| 10 unstable thoughts on Ipswich 3-1 Leicester 00:17 - Aug 26 with 1561 views | unstableblue |
Here you go my blue brothers and sisters:
1) An enjoyable evening in the end - not something you often say at Portman Road following a first outing in the League Cup. Town were second best for long periods. Leicester had the greater possession, better XG, more shots and we relied on some Walton heroics, and last ditch fouls/defending to keep Leicester mostly at bay. But I think we deserved the win and should really have scored more. Poor at times first half, and we got stretched by RussellMartinBall, which for once was quite effective. But as GON said after the game it’s a system that has flaws and can be punished. Second half we were switching the play from side to side and had some nice fluidity to our play. Humphreys linking play, and energy on the wings.
2) It was positive, whilst also strange, to give both Chappers and Burns a Portman Road welcome (and in a way their final send off). I thought Chaplin in his Foxes debut (as captain) really suited Martin’s style and played well. I’m not sure I fully agree with singing Burns Joy Division anthem whilst he’s on the pitch! But it was a cup game I suppose.
3) 21,559 for a first stage League Cup game is bloody good going and emphasises the growing buzz around the Town. Atmosphere was pretty good at times. And the Churchmans was having a rare ding ding with the Leicester fans.
4) Keeping OShea and Nunez in the team gave some continuity from the excellent Sunderland display. But a lot of change - I still liked the look of the team. Then as they lined up, I was puzzled by our attacking mids being in completely unexpected positions?! GON in his post match said he was experimenting, i.e. seeing if McAteer could play left, giving him the ability to cut in. I’m not sure how well it worked first half for him, but his workrate and pressing must be commended. We were much better second half with Egeli in the 10 and Clarke on the left. Clarke became really threatening and of course fed Egeli in the middle for what was a good finish. We started to open up Martin’s Leicster shape with ease.
5) Ouatarra really impressed me. He’s got that physicality, energy and pace that are a must for a modern Premier League player. And he is quite poised for someone so young. I was thinking could he end up as our starting left back this season? Then Leif came on and looked like a Rolls Royce player. But I do think Ouatarra will have a role this season, who knows where given his flexibility - but he’s a good purchase.
6) Akpom will get criticism tonight, with his early miss. But I actually thought he was one of our most effective players, shielding the ball and holding up play well. Needed more protection from the ref. Such a shame he missed his great chance towards the end - he needed that goal. I think he can be a good third striker, but his inability to get on the scoresheet tonight emphasises we really need to do some further transfer business.
7) Nunez Nunez Nunez - he carried on from his good display against the Black Cats with perhaps a MOTM performance. I liked his first goal, cute finish in off the post from distance. And then the wunder strike, I thought the Chilean had a ceiling and hence wouldn’t feature much in the league this season - but he may surprise us.
8) They did seem to improve the West Stand and Fan Zone access tonight following Saturdays challenges… but still work to be done. More food outlets, replace the very tired astro, more toilets. And crucially slicker security checks - they are very strict in their ‘wanding’ aren’t they?!
9) Leicester didn’t look a League One outfit tonight. And not only did Aluko score but he looked a really handy defender - all over Akpom. And he was probably the key reason our current second striker didn’t get on the scoresheet. He’s only 19, sign him up.
10) Finally, I did rate Gary ONeil’s post match interview on the partisan TownTV. Said a lot of insightful and well judged things. And again came across as a likeable character. Really good to see. A bond forming. And the key thing for me tonight, as the manager said, is that Town didn’t drop the workrate and energy tonight. And my observation is that this emerging team is pressing in a more effective and coordinated way than we have seen under McKenna. Which is praise indeed.
Now let’s go and take this intensity and positivity to Old Trafford. COYFB. [Post edited 26 Aug 10:16]
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| 10 unstable thoughts on Ipswich 3-1 Leicester on 00:27 - Aug 26 with 1460 views | WicklowBlue |
Re. Ouatarra, there was a point in the 2nd half where he bombed up the left to put pressure on the ball from nowhere really. I said out loud wow that guy is rapid in terms of pace. He will be a great addition to the squad. |  | | |
| 10 unstable thoughts on Ipswich 3-1 Leicester on 01:00 - Aug 26 with 1331 views | armchaircritic59 |
Good read, agree with a fair bit. One thing I will say about systems, there is no such thing as a perfect one, every single one has flaws. It's just the better the team, the less the flaws show up and the more the plus points come to the fore. |  | | |
| 10 unstable thoughts on Ipswich 3-1 Leicester on 06:49 - Aug 26 with 1000 views | bsw72 |
Small point of order on Akpom, and I’ve seen it said on here by a few; Akpom did not miss late in the second half, he forced the keeper into a good save.
