Patrick Suffaux
Well-Known Member
First of all well done to the eleven that finished the game. It improved dramatically and we showed character. Secondly it should not simply cover up some of the shocking deficiencies we have that need addressing without further delay. Here are my main observations:-
Observation 1
We look far more comfortable playing in a 4-3-3. We should lead with that in future.
Observation 2
We would be up shit creek without Billy Sharp. His goal aside he seemed like the only one of our two forwards that touched the ball first half.
Observation 3
Baxter once again proved that whilst he can be total shit some games, he offers an intelligence that very few of our other players have and that he can make a difference. He's a luxury but we need a better team to be able to carry him.
Observation 4
Edgar will get stick for the two goals and arguably its deserved but.....he was the only defender that got near to a cross or a high ball for most of the game. It wasn't one of his better days but I would sooner see a defender trying to do that right thing and failing than three that can't get near the football.
Observation 5 (Probably the most important)
Freeman, Collins, McEveley, Woolford all not good enough. We can't afford to carry four players that offer nothing. All need replacing immediately.
Observation 6
Reed and McNulty need to pull their finger out much earlier in the game and play like they did in the last 25 minutes. Learn fast boys or end up like those in observation 5.
Summary:
Address 1, 5 and 6 whilst remembering 2,3 and 4. Only then will we start to make progress.
UTB
Observation 1
We look far more comfortable playing in a 4-3-3. We should lead with that in future.
Observation 2
We would be up shit creek without Billy Sharp. His goal aside he seemed like the only one of our two forwards that touched the ball first half.
Observation 3
Baxter once again proved that whilst he can be total shit some games, he offers an intelligence that very few of our other players have and that he can make a difference. He's a luxury but we need a better team to be able to carry him.
Observation 4
Edgar will get stick for the two goals and arguably its deserved but.....he was the only defender that got near to a cross or a high ball for most of the game. It wasn't one of his better days but I would sooner see a defender trying to do that right thing and failing than three that can't get near the football.
Observation 5 (Probably the most important)
Freeman, Collins, McEveley, Woolford all not good enough. We can't afford to carry four players that offer nothing. All need replacing immediately.
Observation 6
Reed and McNulty need to pull their finger out much earlier in the game and play like they did in the last 25 minutes. Learn fast boys or end up like those in observation 5.
Summary:
Address 1, 5 and 6 whilst remembering 2,3 and 4. Only then will we start to make progress.
UTB
