MATCHWATCH : Blackburn Rovers (h)

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NewCorkSeth
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Re: MATCHWATCH : Blackburn Rovers (h)

by NewCorkSeth » 03 Mar 2021 09:21

Hound I thought Semedo was very good. Couple of loose passes but an excellent 'destroyer'. Who claimed they couldn't see him as a CDM?

Amazing (and maybe a little sad) how much more cheerful I am today than after last week's Wycombe shitshow

Did somebody really say that?

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Re: MATCHWATCH : Blackburn Rovers (h)

by URZZZZ » 03 Mar 2021 09:22

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Really? Both acedemy grads Holmes and McIntyre have served us well this year. Proven to be good and possibly the strongest we’ve had for many years.

It’s absurd to suggest otherwise. Plus both players can play various positions. As mentioned earlier, it’s paper thin, but we have a squad where players are standing up to the challenge and can play various positions. Bodes very well for the run in.



Ok. Moore gets injured. McIntyre gets drafted in. Where's the midfield cover? Pauno uses the same subs virtually every game. The kids are sitting there as a last resort. Obviously not yet ready for first team action.


If, if, if.

Most teams are 2 or 3 injuries away from issues, other squads are also not as big as you think. Yes most bigger than ours but still relatively small.

As it stands, we have a clear week after Saturday. Early view is that Morrison may only miss that, or even at a push be OK. So rest him and play one of Holmes/TM. Come Forest it is also likely we have Meite, MM and Araruna available and the 18 looks a lot stronger again.


*20

Main issue I have with the squad depth is perhaps one too many CB’s and not enough LB’s. In theory, Gibson and McIntyre are the backup LB’s but I think we’d need a little more if Richards were to pick up a longer term injury

May be a bit unfair on Gibson who has looked OK here but I’d prefer a natural fullback

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Re: MATCHWATCH : Blackburn Rovers (h)

by NewCorkSeth » 03 Mar 2021 09:25

URZZZZ
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Ok. Moore gets injured. McIntyre gets drafted in. Where's the midfield cover? Pauno uses the same subs virtually every game. The kids are sitting there as a last resort. Obviously not yet ready for first team action.


If, if, if.

Most teams are 2 or 3 injuries away from issues, other squads are also not as big as you think. Yes most bigger than ours but still relatively small.

As it stands, we have a clear week after Saturday. Early view is that Morrison may only miss that, or even at a push be OK. So rest him and play one of Holmes/TM. Come Forest it is also likely we have Meite, MM and Araruna available and the 18 looks a lot stronger again.


*20

Main issue I have with the squad depth is perhaps one too many CB’s and not enough LB’s. In theory, Gibson and McIntyre are the backup LB’s but I think we’d need a little more if Richards were to pick up a longer term injury

May be a bit unfair on Gibson who has looked OK here but I’d prefer a natural fullback

So you're saying it's time to start blooding in one of Bristow or Samuels?

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Re: MATCHWATCH : Blackburn Rovers (h)

by Stranded » 03 Mar 2021 09:25

Hound I thought Semedo was very good. Couple of loose passes but an excellent 'destroyer'. Who claimed they couldn't see him as a CDM?

Amazing (and maybe a little sad) how much more cheerful I am today than after last week's Wycombe shitshow


It's annoying because if we had turned up at Wycombe last week and won (which we are clearly good enough to have done), we'd be sat above a recently imploding Swansea now and probably thinking more about pushing the top 2 again rather than fending off rivals below.

Conversely, it's possible of course that these last 2 1-0 wins are a direct result of that fcuk up and trying to make up for it.

Interestingly* amazing how quickly form can shift. Over the last 6 games we're now back to W3 L3 (from W1 D1 L4) and if we manage another win on Saturday, then it goes to W4 L2.

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Re: MATCHWATCH : Blackburn Rovers (h)

by Stranded » 03 Mar 2021 09:27

Millsy Big respect to Joao for that assist.

Poor form, low in confidence, I thought he'd have a shot, but no he passed it to his 'competitiion'.

Top man, well done Joao!


Sentiment clearly shared by Puscas given his celebration involved mainly pointing at Joao.


