A few thoughts after the recent games

[IsraJack]

A few thoughts after the recent games:

• The improvement under Matos is obvious. Both defensively and going forward. We’re scoring roughly 50% more goals per game and conceding about 40% less, and the clean sheets are coming more regularly too. The only thing that hasn’t really improved is away form (One example: goals scored away are only up about 10%). Still a bit of a mystery.

• The system is pretty clear now: looks like a fluid 4-3-3 with relentless pressing from the front and midfield. It stops opponents building up properly and also protects the centre-backs from having to do too much defending. Probably one of the reasons our defence stayed relatively fresh and injury-free.

• The issue appears when the press gets broken. Then we are entirlly exposed, especially the middle of the defence, highlighting the lack of pace of our centre-backs. That’s something we’ll probably need to address next season.

• More on centre backs: defensively they’re doing okay, but in attack you do start to miss Harry Darling. His contribution as an attacking threat is something we are lacking this season.

• On the right side of defence, I’m still not totally convinced Key is the long-term answer. The recent excitement is understandable, but he’s still the same player with the same strengths and weaknesses. Personally I’d prefer someone stronger, quicker and with better defensive awareness. Hopefully Lissah might develop into that solution, and hopefully the club is already working on extending his contract.

• Midfield: the Portsmouth game showed that either EG or Stamenic has to be on the pitch. During the short spell when neither was playing, Portsmouth took control and scored. Once Stamenic came on, things settled and we got the win.

• Attack: pretty much everything has been said already. This area probably needs a full overhaul, especially on the wings. I’d also like to see Widdel find a proper role because right now he looks a bit lost position wise.

• Final point - and back to defence. Vigouroux is pulling off incredible saves (and his long distribution is top top drawer recentlly), Vipotnik is scoring, and EG is dominating the midfield, But for me the MVP so far this season is Josh Tymon. In the middle of all the chaos and rebuilding he’s been a model of consistency, His defensive work has improved massively this season (fewest goals conceded from his side), and he just quietly gets on with it. Just hope no one comes in and poaches him.

Have a good weekend.

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[Frankie Burrows Cap]

Great summary and agree with just about every word

 

[Michu78]

We have signed players hoping for potential premier league quality, but they are barely championship level players. We need to clear them out, I would like to see more british players like Wrexham the other night.

 

[Ringwood]

Away from home, the oppo set up more offensive which puts us under more pressure. The lesser sides we can compete against but we have struggled against every side in the top half bar Watford.

At home, the visitors are less open and attacking and look to pick us off. The games coming up against Cov, Boro and Southampton will really be good yardstick on what level we are at and what changes are needed to improve the squad for next season.

On paper, our recruitment in the last 2 windows has been questionable, the loanees have not really delivered maybe apart from Yalcouye to a degree.

The jury probably is still out on Inoussa, Idah, Widdell, Walta, Burgess and Santos.

The addition of Galbraith, Stemenic and Ward have added improved us. I think Eom is going in the right direction with Ronald plateauing.

 

[magicdaps10]

Great post.

I agree with you regards Key. It seems that he has got over his little hangover but he's still not the answer even if he is back to his best.

We don't need centre back cover, we need competition in that area.

All the wingers could be shipped out this summer and I don't think people would be that concerned.

 

[cmajack]

Away from home, the oppo set up more offensive which puts us under more pressure. The lesser sides we can compete against but we have struggled against every side in the top half bar Watford.

At home, the visitors are less open and attacking and look to pick us off. The games coming up against Cov, Boro and Southampton will really be good yardstick on what level we are at and what changes are needed to improve the squad for next season.

On paper, our recruitment in the last 2 windows has been questionable, the loanees have not really delivered maybe apart from Yalcouye to a degree.

The jury probably is still out on Inoussa, Idah, Widdell, Walta, Burgess and Santos.

The addition of Galbraith, Stemenic and Ward have added improved us. I think Eom is going in the right direction with Ronald plateauing.

So on what level is Eom going in the right direction? 1 goal and 1 assist in nearly 40 games this season. That is a truly shocking statistic for a player deemed to be an attacking wide player. He has been here 2 seasons now and played regularly this season. If our main wingers are Eom and Ronald next season then it will be another year of mid table mediocrity.

 

[Ringwood]

So on what level is Eom going in the right direction? 1 goal and 1 assist in nearly 40 games this season. That is a truly shocking statistic for a player deemed to be an attacking wide player. He has been here 2 seasons now and played regularly this season. If our main wingers are Eom and Ronald next season then it will be another year of mid table mediocrity.

Since Galbraith as moved into midfield it gives Eom the option to link up with him not just pass it backwards to Tymon. The Stoke and Portsmouth games showed that and he was an upgrade on Ronald when he came on against Wrexham. Agree over time he has not delivered to stats but based over the last 3 games there are signs of improvement.

 

[IsraJack]

Away from home, the oppo set up more offensive which puts us under more pressure. The lesser sides we can compete against but we have struggled against every side in the top half bar Watford.

At home, the visitors are less open and attacking and look to pick us off. The games coming up against Cov, Boro and Southampton will really be good yardstick on what level we are at and what changes are needed to improve the squad for next season.

On paper, our recruitment in the last 2 windows has been questionable, the loanees have not really delivered maybe apart from Yalcouye to a degree.

The jury probably is still out on Inoussa, Idah, Widdell, Walta, Burgess and Santos.

The addition of Galbraith, Stemenic and Ward have added improved us. I think Eom is going in the right direction with Ronald plateauing.

Interesting observation about the away games. I agree, and it highlights what i had written in the original post: the fact that our midfield and attack are pressing very high. When that second line gets broken, there’s a huge gap to the defence and we end up outnumbered. We’re simply not compact enough at times. That said, I’m confident VM will find a solution.

As for our recruitment: Idah, Widdell and Walta look positive so far, but they probably need more time. Inoussa is a bit questionable for me at the moment. Burgess, Santos and EOM should probably be thanked for their service and moved on. I’d keep Ronald as a squad player, although on second thought, Key could actually be a better alternatuve as an impact sub on the right wing. Oh, and we desperately need a Ball playing defender.

And one more word about Yalcouye: I really like him. I think he has a very high ceiling, and for the right price he would be an excellent permanent signing.