 | Forum
Thread | It's the hope that kills you
at 19:59 12 Jan 2019
It was far from a convincing performance and we have a long way to go to get back into the mix but Town finally showed the appetite for the fight we have been lacking for so long now.
The key was the fantastic Collins. A debut I have never seen bettered. I wonder if that can be said by those whose memory stretches back to the Dutchmen. Collins was immense. He won every header, organised a defence that until today had been a consistent shambles and clearly told Gerken every time he should have come for the ball. It was notable Gerken began to claim more than he might have done previously.
To say Collins single-handedly won us this game would be an exaggeration but only a slight one. The personnel in defence may have only changed by 2 but Elder and Pennington offered more shape in the full back roles and Chambers was partnered by someone who does what he falls a little short on - organising, truly leading and reading the game so well. Collins today was certainly the best we have had since Bera left.
The midfield was weak and continues to miss a player of the experience and quality of Pilkington, Judge or Huws. Chalobah again was either brilliant or very ordinary in equal measure. Gerken did what he had to do without making any catastrophic mistakes. Quaner was hardly a Walters, Murphy or even a Kuqi and yet he could hold the ball up and worked hard and offered better than we had previously. It was as he tired our grip on possession became more and more relinquished. Keane showed flashes of a good touch but controlled dreadfully just to see the Rotherham offer him a second chance that he gratefully accepted. If Sears had made the most of Chalobah's best moment when he played the most delightful through ball of the day, the result would have been comfortable. It feels like with Collins on the pitch 2-0 may no longer be a dangerous scoreline.
It was backs to the wall at the end. Collins' reading of the game continued to be the deciding factor. Nsiala ran around like a headless chicken but at least threw himself into challenges when he happened to be in the right place. Dawkins looked so far off the pace one wonders why he was on the pitch ahead of anyone else.
Could this be the hard fought 3 points we need ready for Judge and Huws to help us on our road to recovery? It is a massive ask but today I left the ground once again thinking the miracle might, just might be possible. It certainly looked like there were players on the pitch that had trained together previously and that, for me, is a big step in the right direction.
Gerken 6.5 (positioning and kicking need to improve but made regulation saves)
Pennington 6.5 (defended well but needs to improve kicking the ball up the line)
Chambers 6.5 (battled on despite tumble over the gate)
Collins 10 (yes, he really was that good today)
Elder 7 (solid enough at the back and offered something going forward)
Skuse 6 (did enough)
Chalobah 6 (good and bad in equal measure. did enough)
Lankester 6.5 (needs to have a little more confidence taking players on)
Keane 6.5 (some glimpses of quality. persevered but a little lucky to get the goal)
Sears 6.5 (good running and got into good positions but didn't do as well as he could when he got there)
Quaner 6.5 (some good control. constant closing down and dropping into midfield to get the ball. showed promise)
Downes 5 (an off day when he came on. struggled to get to the pace of the game)
Nsiala 5 (got stuck in but has so much he could learn from Collins. let's hope he is a quick learner)
Dawkins 4 (didn't get into the game at all) |
| Prediction | Prediction Logged by at 23:30:41
Ipswich Town v Rotherham United prediction logged |
| Forum
Thread | This "spying" at Derby thing
at 23:13 11 Jan 2019
Can't see a thread on it here but what do people think? As Charlie Nicholas says hasn't it always happened? Isn't it up to clubs to secure their training grounds if they are doing anything in training they don't want opposition to be aware of?
I find it strange Lampard (and others) are making such a deal over it and yet he says he won't report It to the FA. On what grounds was the chap removed by the police? Was he actually on private property? |
| Forum
Thread | Bart
at 23:17 5 Jan 2019
How did he play today? Is it time to bring him back in and hope he can keep some form? |
| Forum
Thread | Potential for new players
at 17:53 30 Dec 2018
There are a few experienced Championship players in the league below.
Is it possible to sign someone from, say, Burton or Barnsley that would improve our side? e.g. Marvin Sordell, George Moncur or Kyle McFadzean?
Just a thought. |
| Forum
Thread | Bart v Gerken
at 16:44 30 Dec 2018
Just some stats. I agree Bart is the better keeper but think Gerken has been far better than Bart this season. We aren't magically going to get the Bart of last season back. Gerken should not be dropped for one mistake - it sends the wrong message.
Bart in 2 spells: P 5 (plus a cup game) Clean shts 0 Pts per game 0.4; P 7 CS 0 Ppg 0.286
Gerken in 2 spells P 8 Clean sht 1 Pts per game 0.875; P 5 CS 1 Ppg 0.8
Overall Bart in 12 matches has played in teams that have gained 4 points.
Gerken in 13 matches has played in teams that have gained 11 points.
I get stats alone don't tell the whole story but Gerken has been the better keeper this season. We should either stick with him or get someone else in. |
| Forum
Thread | Forrestieri
at 18:26 28 Dec 2018
Arrest warrant issued without bail.
He is in trouble. |
| Prediction | Prediction Logged by at 21:32:30
Middlesbrough v Ipswich Town prediction logged |
| Forum
Thread | We need the following players
at 20:14 27 Dec 2018
a strong, commanding defender who will organise the back line;
an experienced creative player in midfield who will help ball retention;
an experienced striker who can hold the ball up.
The following are free agents. Any of them fit enough and able to be attracted to be worth investing in?
Philip Wollscheid, Younes Kaboul, Chris Samba, Robert Huth, even James Collins.
Stephen Ireland, Peter Whittingham (I guess we wouldn't be able to persuade Yaya Toure!).
Victor Anichebe, Gabriel Agbonlahor.
I guess there are good reasons why none of them have been taken on by clubs but they are the sort of experience we need. |
| | Nthsuffolkblue
|
Site Scores| Forum Votes: | 704 | | Comment Votes: | 109 | | Prediction League: | 27 | | TOTAL: | 840 |
|
By continuing to use the site, you agree to our use of cookies and to abide by our Terms and Conditions.