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Re: MATCHWATCH : Blackburn Rovers (h)

by URZZZZ » 03 Mar 2021 09:29

NewCorkSeth
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If, if, if.

Most teams are 2 or 3 injuries away from issues, other squads are also not as big as you think. Yes most bigger than ours but still relatively small.

As it stands, we have a clear week after Saturday. Early view is that Morrison may only miss that, or even at a push be OK. So rest him and play one of Holmes/TM. Come Forest it is also likely we have Meite, MM and Araruna available and the 18 looks a lot stronger again.


*20

Main issue I have with the squad depth is perhaps one too many CB’s and not enough LB’s. In theory, Gibson and McIntyre are the backup LB’s but I think we’d need a little more if Richards were to pick up a longer term injury

May be a bit unfair on Gibson who has looked OK here but I’d prefer a natural fullback

So you're saying it's time to start blooding in one of Bristow or Samuels?


In terms of the transfer window, would have liked to see a LB in, although I do understand the constraints and realise it’s easier said than done

I do like the squad depth as a whole - keeps players on their toes and they all know they have a feasible chance of getting game time, compared to last year where the squad size was simply miles too big, which you’d have to say would likely have an adverse reaction on the dressing room

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Re: MATCHWATCH : Blackburn Rovers (h)

by Hound » 03 Mar 2021 09:30

Stranded
Hound I thought Semedo was very good. Couple of loose passes but an excellent 'destroyer'. Who claimed they couldn't see him as a CDM?

Amazing (and maybe a little sad) how much more cheerful I am today than after last week's Wycombe shitshow


It's annoying because if we had turned up at Wycombe last week and won (which we are clearly good enough to have done), we'd be sat above a recently imploding Swansea now and probably thinking more about pushing the top 2 again rather than fending off rivals below.
.


yep thats making me miserable again. Thanks :)

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Re: MATCHWATCH : Blackburn Rovers (h)

by Hound » 03 Mar 2021 09:31

URZZZZ
NewCorkSeth
URZZZZ
*20

Main issue I have with the squad depth is perhaps one too many CB’s and not enough LB’s. In theory, Gibson and McIntyre are the backup LB’s but I think we’d need a little more if Richards were to pick up a longer term injury

May be a bit unfair on Gibson who has looked OK here but I’d prefer a natural fullback

So you're saying it's time to start blooding in one of Bristow or Samuels?


In terms of the transfer window, would have liked to see a LB in, although I do understand the constraints and realise it’s easier said than done

I do like the squad depth as a whole - keeps players on their toes and they all know they have a feasible chance of getting game time, compared to last year where the squad size was simply miles too big, which you’d have to say would likely have an adverse reaction on the dressing room


Gibson is fine as a back up LB. I like him there tbh

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Re: MATCHWATCH : Blackburn Rovers (h)

by bcubed » 03 Mar 2021 09:36

Pepe the Horseman
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Pepe the Horseman Think they just got tangled up. Looked like Armstrong was about to help him up then realised he had an opportunity.


Nope
Looked like he deliberately felled him to me.

Well Moore took it very well if he did.


He's that kind of guy :)


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Re: MATCHWATCH : Blackburn Rovers (h)

by URZZZZ » 03 Mar 2021 09:36

Hound
URZZZZ
NewCorkSeth So you're saying it's time to start blooding in one of Bristow or Samuels?


In terms of the transfer window, would have liked to see a LB in, although I do understand the constraints and realise it’s easier said than done

I do like the squad depth as a whole - keeps players on their toes and they all know they have a feasible chance of getting game time, compared to last year where the squad size was simply miles too big, which you’d have to say would likely have an adverse reaction on the dressing room


Gibson is fine as a back up LB. I like him there tbh


Yeah - it may be unfair on him - does seem to have an unfortunate coincidence of being on the losing side when he starts!

