| Hladky and Burgess / other thoughts 17:36 - Aug 20 with 2245 views | SomethingBlue |
Going to single those two out from yesterday (if you can single two people out), and perhaps from the start of our season all round – you never know who's going to step up when you get promoted but these two, probably deemed the least likely couple in the squad to cut it, have both done so with some really big moments. Great to see.
Hladky's save onto the post/s was obviously exceptional but I really liked his block after Armstrong had scorched down the left. Quickly made the angle impossible and stood firm. That was a really crucial period in the game. Good saves from those two looped efforts as well, and a couple of crosses really well handled late on.
As for Burgess, the tackle that comes up in the highlights is an obvious one but there was another piece of defending near the end – after Davis had missed an interception and left them free down the right – that I'd need to see again from the side but seemed at the time to be absolutely outstanding, getting his positioning spot on and seeing the attacker to a harmless position on the byline. Commanding all round from him and if we do make a new signing they have a job on their hands just now.
Great afternoon yesterday overall, thought similarly to Sunderland a draw would have been right but again we were clinical and they weren't. Can't argue with that, and it'll be exactly how we win games away from home this season. Had a feeling we'd nick a goal somewhere and about 10 seconds before we scored I commented to my mate that Chaplin was starting to tick.
Thought QPR did very well at making us do things we aren't so comfortable with – turning us around down the flanks early; isolating Burgess on the ball (he did fine except for two misplaced diagonals but it did slow us); forcing Burns down blind alleys; ensuring we couldn't get men around Hirst. That's how Ainsworth operates and he does it expertly. They were a team of flashes really, came alive in the final third when they did manage to expose us, but for most of the game we were broadly in control.
Morsy probably the best player on the pitch; Luongo started superbly but seemed a little blunted by the booking. Our passing was nowhere near as snappy as it can be, for much of the game anyway, and we will need to find a way to move the ball more quickly against better opponents.
Three wins from three, it's a brilliant start and the perfect base for a good season. Consecutive home games against a (likely) top side and (again likely) lower mid table side may tell us a little bit more about our level. I think there will be games in the manner of yesterday and Sunderland where we come unstuck, so I'm feeling pretty cautious and would rather enjoy the season than obsess over the league table, but it is good to see that we will clearly be very competitive.
[Post edited 20 Aug 2023 17:40]
|  |
| |  |
| Hladky and Burgess / other thoughts on 17:41 - Aug 20 with 2158 views | jayessess |
When we do eventually go out and get another centre back, think they're going to have a tough time getting Big Cam out of the side.
I'm sure Walton will come straight back in when he's fit, but I'd also wonder if a fair few Championship clubs might start fancying Hladky as their number one at this rate. |  |
| |
| Hladky and Burgess / other thoughts on 17:53 - Aug 20 with 2122 views | le2blue |
Agree that they have both been excellent, Burgess, in particular, has responded really well to the pressure of having his place in the team being questioned and someone else being targeted. It was clear that QPR were dropping off and letting him have the ball given he is not usually as productive as Wolf, but thought his decision making and passing were better than usual. His connection with Leif has really developed well over the last few months.
Regarding QPR, they were much better than I was expecting and they executed their plan well and broke on us effectively, and looked dangerous at times. What really surprised me was the drop-off in fitness around 60 minutes, I know we're very fit but they looked like they'd all run themselves into the ground and didn't look fit enough. From then onwards I thought we'd win. They then started losing players to injury as well, I'd be very concerned about that having just come out of the preseason, looks like they've not done enough.
It is going to be a fun season. |  | | |
| Hladky and Burgess / other thoughts on 17:57 - Aug 20 with 2065 views | FrimleyBlue |
| Hladky and Burgess / other thoughts on 17:41 - Aug 20 by jayessess |
When we do eventually go out and get another centre back, think they're going to have a tough time getting Big Cam out of the side.
I'm sure Walton will come straight back in when he's fit, but I'd also wonder if a fair few Championship clubs might start fancying Hladky as their number one at this rate. |
Don't think it's a given for Walton to come straight back in if Hladky continues to perform well.
