| Do we not think that our weakness last night 16:36 - Dec 30 with 2265 views | Cheltenham_Blue |
was not so much being unable to score three or four goals but conceding twice?
Has that not been the problem in all of the games we've lost?
Scoring goals, (and Ladapo specifically), really isn't the issue |  |
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| Do we not think that our weakness last night on 16:43 - Dec 30 with 2001 views | FrimleyBlue |
It's both for me.
At 1-1 we needed to get than 2nd goal first. Had we managed it then it may have changed the way the game played out thereafter.
But also. Chaplin allowed a free cross into our Box which is criminal yet something we keep allowing against sides who love the opportunity to put balls into the box. We managed to reduce it through the game well.. but again a lack of concentration or just plain laziness gave them the gifted opportunity. |  |
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| Do we not think that our weakness last night on 16:46 - Dec 30 with 1979 views | TRUE_BLUE123 |
Absolutely right.
A big issue is that Leif Davis keeps getting isolated against somebody double his size at the back post, why on earth is he marking Raggett at the back post. See also Charlton.
The first goal wasn't a foul, but its a good free kick.
We were so good at defending last year and not great going forward, this year we have flipped, we score loads of goals but concede too many poor goals. I would be ok if people keep scoring worldies against us, but we concede really really poor goals. Walton has been at fault for a few this season. Long balls in the box are an issue.
We are still in a great position, we have lost 3 games all year and are second in the league. But we need to work on these goals we are letting in. |  |
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| Do we not think that our weakness last night on 16:46 - Dec 30 with 1988 views | PhilTWTD |
Not a lot we could do about the first one and it wasn't a free-kick anyway. The second was poorly defended without question.
But for much of the match it was 1-1 with us dominating but without finding a goal, which has essentially been the story of most - all? - the matches we haven't won this season. |  | | |
| Do we not think that our weakness last night on 16:47 - Dec 30 with 1974 views | Cheltenham_Blue |
| Do we not think that our weakness last night on 16:43 - Dec 30 by FrimleyBlue |
It's both for me.
At 1-1 we needed to get than 2nd goal first. Had we managed it then it may have changed the way the game played out thereafter.
But also. Chaplin allowed a free cross into our Box which is criminal yet something we keep allowing against sides who love the opportunity to put balls into the box. We managed to reduce it through the game well.. but again a lack of concentration or just plain laziness gave them the gifted opportunity. |
As a reminder, we are the highest scoring side in the league.
Most other sides competing for the title don't need to score 3 or 4 to win. | |
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| Do we not think that our weakness last night on 16:55 - Dec 30 with 1931 views | Cheltenham_Blue |
| Do we not think that our weakness last night on 16:46 - Dec 30 by PhilTWTD |
Not a lot we could do about the first one and it wasn't a free-kick anyway. The second was poorly defended without question.
But for much of the match it was 1-1 with us dominating but without finding a goal, which has essentially been the story of most - all? - the matches we haven't won this season. |
This is what I was saying last night, we struggle against two things.
1. The Low Block
2. A High Press
We always seem to panic a little when the high press gets put on us, but our big issue last night and in other games is the low block, last night it felt like we needed a Celina on the bench. A luxury player, but one that can unpick a defence with a bit of skill rather than a new striker.
Where do we get one of those in League One? | |
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| Do we not think that our weakness last night on 16:57 - Dec 30 with 1902 views | bobbyramsey |
Basically we are not very good at defending, I don’t know if that’s down to personnel or tactics. We defend by dominating possession but once we lose the ball it’s all too easy for the opposition. Oxford could have had two early goals. |  | | |
| Do we not think that our weakness last night on 16:59 - Dec 30 with 1897 views | PhilTWTD |
| Do we not think that our weakness last night on 16:55 - Dec 30 by Cheltenham_Blue |
This is what I was saying last night, we struggle against two things.
1. The Low Block
2. A High Press
We always seem to panic a little when the high press gets put on us, but our big issue last night and in other games is the low block, last night it felt like we needed a Celina on the bench. A luxury player, but one that can unpick a defence with a bit of skill rather than a new striker.