Hopefully we won’t have to know though as Richards is doing more than a decent job there

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Re: MATCHWATCH : Blackburn Rovers (h)

by Coppells Lost Coat » 03 Mar 2021 09:40

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Coppells Lost Coat Another useful win, another clean sheet with out looking very good for large periods of the game. I viewed the subs as very negative - protecting a one goal lead from 70th minute just invited wave after wave of attacks. But we did the job, just about.... the last 20 minutes felt like we were clinging on and just clearing it with out even looking.
I am a little concerned that we have reverted to hoofing it up to the striker as a game plan....
Was that Semedos best game for us? I thought he put in a real decent shift, there was a a crazy 10 minutes when i thought he was gunna get a red but after that I thought he did very well. Still not been impressed by Moores return.


I disagree that the first sub was negative - Joao was putting in arguably his worst performance in a Reading shirt, so was right to hook him. Blackburn were already on the front foot, so made sense to me to revert to the more regular 4-5-1 esp. as Puscas was showing that his hold play is plenty good enough to be alone if needed.

I can see why it felt more negative as it was McIntyre who came on but he has come on at DM a lot this season so was the best move and allowed Semedo (who was excellent) to move forward. Plan was clearly to let them have the ball in front of us and wait or force the mistake, or hurry the shot/cross and it worked perfectly. The only real heart in mouth moment was Armstrong's miss and that only came about as he and Moore accidentally tangled but he was able to keep on his feet whilst Moore had to scramble.


Hopefully Joao shakes off what ever is holding him back.
When you see a striker off for CB you know what the game plan is, regardless if that CB has come on for a few minutes and played as a DM before. We defended deep and lumped up it to general direction to Puscas hoping something would stick.

We were comfortable, with as you say the odd heart in mouth moments - but the sheer amount of crosses and 'good' positions they found themselves in was alarming - Blackburn just lack the cutting edge. The game plan worked this time, it might not next time.

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Re: MATCHWATCH : Blackburn Rovers (h)

by bcubed » 03 Mar 2021 09:42

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Really? Both acedemy grads Holmes and McIntyre have served us well this year. Proven to be good and possibly the strongest we’ve had for many years.

It’s absurd to suggest otherwise. Plus both players can play various positions. As mentioned earlier, it’s paper thin, but we have a squad where players are standing up to the challenge and can play various positions. Bodes very well for the run in.



Ok. Moore gets injured. McIntyre gets drafted in. Where's the midfield cover? Pauno uses the same subs virtually every game. The kids are sitting there as a last resort. Obviously not yet ready for first team action.

We need to get away from this idea that you need three players for every position. The squad is not paper thin.

We have a first team squad of at least 22 players, excluding Academy lads. And the vast majority of those have shown themselves capable at this level. We've had many injury woes and we're still in the play offs.

We've been complaining for years about bloated squads and the effect they have on performance and morale.

Almost no championship club can field an XI with 4 / 5 injuries and still have a strong XI and a strong bench of 9 players. The size of the subs bench is absolute madness.

When have we ever been blessed with 5 CBs you'd be happy with any of them starting?

4 players comfortable at RB?

5 who can play attacking midfield fairly well?

4 who can play defensive midfield quite well.

Clubs cannot sustain huge squads, and they can't keep them happy. We need a return to the day of the utility specialist who can slot in several positions comfortably to keep squads tight.


More Paul Madeley types

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Re: MATCHWATCH : Blackburn Rovers (h)

by Hendo » 03 Mar 2021 09:45

We could do with someone like this legend



Could pretty much play any position across the backline or in midfield.


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Re: MATCHWATCH : Blackburn Rovers (h)

by WestYorksRoyal » 03 Mar 2021 09:48

I'd actually say our squad has put in a heroic effort this season. It's a thin squad, but academy players have stepped up, players have shown versatility and the team have found ways to adapt and grind out results when tired and under strength, such as the past week and that run of games with QPR, Luton and Swansea in December.

After Saturday's match, we have a week off, then 2 more games followed by an international break and less onerous schedule. Win 2 out of the next 3 and we're in good shape.

An extra 4 or 5 quality players could well have had us pushing for top 2 instead of top 6, but the financial reasons why that wasn't possible are well known. And perhaps we'd have never seen the development in Holmes and McIntyre we've witnessed.

