A BIG Second Half

[Stebop]

A few things happened in the second half (yeah, we scored twice) that could prove to be BIG this season...

As soon as Robbo scored, his all-round play immediately jumped a level for the rest of the game. He hasn't been miles off so far this season, but the missing few percentage points that had seen his ball-control, dribbling, decision making and general attacking play not quite clicking, suddenly clicked! He of course went on to get the assist, but even if he hadn't, he looked so much more assured and comfortable in his role than at any time so far since pre-season. Huge half for him.

When Moose came on, he gave us something completely different to anything we've had under Wilder, or for some considerable time. He looks fast, powerful and direct. The burst forward when he played Robbo in was very promising, even though he probably dwelled too long on the ball instead of laying it off on to the right-wing. He also bullied Zouma - a big lad himself - into making the mistake for the goal. Don't want to get carried away, but this guy gives us some serious options we haven't had since God knows when.

Hendo was able to make amends for his error with a cracking save, Enda was twirling his way down the left like he was practicing for Strictly with a ball at his feet, JOC got forward and involved with the attacking play like we know he can - everybody just looked comfortable in their own skin all of a sudden. If we can't take something potentially season-defining from that half, I don't know when we can!

We've conceded 5 goals so far, and while you can probably argue we could have been better defensively for all 5, 3 have been caused by outright howlers. These howlers all came in the first half of the last two games when we've played without the self-belief shown in the second halves.

For me, that was a BIG second half - not just because we've managed to get the two goals - but because the players should now be under no illusions that they deserve to be in this division. We're gifting top 6 teams goals, and we're STILL competitive. Imagine what we'll be like when we've settled down and accepted we can compete? Good times ahead!

 

[KiwiBlabe]

You are right on Robbo. I had him as a trier but limited. Hopefully he keeps doing what he did today and shoves yhose words down my throat. Hreat finish and a great ball for the equaliser.
That 2nd half was very good from us, if we dont believe now we never will.

 

[Greasy Chap Butty]

Listened on talksport.
At half time, they were saying his confidence isn't there, and chances need to be taken.
At full time, they held hands up and gave him motm

 

[8lade]

Hendo was able to make amends for his error

He was fouled VAR should've picked this up, it did lead to a goal.

We've conceded 5 goals so far, and while you can probably argue we could have been better defensively for all 5

2 of them have followed blatant fouls on GK or defender, VAR only appear to be in place to observe marginal offsides.

 

[Niceguyeddie]

A few things happened in the second half (yeah, we scored twice) that could prove to be BIG this season...

As soon as Robbo scored, his all-round play immediately jumped a level for the rest of the game. He hasn't been miles off so far this season, but the missing few percentage points that had seen his ball-control, dribbling, decision making and general attacking play not quite clicking, suddenly clicked! He of course went on to get the assist, but even if he hadn't, he looked so much more assured and comfortable in his role than at any time so far since pre-season. Huge half for him.

When Moose came on, he gave us something completely different to anything we've had under Wilder, or for some considerable time. He looks fast, powerful and direct. The burst forward when he played Robbo in was very promising, even though he probably dwelled too long on the ball instead of laying it off on to the right-wing. He also bullied Zouma - a big lad himself - into making the mistake for the goal. Don't want to get carried away, but this guy gives us some serious options we haven't had since God knows when.

Hendo was able to make amends for his error with a cracking save, Enda was twirling his way down the left like he was practicing for Strictly with a ball at his feet, JOC got forward and involved with the attacking play like we know he can - everybody just looked comfortable in their own skin all of a sudden. If we can't take something potentially season-defining from that half, I don't know when we can!

We've conceded 5 goals so far, and while you can probably argue we could have been better defensively for all 5, 3 have been caused by outright howlers. These howlers all came in the first half of the last two games when we've played without the self-belief shown in the second halves.

For me, that was a BIG second half - not just because we've managed to get the two goals - but because the players should now be under no illusions that they deserve to be in this division. We're gifting top 6 teams goals, and we're STILL competitive. Imagine what we'll be like when we've settled down and accepted we can compete? Good times ahead!

Great post
I had just about given up on Robinson he just didn't seem to have the belief in himself you need at this level but I thought once he missed that sitter first half he looked a different player and went on to score and then have a very good game all round and set up the equaliser

I'm.hoping upon hope we see the team start with that belief next game for themselves more than anyone as they are good enough for this level but not if they play like that first half

 

[metalblade]

I think we have started every game slow and tentative this season, it's as if the player don't believe we belong in the Premier League. Then you look at the three 2nd halves where we have been behind and had to try to get back in the games and you can clearly see they are good enough to compete. I just wish they would start games with a bit more belief.

 

[Hilly]

Great post
I had just about given up on Robinson he just didn't seem to have the belief in himself you need at this level but I thought once he missed that sitter first half he looked a different player and went on to score and then have a very good game all round and set up the equaliser

I'm.hoping upon hope we see the team start with that belief next game for themselves more than anyone as they are good enough for this level but not if they play like that first half

Almost given up on him 3 games in? Really... my children react to things like that.

 

[Bladesman]

I think we have started every game slow and tentative this season, it's as if the player don't believe we belong in the Premier League. Then you look at the three 2nd halves where we have been behind and had to try to get back in the games and you can clearly see they are good enough to compete. I just wish they would start games with a bit more belief.

Wilder said as much in his post match interview with Sky. He said something along the lines of: "I believe in the players more than they believe in themselves sometimes."