I really liked his hold up and link up play, his ability to hold the ball up under pressure and bring the midfield into play was very good. Was disappointed he did not get on the scoresheet but I can see why GON has been impressed with him. |  | | |
| 10 unstable thoughts on Ipswich 3-1 Leicester on 06:54 - Aug 26 with 973 views | bsw72 |
| 10 unstable thoughts on Ipswich 3-1 Leicester on 00:27 - Aug 26 by WicklowBlue |
Re. Ouatarra, there was a point in the 2nd half where he bombed up the left to put pressure on the ball from nowhere really. I said out loud wow that guy is rapid in terms of pace. He will be a great addition to the squad. |
He’s got a great touch too. Can see why GON wanted him, will provide options in games. | | | |
| 10 unstable thoughts on Ipswich 3-1 Leicester on 08:42 - Aug 26 with 642 views | NthQldITFC |
Your thoughts, as ever, very well delivered and informed.
4) I didn't hear the post match, so I'm glad to know GON explained the experiment with the forwards. Worth doing, but not worth doing again! SWE is really starting to make things happen from the 10 position; a very good first change for Enciso there, imo, and more comfortable in his skin every game.
5) Ouatarra got some stuff a bit wrong, but the talent, pace and stamina looks like a very good investment to me already.
6) Feel for Akpom - hold up play was pretty good, finishing was nervous - too many weak last touches before the shot letting defender get back in. Just needs a psychological boost on being a loud, arrogant monster when shooting. |  |
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| 10 unstable thoughts on Ipswich 3-1 Leicester on 09:14 - Aug 26 with 521 views | unstableblue |
| 10 unstable thoughts on Ipswich 3-1 Leicester on 06:49 - Aug 26 by bsw72 |
Small point of order on Akpom, and I’ve seen it said on here by a few; Akpom did not miss late in the second half, he forced the keeper into a good save.
I really liked his hold up and link up play, his ability to hold the ball up under pressure and bring the midfield into play was very good. Was disappointed he did not get on the scoresheet but I can see why GON has been impressed with him. |
Yes indeed bsw, good point of order
Akpom’s break through on goal towards the end of the game was indeed foiled by a good save, but it felt like a miss as from that position and with that time and space, it’s got to be a goal if he is the calibre to be in the picture this season. But the keeper did do well to come out and make himself big.
Similarly in the first half he got through and it was a good block from the defender to send it out for a corner. But he could have hit it earlier and perhaps scored.
But as stated it wasn’t a bad performance. He was a physical target man, who was holding play, linking play, and leading to goals. Leicester were really having to man handle him to stop his good efforts. | |
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| 10 unstable thoughts on Ipswich 3-1 Leicester on 09:23 - Aug 26 with 469 views | baxterbasics |
Agree with pretty much all of that.
Akpom good aside from when he should have buried a couple of chances. That one on one he telegraphed his shot ahead of time.
As for GoN - it might not be long now before I fully transition from mainly missing McKenna to feeling the need to update my avatar. |  |
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| 10 unstable thoughts on Ipswich 3-1 Leicester on 09:29 - Aug 26 with 425 views | NthQldITFC |
| 10 unstable thoughts on Ipswich 3-1 Leicester on 09:14 - Aug 26 by unstableblue |
Yes indeed bsw, good point of order
Akpom’s break through on goal towards the end of the game was indeed foiled by a good save, but it felt like a miss as from that position and with that time and space, it’s got to be a goal if he is the calibre to be in the picture this season. But the keeper did do well to come out and make himself big.
Similarly in the first half he got through and it was a good block from the defender to send it out for a corner. But he could have hit it earlier and perhaps scored.
But as stated it wasn’t a bad performance. He was a physical target man, who was holding play, linking play, and leading to goals. Leicester were really having to man handle him to stop his good efforts. |
It was that last little tentative touch to move it onto his right foot for the curled finish he'd already decided to do.
The confident forward sees the keeper has left a bit of near post space, subconsciously rips up the premeditated plan, and instinctively bangs it left foot near post without the extra touch and wheels away with his arm in the air. | |
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| 10 unstable thoughts on Ipswich 3-1 Leicester on 09:34 - Aug 26 with 399 views | Blue_Heath |
Pretty much spot on I'd only add nice to see the youth players getting a few mins near the end.
Let's hope for a kind draw next round and all attention now towards Man Utd. |  |
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| Great Post on 09:35 - Aug 26 with 390 views | unstableblue |
| 10 unstable thoughts on Ipswich 3-1 Leicester on 01:00 - Aug 26 by armchaircritic59 |
Good read, agree with a fair bit. One thing I will say about systems, there is no such thing as a perfect one, every single one has flaws. It's just the better the team, the less the flaws show up and the more the plus points come to the fore. |
Good point on the effectiveness of the system relies on the quality of the players to deliver it.
Martin gets a lot of criticism for his system - GON gave it faint praise then a critique. But I thought his current batch of Leicester players on the night were bought into it, fired up, and executed it well. To your point we just had some quality to keep it at bay then exploit it in our own system.