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Re: MATCHWATCH : Blackburn Rovers (h)

by Snowflake Royal » 03 Mar 2021 09:49

Quality difference, but I wouldn't be horrified at Semedo anywhere across the backline in an emergency and he's already played wing DM and AM

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Re: MATCHWATCH : Blackburn Rovers (h)

by Millsy » 03 Mar 2021 09:52

Pah.

A team of 5 Parkies and 6 Kebes is all we need.

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Re: MATCHWATCH : Blackburn Rovers (h)

by SCIAG » 03 Mar 2021 09:59

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Really? Both acedemy grads Holmes and McIntyre have served us well this year. Proven to be good and possibly the strongest we’ve had for many years.

It’s absurd to suggest otherwise. Plus both players can play various positions. As mentioned earlier, it’s paper thin, but we have a squad where players are standing up to the challenge and can play various positions. Bodes very well for the run in.



Ok. Moore gets injured. McIntyre gets drafted in. Where's the midfield cover? Pauno uses the same subs virtually every game. The kids are sitting there as a last resort. Obviously not yet ready for first team action.


If, if, if.

Most teams are 2 or 3 injuries away from issues, other squads are also not as big as you think. Yes most bigger than ours but still relatively small.

As it stands, we have a clear week after Saturday. Early view is that Morrison may only miss that, or even at a push be OK. So rest him and play one of Holmes/TM. Come Forest it is also likely we have Meite, MM and Araruna available and the 18 looks a lot stronger again.

I can see where LW is coming from - there does seem to be a big gap between McIntyre/Holmes and Tetek/others, at least in how Paunovic uses them. Holmes and McIntyre are fully part of the first team squad, but Tetek very rarely gets off the bench. Melvin-Lambert didn’t get any game time when we only had Baldock up front, Onen and Camara have made about one league appearance between them, etc.

I’m not jumping to any conclusions but it does feel like they’re there to make up the numbers rather than being serious options.

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Re: MATCHWATCH : Blackburn Rovers (h)

by Hound » 03 Mar 2021 10:02

I think Tetek has been used a couple of times. But yes all a bit early for them I think.

In all honesty, back in the days of 5 subs, they wouldnt be getting a look in. They are there for the experience as much as anything

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Re: MATCHWATCH : Blackburn Rovers (h)

by Hound » 03 Mar 2021 10:04

One benefit of having a few injuries this season, is the likes of Meite, Yiadom, Moore and Puscas should be really fresh and firing. obviously its a manic season and mentally and physically 2 games a week takes its toll I'm sure.

Add Swift in if (big if) he comes back soon and fully fit and you have 5 fresh players who are up there with the best in the division in their positions. Its a big plus. Noticed the likes of Swansea were bemoaning their strikers looking jaded (1 goal between them in 9 I think) with no one else to turn to
Last edited by Hound on 03 Mar 2021 10:09, edited 1 time in total.

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Re: MATCHWATCH : Blackburn Rovers (h)

by paultheroyal » 03 Mar 2021 10:05

Westwood52 My heart hasn’t stopped racing yet, but nevertheless:

Rafa A couple of real ricketts second half ,after a good first half.Lucky boy.

Yids My MOM. Reliable throughout.
Morrison. Missed him when he went off.However Holmes stuck at it.
Moore Very shaky game.
Richards Some classy moments,but there were a number of times he was caught out.
Laurent The game seemed to pass him by.Running on empty.
Semedo Probably his best game for us.I thought he kept at it throughout.
Olise Please take him off corners and free kicks.Everyone was awful.He just couldn’t get on the ball.Another one running on empty.
Ejaria Started first half badly.But thereafter our most dangerous player after that.Always dangerous on the ball.
Jao Looks shot.He was awful .
Puskas Great first half ,but then perhaps not suprisingly ran out of gas.

McIntyre Zero effect.I always hate going defensive when there’s twenty minutes or so left.
Estevez One really great contribution late on.

I think Blackburn played so much better than us;as when they unloaded their bench their subs made a real positive impact.To up our game,we needed Aluko and Baldock ,real experienced attacking pros to come on and influence;but clearly Velcro doesn’t trust them and he isn’t a gambler.The initiative was clearly with Blackburn the moment Jao came off.


I take it this contribution is a wind up? I have no further comment to add.

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