I'm still not sold that he's a natural with his feet, he still looks ropey in that area. But he's been strong and brave in coming to punch balls away. Shot stopping has potentially been of a higher % than Walton managed last season ( haven't got the comparative figures right now. But Waltons was low)
It's good for KM to have that headache tho.
The CB thing is difficult. Burgess hasn't done anything wrong. Yet you still can't feel comfortable that he will cope when we play the big boys of the league.. but then he's never let us down
At times wolfy has looked the more weak of the two.. but then is better with the ball and then at times an absolute rock defensively too..
Tough call this one for KM imo. [Post edited 20 Aug 2023 18:00]
|  |
| |
| Hladky and Burgess / other thoughts on 18:00 - Aug 20 with 2050 views | burnbudgiesburn |
'but it is good to see that we will clearly be very competitive'
This is my main take from the first 3 games. Under McKenna we will play any team in this league with a chance of taking 3 points on the day. No more 'take a point' before you've got off the coach | | | |
| Hladky and Burgess / other thoughts on 18:04 - Aug 20 with 2013 views | SomethingBlue |
| Hladky and Burgess / other thoughts on 17:53 - Aug 20 by le2blue |
Agree that they have both been excellent, Burgess, in particular, has responded really well to the pressure of having his place in the team being questioned and someone else being targeted. It was clear that QPR were dropping off and letting him have the ball given he is not usually as productive as Wolf, but thought his decision making and passing were better than usual. His connection with Leif has really developed well over the last few months.
Regarding QPR, they were much better than I was expecting and they executed their plan well and broke on us effectively, and looked dangerous at times. What really surprised me was the drop-off in fitness around 60 minutes, I know we're very fit but they looked like they'd all run themselves into the ground and didn't look fit enough. From then onwards I thought we'd win. They then started losing players to injury as well, I'd be very concerned about that having just come out of the preseason, looks like they've not done enough.
It is going to be a fun season. |
Agree re QPR. It felt from an early stage like one where we'd have a very good chance the longer it stayed goalless. We looked fit and fairly tough. Hope Donacien isn't too badly hurt mind you because, while Clarke helped get us on the front foot at a time when we needed that, he is clearly some way off 100%. | |
| |
| Hladky and Burgess / other thoughts on 18:12 - Aug 20 with 1952 views | LankHenners |
Tiny sample size obviously but going by Opta's stats, Hladky has the best 'goals prevented rate' and is 2nd best (by 0.1) for 'goals prevented' in the division. Looks a completely different player to the nervy goalkeeper we saw under Cook (as a comparison he was dead bottom for those Opta stats at the start of that season). Saw some people talking about a moment where he almost handled outside the box as a negative but I actually thought it was good goalkeeping - Woolfenden and Burgess got themselves a bit muddled over a ball through the air to Kolli and Hladky raced out to land on it right on the edge of his area. Could have been trouble if the striker had been able to swing a leg at it.
Think as a unit we've not let Burgess' weaknesses be tested so much, Luongo does a good job of getting in the way of someone trying to dribble at him, but can't fault the meat and potatoes stuff from him. Defends his space very well, dominant in the air, times his tackles well. Still think, in time, he's someone that can and will be upgraded on (had we managed to pull off an ambitious target like Trusty then he probably would have been already), but maybe for now there's an argument that someone like Cathcart is the right option to bring in as he's an experienced head who, presumably, will be happy to fill in as and when.
Stealing a comment from someone else (can't remember who, sorry!) but think the opening few games reaffirms that a lot of the Championship is about taking your chances. We did, QPR didn't, whether that be from good goalkeeping or poor finishing. That every goal we've scored has come from a different player perhaps indicates that the goal threat we had from any and all areas/positions in League One has stayed with us this season.
As you say that was a bit of a prime Ainsworth performance from QPR yesterday, Steve Cook coming into their backline will help them out quite a bit I imagine in avoiding debacles similar to the Watford game. Thought they looked much less of a threat when Armstrong came off - a bit rough and ready but was a handy outlet for them with his pace and strength.