Where do we get one of those in League One? |
I think we definitely need a better number nine than we've had so far this season, but I can similarly see the value of Celina in those circumstances. Sadly, I think that ship has sailed and, as you say, alternatives offering the same are limited at this level. | | | |
| Do we not think that our weakness last night on 16:59 - Dec 30 with 1882 views | FrimleyBlue |
| Do we not think that our weakness last night on 16:47 - Dec 30 by Cheltenham_Blue |
As a reminder, we are the highest scoring side in the league.
Most other sides competing for the title don't need to score 3 or 4 to win. |
Indeed which is why I mentioned the crossing situation.
Had we not let that happen and we scored a 2nd we would have won 2 1.
But likewise Had we scored the 2nd before pompy did.. the freekick given away from.burns may not have happened as the play could have been different.. | |
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| Do we not think that our weakness last night on 17:13 - Dec 30 with 1810 views | Illinoisblue |
| Do we not think that our weakness last night on 16:57 - Dec 30 by bobbyramsey |
Basically we are not very good at defending, I don’t know if that’s down to personnel or tactics. We defend by dominating possession but once we lose the ball it’s all too easy for the opposition. Oxford could have had two early goals. |
It’s a little absurd to claim we’re not very good at defending. I think a big problem is a team might have only 3 chances against and they’ll often score at least 1 of them. Whereas we have 70% possession, numerous chances and but aren’t nearly as ruthless or efficient. If we can get through this blip still in contention for automatic, add a coupe of quality additions in the window then we should be good.
And let’s not forget, this is Division 3. To expect us to win 3-0 or 4-0 every week is for the birds |  |
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| Do we not think that our weakness last night on 17:41 - Dec 30 with 1668 views | Illinoisblue |
| Do we not think that our weakness last night on 16:59 - Dec 30 by FrimleyBlue |
Indeed which is why I mentioned the crossing situation.
Had we not let that happen and we scored a 2nd we would have won 2 1.
But likewise Had we scored the 2nd before pompy did.. the freekick given away from.burns may not have happened as the play could have been different.. |
So, as long as we never let the opposition cross a ball or have a shot we’ll be fine? | |
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| Do we not think that our weakness last night on 17:52 - Dec 30 with 1637 views | Westcountryblue |
I think we do have an issue deal with high balls into the box, particularly at the back post. I'm a big Davis fan, but he as well as the likes of Burns has been guilty this season of either losing their marker or being out muscled. Not really much we can do about it apart from coaching, but it might be worth using Leigh more, especially when protecting leads.
Upfront, Ladapo has been good, but he needs to improve his movement and willingness to get on the end and contest crosses into the opposition box. I think a physical striker who will do this would improve our conversion rate of crosses into the box. |  | | |
| Do we not think that our weakness last night on 17:54 - Dec 30 with 1630 views | Westcountryblue |
| Do we not think that our weakness last night on 16:55 - Dec 30 by Cheltenham_Blue |
This is what I was saying last night, we struggle against two things.
1. The Low Block
2. A High Press
We always seem to panic a little when the high press gets put on us, but our big issue last night and in other games is the low block, last night it felt like we needed a Celina on the bench. A luxury player, but one that can unpick a defence with a bit of skill rather than a new striker.
Where do we get one of those in League One? |
Totally agree regarding the need for a 'lock pick' type of player. Wonder what the situation on Celina is. | | | |
| Do we not think that our weakness last night on 18:04 - Dec 30 with 1602 views | TalkingBlues |
| Do we not think that our weakness last night on 16:46 - Dec 30 by PhilTWTD |
Not a lot we could do about the first one and it wasn't a free-kick anyway. The second was poorly defended without question.
But for much of the match it was 1-1 with us dominating but without finding a goal, which has essentially been the story of most - all? - the matches we haven't won this season. |
Indeed, I am yet to hear a post match McK interview where he doesn't mention the plethora of missed (very good) chances that would have put the game to bed and usually that's by half time, let alone the full 90 minutes. It's been the same story every game, the whole season to date.
