcastle fans sang to Ronaldo. Our young fans sang it about Mitro at Fulham, then targeted Warnock then McCarthy then last night Rowett. Again, find it embarrassing. Let’s get behind our boys rather than cringe worthy songs like that.

Yes most of this review of the game has been about our support, but tbh what’s happening on the pitch atm is all rather much of a muchness and until we get some more bodies back I can’t see it changing. Looks like Ovie and Moore are now going to be doubts tor Saturday.

I’ll be at Brum Saturday. Let’s hope we are leading by the 60th minute!

[Stranded]

Frustrating again last night, save for the first 10 mins, the first half was excellent and we controlled the game for large periods, but we just can't score. Way too far away to see if Puscas (I think it was) was close to getting onto a cross from the right that seemed to flash across goal.

Same old story second half though, text my dad about 15 mins in saying we were struggling and the goal was only a matter of time coming. Shocking defending for the goal, schoolboy stuff really, Rahman got totally caught out and Afobe won't score an easier goal all season.

We are just in a huge rut at the moment and I can't quite see how we're going to get out of it, the players are shot - not just physically, but mentally as well, which obviously just leads to mistakes. They needed to somehow just put 20 passes together for about 5 minutes in the second half and slow the game down completely, they would've taken the sting out of the tail a bit but Millwall just kept coming.

Quick word on Ashcroft, thought he looked decent in what was a tough game making his debut, if he can get a bit more experience this season, think we'll have a good little player on our hands, I did note him turning back when he got the ball on the halfway line, more-so in the first half, which yes is frustrating, but understandable for someone making his debut, he doesn't want to give the ball away so high up the pitch and then have them break on him - no issue with it at all. Seemed to grow in confidence in the second half though and put in a couple of robust tackles, which was good to see.

If that was the one from an Ashcroft cross, the Millwall defender got a toe on it which took it away from Puscas. He would have had a tap in (or at least the chance of one) without the touch.

[Hendo]

Frustrating again last night, save for the first 10 mins, the first half was excellent and we controlled the game for large periods, but we just can't score. Way too far away to see if Puscas (I think it was) was close to getting onto a cross from the right that seemed to flash across goal.

Same old story second half though, text my dad about 15 mins in saying we were struggling and the goal was only a matter of time coming. Shocking defending for the goal, schoolboy stuff really, Rahman got totally caught out and Afobe won't score an easier goal all season.

We are just in a huge rut at the moment and I can't quite see how we're going to get out of it, the players are shot - not just physically, but mentally as well, which obviously just leads to mistakes. They needed to somehow just put 20 passes together for about 5 minutes in the second half and slow the game down completely, they would've taken the sting out of the tail a bit but Millwall just kept coming.

Quick word on Ashcroft, thought he looked decent in what was a tough game making his debut, if he can get a bit more experience this season, think we'll have a good little player on our hands, I did note him turning back when he got the ball on the halfway line, more-so in the first half, which yes is frustrating, but understandable for someone making his debut, he doesn't want to give the ball away so high up the pitch and then have them break on him - no issue with it at all. Seemed to grow in confidence in the second half though and put in a couple of robust tackles, which was good to see.

If that was the one from an Ashcroft cross, the Millwall defender got a toe on it which took it away from Puscas. He would have had a tap in (or at least the chance of one) without the touch.

Yeah, I think that was the one. Even more frustrating then!

[Stranded]

Frustrating again last night, save for the first 10 mins, the first half was excellent and we controlled the game for large periods, but we just can't score. Way too far away to see if Puscas (I think it was) was close to getting onto a cross from the right that seemed to flash across goal.

Same old story second half though, text my dad about 15 mins in saying we were struggling and the goal was only a matter of time coming. Shocking defending for the goal, schoolboy stuff really, Rahman got totally caught out and Afobe won't score an easier goal all season.

We are just in a huge rut at the moment and I can't quite see how we're going to get out of it, the players are shot - not just physically, but mentally as well, which obviously just leads to mistakes. They needed to somehow just put 20 passes together for about 5 minutes in the second half and slow the game down completely, they would've taken the sting out of the tail a bit but Millwall just kept coming.