As McKenna said there'll be plenty of tight games and we've been on the right side of the margins so far. I'm sure there'll be games where we're on the wrong side of them but we're able to deliver solid, competitive performances which should make the season enjoyable when all is said and done. |  |
| |
| Hladky and Burgess / other thoughts on 18:19 - Aug 20 with 1893 views | Hipsterectomy |
Hladky has done well. I wonder how many expected 1 goal to be conceded in 3 league starts for him.
Every oppo fan we've played seem to know he's our 2nd keeper and try and put him off when he's on the ball, as if he's about to make a mistake at any second, yet he's probably the most confident keeper I've seen with the ball lol
I remember after the Sunderland match that he was the first player McKenna went up to and hugged and the mic picked up 'you had a good game today' which is prob exactly what he needed to hear [Post edited 20 Aug 2023 18:22]
|  |
| Walter Smith's Barmy Army |
| |
| Hladky and Burgess / other thoughts on 20:10 - Aug 20 with 1475 views | PioneerBlue |
I love the way players are stepping up and taking opportunities. Of course time is the true test of quality and for that we have to wait to see who can maintain these levels or go up further levels. Vlad and Burgess delighted for them and the club because that equals depth. Morsy really no surprises he is a beast leader the kind we’ve not seen for years, different to MH but probably not seen since. For all else, looking forward to watching how they cope and progress. It’s obvious overtime there will be some that fall by the wayside but I’m grateful for all that this squad has done, it brought special memories that will live long for me and my children. | |
| |
Login to get fewer ads
| Hladky and Burgess / other thoughts on 20:41 - Aug 20 with 1390 views | 765765 |
Great thread with excellent comments imo. How many others clubs around us would look at Hladky and Burgess and think "I'd like them in our team/squad". A very fair number I'd say. [Post edited 20 Aug 2023 21:29]
| | | |
| Hladky and Burgess / other thoughts on 21:26 - Aug 20 with 1254 views | BigCommon |
Burgess has been excellent, ever since Luongo featured, from around Feb'. Maybe some compatriot benefits there? Plus, of course, Luongo is class just in front of him. I'm surprised people were outing Cam Burgess before a ball was kicked this season...Going on yesterday, I'd say Woolfy was more at risk than Burgess atm.He had a shocker..
Hladky looked a bit nervy when he came here under Cook. But we are so much more organised now, throughout the club, and he's had a long time to settle. He's been very impressive in Waltons absence. And, imo, definitely won us a few points. Most notably the last minute saves at Sunderland. And also yesterday at QPR. |  | | |
| Hladky and Burgess / other thoughts on 21:31 - Aug 20 with 1227 views | BiGDonnie |
| Hladky and Burgess / other thoughts on 21:26 - Aug 20 by BigCommon |
Burgess has been excellent, ever since Luongo featured, from around Feb'. Maybe some compatriot benefits there? Plus, of course, Luongo is class just in front of him. I'm surprised people were outing Cam Burgess before a ball was kicked this season...Going on yesterday, I'd say Woolfy was more at risk than Burgess atm.He had a shocker..
Hladky looked a bit nervy when he came here under Cook. But we are so much more organised now, throughout the club, and he's had a long time to settle. He's been very impressive in Waltons absence. And, imo, definitely won us a few points. Most notably the last minute saves at Sunderland. And also yesterday at QPR. |
I get everyone will see a game differently, but I promise you Woolf did not have a 'shocker' - what makes you say that? |  |
| |
| Hladky and Burgess / other thoughts on 21:55 - Aug 20 with 1167 views | JakeITFC |
Haven’t really caught up much since the game yesterday, but just a note to say that the Hladky save of the long range Chair effort was absolutely brilliant - one of those that you look foolish if you get it wrong but to back pedal, keep his eye on the swirling ball and then time the leap as well as he did was excellent.
He’s been my player of the season so far, and to be completely honest I would have worried if you’d told me he’d see any league action at all over the summer. Delighted for him. |  | | |
| |
By continuing to use the site, you agree to our use of cookies and to abide by our Terms and Conditions.