We have been pretty poor at defending the high balls into the box all season too, but if we are converting more of the chances at the other end, it wouldn't matter. The defence is solid enough and not a pressing concern currently, but we have to source a finisher up top and I'm afraid it's Ladapo that must give way, he's just not getting into the right positions often enough and dare I say it, even when he does he squanders far too many chances. |  |
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| Do we not think that our weakness last night on 18:07 - Dec 30 with 1595 views | TalkingBlues |
Quite the opposite IMO, any team is going to concede away from home against the firepower that Portsmouth possess. The issue, once again, is that we completely dominate the game, but fail to convert most of the chances we create, it's poor finishing and Ladapo I'm afraid, is simply not a good finisher. | |
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| Do we not think that our weakness last night on 18:14 - Dec 30 with 1568 views | longtimefan |
| Do we not think that our weakness last night on 18:04 - Dec 30 by TalkingBlues |
Indeed, I am yet to hear a post match McK interview where he doesn't mention the plethora of missed (very good) chances that would have put the game to bed and usually that's by half time, let alone the full 90 minutes. It's been the same story every game, the whole season to date.
We have been pretty poor at defending the high balls into the box all season too, but if we are converting more of the chances at the other end, it wouldn't matter. The defence is solid enough and not a pressing concern currently, but we have to source a finisher up top and I'm afraid it's Ladapo that must give way, he's just not getting into the right positions often enough and dare I say it, even when he does he squanders far too many chances. |
I thought last night it wasn’t just the defending of balls into the box that was a problem but also the defending prior to that. For most set pieces last night it was rarely a direct ball in to the box but a number of passes prior to the delivery that we failed to defend properly. It was almost as though Portsmouth had worked out we were so worried by the ball into the box that they took advantage of us putting nearly everyone in there which let them work the ball into a better crossing position. | | | |
| Do we not think that our weakness last night on 18:17 - Dec 30 with 1558 views | DJR |
| Do we not think that our weakness last night on 16:57 - Dec 30 by bobbyramsey |
Basically we are not very good at defending, I don’t know if that’s down to personnel or tactics. We defend by dominating possession but once we lose the ball it’s all too easy for the opposition. Oxford could have had two early goals. |
I think we are good at defending (certainly centrally) but our natural instinct is to attack, which on occasions leaves us a bit exposed at the back, so no need to panic.
Our goalscoring record is great, but we should probably score a little more with all our possession, and I am sure McKenna will make a couple of acquisitions in the transfer window which will make us even more potent. |  | | |
| Do we not think that our weakness last night on 18:20 - Dec 30 with 1552 views | Westcountryblue |
| Do we not think that our weakness last night on 18:14 - Dec 30 by longtimefan |
I thought last night it wasn’t just the defending of balls into the box that was a problem but also the defending prior to that. For most set pieces last night it was rarely a direct ball in to the box but a number of passes prior to the delivery that we failed to defend properly. It was almost as though Portsmouth had worked out we were so worried by the ball into the box that they took advantage of us putting nearly everyone in there which let them work the ball into a better crossing position. |
I definitely think our wing backs get targeted, namely Davis and Burns. However, they are irreplaceable and fundamental to the way we play. When protecting leads, i think we probably need to utilise Leigh more and perhaps even use Donacien in that RWB role. | | | |
| Do we not think that our weakness last night on 18:26 - Dec 30 with 1531 views | TalkingBlues |
| Do we not think that our weakness last night on 18:14 - Dec 30 by longtimefan |
I thought last night it wasn’t just the defending of balls into the box that was a problem but also the defending prior to that. For most set pieces last night it was rarely a direct ball in to the box but a number of passes prior to the delivery that we failed to defend properly. It was almost as though Portsmouth had worked out we were so worried by the ball into the box that they took advantage of us putting nearly everyone in there which let them work the ball into a better crossing position. |
They have a good manager and talented players and aren't the first team to work us out, it wasn't a surprise to me that we struggled last night, though given their recent form, it seemed a great opportunity to take 3 points off them.