Quick word on Ashcroft, thought he looked decent in what was a tough game making his debut, if he can get a bit more experience this season, think we'll have a good little player on our hands, I did note him turning back when he got the ball on the halfway line, more-so in the first half, which yes is frustrating, but understandable for someone making his debut, he doesn't want to give the ball away so high up the pitch and then have them break on him - no issue with it at all. Seemed to grow in confidence in the second half though and put in a couple of robust tackles, which was good to see.

If that was the one from an Ashcroft cross, the Millwall defender got a toe on it which took it away from Puscas. He would have had a tap in (or at least the chance of one) without the touch.

Yeah, I think that was the one. Even more frustrating then!

Yep, looked for all the world that it was getting to him then the defender found an extra inch at the last second.

[CountryRoyal]

Bored of seeing the exact same second half performance.
I am sick of seeing too many of our players just go through the exact same patterns of play, even if we are 1,2,3 goals down. As an above poster said, other teams would be desperate to get balls into the box we are extremely happy just to pass sideways near the box.

This is the crux of it. Nothing changes if nothing changes. Pauno has to go.

[leon]

Average watching around 35 games a season in full, not that it matters really. 4pm kick offs generally mean I'm at home by that point on Saturdays.

Good show. Then you more than anyone can see the problems we have and therefore agree with my rather sensible suggestions!

Yep, I never say there aren't problems - be foolish to say otherwise - I'm also aware that this does seem to be the pattern at the club at the moment. I also don't buy in to easy narratives i.e. zonal marking is shit when it currently isn't, though was (though would like to see at least one of Swift/Puscas left up field) as these don't seem to shift as things change.

7 or 8 games undefeated, 3 or 4 defeats, run of a few games undefeated, 2 or 3 defeats etc etc.

I'm all for giving the kids a go but I guess it is about balancing that right and we aren't doing that now - was interesting to watch last night that for about the first 30 mins, the team didn't seem to trust Ashcroft and often ignored him until he put in that peach of a cross that the defender just managed to divert from Puscas

I didn't say there are easy fixes. But at present it appears we're not acknowledging fundamental failings (defending set pieces/crosses, having a cohesive attack, fitness/rotating the squad etc etc) and not trying to fix them. (and if he is he's doing a spectacularly shit job)

And again I'm not saying replace the team with kids. On the subject of trust Swift failed to give Puscas the ball twice in the space of 5 minutes when it looked like he was in a decent position. That's not great.

[South Coast Royal]

Sorry, but I don’t subscribe to this ‘fatigue’ excuse.
I read somewhere once that on average the ball is in actual play for around 58-60 minutes per game.
Even if everyone had a fair share, it means they are physically in contact with the ball for about three minutes per game. Obviously some do more, but this means others do less. The rest of the time they are simply trotting around tracking, marking or getting into position. Does a professional footballer really get fatigued with this amount of work just once or twice a week?
You don’t see the referee flagging during the game and he’s running non stop.
Yes it can be knackering, but surely that’s what you should fundamentally be training for isn’t it? to ensure you can last those 90+ minutes.

You wouldn’t see a sprinter slowing down at 50m because those first paces tired him out, he’s trained to go the distance at full pace.
As another example, tennis players can play one on one for up to 4 hours non stop, moving faster and moving in all directions in a tighter space which would take far more out on the body muscles. Quite often they may do this three times in one week during a major tournament, don’t see them not giving it their all because they are tired.

Also many other teams also field the same players match after match, never being substituted or having a break in the season.
It’s the same for all teams, so how come this fatigue seems to only affect Reading players and requires in depth discussion before and after every match?

And just one other observation. Moore starts to stretch his leg at match end and Tim Dellor immediately says, ‘we won’t see him Saturday, another one to the injury list?’ Why? Is this now what it’s come to and the accepted result of any injury sustained on the pitch while playing for Reading regardless?

Agree with all of this.
One further point, these are perfect surfaces that they play on and gone are the clinging (Derby etc.) pitches which drain the energy.
Also hardly any of our players are on international duty so they will have had plenty of time off during these first months of the season.

It was Pepe who posted earlier about the bar now being set low for Puscas in that a moderate performance is now seen as satisfactory.

The same goes with Hendo saying that the first half was "excellent".
Imho "excellent" would be us being 3-0 up-as I saw it the performance was an adequate one for a team playing away from home.

A few weeks ago stranded ( yes you are over-optimistic m8) was talking of play-offs but regrettably with 9 games to go before January using the same squad and youngsters it is hard to envisage us being anywhere but in a relegation scrap, especially with the 6 or 9 point deduction coming.