I’ve always thought there were 3 attributes to a successful team, 3 legs to the stool:
1) System/Tactical drilling
2) Individual player technical quality, physicality
3) Confidence and desire
To your point in relation to town’s own 4-2-3-1 - it is looking a stronger system than ever before as we’ve upped the player quality. And I’m changing my view this season that all three legs of the stool are of equal weighting - player quality and physicality is king. Will Palacios take our system to a new level?
Wibble wibble.
I should add confidence is of course key - think of that Man City wobble a season or two back - and I’m hoping Man Us can be further rocked on Sunday, and that Forest’s growing concerns opens another opportunity for our survival over the season!! | |
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| 10 unstable thoughts on Ipswich 3-1 Leicester on 09:43 - Aug 26 with 347 views | surreyblue |
| 10 unstable thoughts on Ipswich 3-1 Leicester on 00:27 - Aug 26 by WicklowBlue |
Re. Ouatarra, there was a point in the 2nd half where he bombed up the left to put pressure on the ball from nowhere really. I said out loud wow that guy is rapid in terms of pace. He will be a great addition to the squad. |
I wonder if he will go on a similar trajectory to Hutchinson this season. Occasional starter and regular off the bench in the first half of the season before becoming a critical player in the second half.
Realistically at the moment he is the first change if any of our defenders go down, so reasonable to assume he will get a fair amount of gametime | | | |
| That is the missed 11th thought - Tudor Mendel and the academy connection on 09:48 - Aug 26 with 324 views | unstableblue |
| 10 unstable thoughts on Ipswich 3-1 Leicester on 09:34 - Aug 26 by Blue_Heath |
Pretty much spot on I'd only add nice to see the youth players getting a few mins near the end.
Let's hope for a kind draw next round and all attention now towards Man Utd. |
Thanks BH
I thought this morning - “I owe Tudor Mendel an apology!!”, I’d written him off as a true prospect having watched him live in pre-season, amazing backstory but he’s now 21 hasn’t really broken through and looked seriously lightweight for the level”
But last night he came and showed a workrate (the whole teams workrate was good, building from Saturday) and showed some real physicality in the duels. And did some good stuff.
To your point it’s great to show that connection to the academy, of products coming through in cup games. Compton also getting run out on 90.
GON mentioned it in his Town TV post match. And it feels something we’ve been missing.
Good stuff. | |
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| That is the missed 11th thought - Tudor Mendel and the academy connection on 09:52 - Aug 26 with 288 views | soupytwist |
| That is the missed 11th thought - Tudor Mendel and the academy connection on 09:48 - Aug 26 by unstableblue |
Thanks BH
I thought this morning - “I owe Tudor Mendel an apology!!”, I’d written him off as a true prospect having watched him live in pre-season, amazing backstory but he’s now 21 hasn’t really broken through and looked seriously lightweight for the level”
But last night he came and showed a workrate (the whole teams workrate was good, building from Saturday) and showed some real physicality in the duels. And did some good stuff.
To your point it’s great to show that connection to the academy, of products coming through in cup games. Compton also getting run out on 90.
GON mentioned it in his Town TV post match. And it feels something we’ve been missing.
Good stuff. |
It's quite an easy way for GON to differentiate himself from the previous manager too.
I'm not sure that McKenna would have brought Tudor Mendel or Compton on. That's not necessarily a criticism but he knew what he wanted and selected players to do that.
GON had the chance to do something a bit different and, wisely, did it. |  | | |
| That is the missed 11th thought - Tudor Mendel and the academy connection on 09:58 - Aug 26 with 267 views | unstableblue |
| That is the missed 11th thought - Tudor Mendel and the academy connection on 09:52 - Aug 26 by soupytwist |
It's quite an easy way for GON to differentiate himself from the previous manager too.
I'm not sure that McKenna would have brought Tudor Mendel or Compton on. That's not necessarily a criticism but he knew what he wanted and selected players to do that.
GON had the chance to do something a bit different and, wisely, did it. |
As stated in the original post I think GON is differentiating in the 4-2-3-1 at Prem Level by having a press that seems a little more agressive/quick (albeit our press against Liverpool, Villa, Fulham at home in Prem last time round was strong). And more importantly his 4-2-3-1 is more ‘vertical football’ in the that players are looking forward more, and we’re getting bodies forward quicker.
Still very early days though.
To your point, I didn’t think this was just lip service in bringing in the yoofs and differentiating his attitude to the them - Mendel was brought on when the game was still in the balance, to replace McAteer who’s physical attributes had really kept Leicester at bay and caused turnovers. I thought GON made an error, but Tudor really stood up. [Post edited 26 Aug 9:59]
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| 10 unstable thoughts on Ipswich 3-1 Leicester on 10:02 - Aug 26 with 225 views | TractorJack |
By the way apparently Aluko is a full back (as is Luke Thomas normally). I would take this in to consideration when appraising Akpom's performance. |  | | |
| 10 unstable thoughts on Ipswich 3-1 Leicester on 10:06 - Aug 26 with 213 views | _CliveBaker_ |
Not to be a pedant, but it was 2nd round.
Because we're massive and don't have to bother with the 1st round with the minnows. |  | | |
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