I don't think our defence is brilliant, but it's adequate for the formation and style we play. However, the defenders are repeatedly being pressured by the fact we don't score enough at the other end. In many games we should be 3 or 4 up by half time and usually end up going into the break dead even.
I'm all for Keegan football, but it doesn't work as well when you don't score the goals you should. A team that manages 70% possession every week and anywhere between 15 and 35 shots at goal (50% of which are usually very good opportunities) consistently, simply shouldn't be struggling to hold leads and only scoring 1 or 2 goals a game. There's a good reason McK has always been keen to sign a quality forward, let's hope it comes to fruition this January. I honestly don't think we need a hold up player in this side, we need somebody who is constantly attacking balls into the box, if they can hold the ball up too, then great.
For those that are keen to point out that we are top scorers in the division, great, but we should be scoring plenty more given the chances we create. | |
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| Do we not think that our weakness last night on 18:46 - Dec 30 with 1475 views | FrimleyBlue |
| Do we not think that our weakness last night on 17:41 - Dec 30 by Illinoisblue |
So, as long as we never let the opposition cross a ball or have a shot we’ll be fine? |
Would you say the same to KM. He spoke of it in the same way I have.
We allowed the cross to be made to easily. We need to ensure we are closing players down at every opportunity over the whole game. | |
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| Do we not think that our weakness last night on 18:48 - Dec 30 with 1467 views | DavoIPB |
| Do we not think that our weakness last night on 18:07 - Dec 30 by TalkingBlues |
Quite the opposite IMO, any team is going to concede away from home against the firepower that Portsmouth possess. The issue, once again, is that we completely dominate the game, but fail to convert most of the chances we create, it's poor finishing and Ladapo I'm afraid, is simply not a good finisher. |
We didn't really create any chances! A few speculative long shots. | | | |
| Do we not think that our weakness last night on 18:53 - Dec 30 with 1453 views | PrideOfTheEast |
| Do we not think that our weakness last night on 16:59 - Dec 30 by PhilTWTD |
I think we definitely need a better number nine than we've had so far this season, but I can similarly see the value of Celina in those circumstances. Sadly, I think that ship has sailed and, as you say, alternatives offering the same are limited at this level. |
The Wycombe game epitomised the need for a Celina type. Last year we were bad before he got a goal out of nowhere at their place, and obviously went on to win handsomely. This year that goal simply wasn’t coming. | | | |
| Do we not think that our weakness last night on 19:07 - Dec 30 with 1373 views | Illinoisblue |
| Do we not think that our weakness last night on 18:46 - Dec 30 by FrimleyBlue |
Would you say the same to KM. He spoke of it in the same way I have.
We allowed the cross to be made to easily. We need to ensure we are closing players down at every opportunity over the whole game. |
A late entry for Post of the Year! Where frimmers equates himself to KMac. Never change, please never change. | |
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| Do we not think that our weakness last night on 19:09 - Dec 30 with 1354 views | FrimleyBlue |
| Do we not think that our weakness last night on 19:07 - Dec 30 by Illinoisblue |
A late entry for Post of the Year! Where frimmers equates himself to KMac. Never change, please never change. |
Right. Can see what you're trying to do. Not sure why. But have a good evening. | |
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| Do we not think that our weakness last night on 19:19 - Dec 30 with 1328 views | Illinoisblue |
| Do we not think that our weakness last night on 19:09 - Dec 30 by FrimleyBlue |
Right. Can see what you're trying to do. Not sure why. But have a good evening. |
You too, fella. | |
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| Do we not think that our weakness last night on 19:52 - Dec 30 with 1229 views | ArnieM |
Any team (in any league) who wins things , first and foremost don’t concede many goals. This is our problem. We concede the softest goals almost every game , even when we have the highest possession stats. We can’t defend our own box. I don’t care how good Woolfie is bringing the ball out of defence. He’s a defender, first and foremost! We need TWO CB’s in that team that can totally demand that box . Anything else after that is a bonus - especially at division three level. This is not the bloody champions League . |  |
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