Have just got back to Devon from Brum with my lad. Today was his 1st proper derby match!
I was very disappointed to only draw to begin with. But I have to say, now I’ve had time to reflect – a draw was probably a fair result.
They hit the woodwork 4 times during the game and created a number of chances, especially after they equalised. However we did have a number of chances to bury the game. We could have been 3-0 up before they equalised, but once again our finishing let us down. I REALLY hope we get a striker, (or two) in the window. Oh and we also had our usual penalty appeal turned down!
The encouraging thing was, that we WERE making chances today, something that hasn’t happened in some games. I also though that some of our football was pretty good. The one thing we have to fix though, is we need more urgency. We take the safe choice too many times. Bentley looked good and showed enough that he will be a good signing.
My lad really enjoyed it though and was delighted that he was able to celebrate a Blues goal.
So we’ve played our nearest and dearest three times this season and not lost, I suppose that’s a positive.
Again! why are we set up so negative!
All of the games we have won this year we set up 4 4 2.
WE CAN NOT PLAY EFFECTIVELY 4 5 1! We will not beat West Ham playing 4 5 1 or anyone else if we insist on playing anything other than 4 4 2.
FOUR FOUR TWO —- 4 4 2 —- FOUR FOUR TWO —– 4 4 2 ——- FOUR FOUR TWO
I’d have taken a draw before kick off when I saw Jerome and Larsson (not to mention Dann) were injured.
I would also have taken a draw when it seemed they hit the bar three times in ten minutes. The worst thing is we were a goal up for so long. If we were a goal down and equalised it would feel a lot more positive. I think the positives are:
a) Unbeaten at St Andrews against Villa in the Prem for the first time in (is it 5?) years
b) Great debut from Bentley
c) Another point away from relegation zone
d) Still above Villa in the table
e) Unbeaten in three matches against Villa all season (5th Round FA Cup anyone?)
f) Ben Foster (barring a nightmare opening minute) had a great match considering his error against West Ham
g) Derbyshire playing on despite carrying a first half ankle knock. We love a fighter.
h) Proof we can play without Jerome may make McLeish utilise Derbyshire, Zigic and Phillips more.
i) Murphy continuing to impress in Dann’s absence means Dann won’t be missed quite so much
j) Hleb looked dangerous (though he was apparently petulant when subbed – a great move tactically when we needed more goal threat)
k) Zigic got more minutes under his belt and was again dangerous in the air, answering his critics.
l) Johnson was immense again in defence AND ATTACK!
m) Master J Ball enjoyed a lead against Villa at Saint Andrews – feels great doesn’t it?
Thanks Kev. Great brief musings.
We played 4411 Will. Also I thought we created almost as many chances today as we did against Blackpool.
Eck’s hands were tied today with Jerome being injured. I think he would have played 2 up front if he’d been fit.
The 2nd half was pretty entertaining IMO.
Does anyone know why we played Gardner left wing and Fahey left centre mid when they have played in the opposite roles all season?
This formation was negative, once again I ask what does Fahey give vthe team apart from slowing the advance down as he always takes stock then passes backwards? We should have gone with Beausejour on the left and Gardner left centre mid.
Cant agree with Russell that Murphy continues to impress, he is OK going forward but can’t defend, gets caught too narrow and gives wingers too much space on the outside, we saw it yet again today.
Just why did we sign Jiranek, captain of Spartak Moscow and Czech International central defender?
so many empty seats
were you still queuing for flares outside
I was pretty negative about Murphy before the game but I think he did ok. I thought we played ok but never looked commmited to winning the game. Another poor turn out, money is hard at this time and people won’t pay to watch a midfield packed with a game plan soley based on not getting beat. God bless Ian holloway shows why the premiership is so great.
I thought it was a great game today with a draw a fair result. We had our usual ‘up and down’ performance – periods where we played some lovely football and looked totally in control of the game and then periods where we disappeared into our shells and invited them onto us. A few random thoughts:-
– I thought Fahey had his best 45 mins for some time in the 1st half when he did come out of reverse gear occasionally and kept the ball well. Maybe this was because he was playing more central which is where he always played before he came to Blues.
– Helb and Bentley showed they might form a great partnership going forward and just need a decent striker to pick out in the box.
– I think Gardner was sent left to support Murphy on defensive duties which was probably wise.
– It looked like McLeish was settling for a draw when he put on Bowyer instead of Philips or Beasejour to replace Derbyshire. Its all very well getting a point but we want to win, don’t we? Or is it just about staying up this season and slowly building the squad? Does Eck have a master plan that us lesser mortals cannot grasp?
Overall there have been wierd signs recently that we could be developing into a half decent football playing side. Brucie got to this point and then abandoned the project because we started shipping too many goals and we ended up getting relegated. Feels like we are at a similar point again and it could still go either way. Can’t help but think that the 2nd leg against the hammers will define our season and just hope we can bring it all together play a consistent 90 mins and really bury them!
PARISIANVILLA says:
so many empty seats
were you still queuing for flares outside
empty seats because we were playing the Villa, who wants to watch them. You sound as bright as your compatriot.
Big Al, the best thing to do is not rise to the bait buddy. 🙂
what a pathetic turn out for derby game.small club no history and a sty of a ground.couldnt even afford a has been r.keane
🙂