Watching last night Swift didn't have his best of games but he is in the game so much ( and catch 22 re-passing to Puscas) that if he goes the gap will be enormous-yes, the others might step up but would we put money on that happening?
Will we be able to sign anybody?.

What makes me now feel that relegation is almost likely rather than unlikely is that we show signs of a relegation side, i.e. play a bit of attractive football, made easier because we have 5 in midfield, but have no punch up front and are far from safe at the back.

Somebody said about Puscas "nearly" got a touch-he is now that nearly man who is always a fraction too late whereas the natural finisher (Cureton, Le Fondre) is just there at the right time in the right place-goal!!

One plus was young Ashcroft-it helped that he was a wing-back rather than an orthodox full-back - it reminded me a bit of McGhee bringing in Holtzman for his debut away at City who played a blinder in his first game.

I don't know about this" playing the youngsters as they can't do any worse" over "leaving the regulars on in the hope that they might do something" argument-I think most managers would go with the latter and Pauno is no exception.

So should he go or should he stay?
Dunno-to quote an even older line from a song "Que Sera, sera."

[Coppells Lost Coat]

I am starting to think Swift and Puscas have a big issue with each other. Swift just doesn't give Puscas anything to work with. I genuinely cant think of one example of Swift playing Puscas in or even attempting to. Every time he just hogs it and would rather have a shot than pass it to him, or if there is any other option, he would lay it off to them.
The last few games have really highlighted that.

[Zip]

I am starting to think Swift and Puscas have a big issue with each other. Swift just doesn't give Puscas anything to work with. I genuinely cant think of one example of Swift playing Puscas in or even attempting to. Every time he just hogs it and would rather have a shot than pass it to him, or if there is any other option, he would lay it off to them.
The last few games have really highlighted that.

He played him in v Blackpool for the one on one (that moment may prove pivotal in our season). He also set him up v Muff at the weekend with a brilliant cross having done well to keep the ball in play.

[Coppells Lost Coat]

I am starting to think Swift and Puscas have a big issue with each other. Swift just doesn't give Puscas anything to work with. I genuinely cant think of one example of Swift playing Puscas in or even attempting to. Every time he just hogs it and would rather have a shot than pass it to him, or if there is any other option, he would lay it off to them.
The last few games have really highlighted that.

He played him in v Blackpool for the one on one (that moment may prove pivotal in our season). He also set him up v Muff at the weekend with a brilliant cross having done well to keep the ball in play.

I have a short memory.

[Wycombe Royal]

And Wycombe is certainly smart enough to have put good thought into how to go about it.

I'll take that as a compliment, however I also don't have time to spend all day on here. Because I'm smart I have a good job that keeps me very busy

And I think two up front would have made a difference last night. Puscas was again isolated, Swift seemed to want to do it all himself, and the Millwall defence didn't have too much to think about.

[leon]

And Wycombe is certainly smart enough to have put good thought into how to go about it.

And I think two up front would have made a difference last night. Puscas was again isolated, Swift seemed to want to do it all himself, and the Millwall defence didn't have too much to think about.

A very succinct analysis,

[Snowflake Royal]

On the attacking front we struggle to create goals because it appears we don’t really have a consistent attacking philosophy. We rely too much on individual players producing individual skill and we have done for some time. It’s not a reliable game plan, especially at this level. This is a combination of poor coaching/management and poor recruitment with square pegs, round holes etc.

Yes! Been thinking and saying that for a while.

[NathStPaul]

How many clear cut chances has Puscas actually missed in the last few games? Not suggesting he hasn't missed chances but I just can't remember the players behind him creating much.

[Snowflake Royal]

And Wycombe is certainly smart enough to have put good thought into how to go about it.

I'll take that as a compliment, however I also don't have time to spend all day on here. Because I'm smart I have a good job that keeps me very busy

And I think two up front would have made a difference last night. Puscas was again isolated, Swift seemed to want to do it all himself, and the Millwall defence didn't have too much to think about.

Meant as one. Just because we don't always agree doesn’t make me not value your thoughts. Despite what some might say.

[Hendo]

How many clear cut chances has Puscas actually missed in the last few games? Not suggesting he hasn't missed chances but I just can't remember the players behind him creating much.

Blackpool was the biggie, would've out us 3-0 up and out of sight.