 

[Northyorksblade]

I'd have subbed him at half time. What do I know.

 

[Niceguyeddie]

Almost given up on him 3 games in? Really... my children react to things like that.

Yes really
Not that hard to believe most people wanted him dropped for this game
I was judging him on his lack of belief which is very important
Must be hard for you knowing your kids are already smarter than you

 

[nopigfansintown]

If you're in position to miss them you are good enough, -positioning and anticipation are arguably the most difficult aspects of being a footballer. Sterling wasn't 'good enough' two years ago. I still think he's getting up to speed and regaining confidence in hamstring. When he does...

 

[SwissBlade]

He was fouled VAR should've picked this up, it did lead to a goal.

2 of them have followed blatant fouls on GK or defender, VAR only appear to be in place to observe marginal offsides.

Hendo bottled the take. As the comms said, he’s got to dominate that box and get it.

 

[boss hog]

It's a steep learning curve for allI our players,mistakes will happen but great results like today will help the team feel like they belong in this company.

 

[Wards]

Said at half time he just needed a goal. Looked a different player second half.

 

[trevorhockey]

We on a ride enjoy could av won today that would av put cat amongst pigeons

 

[blade too long]

What do I know.

I can do you a pie chart
suffice to say you will be hungry

 

[Hilly]

Yes really
Not that hard to believe most people wanted him dropped for this game
I was judging him on his lack of belief which is very important
Must be hard for you knowing your kids are already smarter than you

Ha ha,they are to be fair, however it wasn't relevant as to whether Robinson should be in the team, more that they write things off as shit after 30 seconds, like a lot on here, you included.
Qualify 'most people' is that at your playgroup? Or the Twatterati?

 

[Woodwardfan]

Yes really
Not that hard to believe most people wanted him dropped for this game
I was judging him on his lack of belief which is very important
Must be hard for you knowing your kids are already smarter than you

Come on Eddie. Robinson has great potential and he is young. Dont give up on that combination for at least 2 years. For £8m you don't get the finished article. He is a quality player, its obvious, but he will need nursing through his first season in the P.L.

 

[Niceguyeddie]

Come on Eddie. Robinson has great potential and he is young. Dont give up on that combination for at least 2 years. For £8m you don't get the finished article. He is a quality player, its obvious, but he will need nursing through his first season in the P.L.

You do if they don't look like they think they can cut it and he didn't

 

[Woodwardfan]

Hendo bottled the take. As the comms said, he’s got to dominate that box and get it.

He was kicked across his thigh. High foot and definite contact. We dont protest enough. Egan last Saturday should have run at the ref , then you force VAR to not just ignore the incident which they are very happy to do for us minnows.

 

[Woodwardfan]

You do if they don't look like they think they can cut it and he didn't

Disagree and disagree again.

 

[grafikhaus]

A few things happened in the second half (yeah, we scored twice) that could prove to be BIG this season...

As soon as Robbo scored, his all-round play immediately jumped a level for the rest of the game. He hasn't been miles off so far this season, but the missing few percentage points that had seen his ball-control, dribbling, decision making and general attacking play not quite clicking, suddenly clicked! He of course went on to get the assist, but even if he hadn't, he looked so much more assured and comfortable in his role than at any time so far since pre-season. Huge half for him.

When Moose came on, he gave us something completely different to anything we've had under Wilder, or for some considerable time. He looks fast, powerful and direct. The burst forward when he played Robbo in was very promising, even though he probably dwelled too long on the ball instead of laying it off on to the right-wing. He also bullied Zouma - a big lad himself - into making the mistake for the goal. Don't want to get carried away, but this guy gives us some serious options we haven't had since God knows when.

Hendo was able to make amends for his error with a cracking save, Enda was twirling his way down the left like he was practicing for Strictly with a ball at his feet, JOC got forward and involved with the attacking play like we know he can - everybody just looked comfortable in their own skin all of a sudden. If we can't take something potentially season-defining from that half, I don't know when we can!

We've conceded 5 goals so far, and while you can probably argue we could have been better defensively for all 5, 3 have been caused by outright howlers. These howlers all came in the first half of the last two games when we've played without the self-belief shown in the second halves.

For me, that was a BIG second half - not just because we've managed to get the two goals - but because the players should now be under no illusions that they deserve to be in this division. We're gifting top 6 teams goals, and we're STILL competitive. Imagine what we'll be like when we've settled down and accepted we can compete? Good times ahead!

That's all well and good, but we're still NGE and nailed on for relegation. © Garth Crooks

 

[Niceguyeddie]

Disagree and disagree again.

You thought he was playing well

 

[SwissBlade]

He was kicked across his thigh. High foot and definite contact. We dont protest enough. Egan last Saturday should have run at the ref , then you force VAR to not just ignore the incident which they are very happy to do for us minnows.

I’d rather we didn’t run after the ref, it never changes their mind and if there’s an infringement it should be picked up

As for Hendo, if he’d come out confidently he would’ve had a whack when he had the ball and it would’ve been a foul, as he was nowhere near the ball as he was fannying, it’s not a foul... from what I could see least

 

[Dkc]

Hendo was at fault for the first goal. He held his arms like he expected the ball to drop into them. It did, but bounced out, and was then turned in. In some situations, a clearing punch is the best option. You've got to anticipate what could go wrong if you don't get a clean take.

 

[Woodwardfan]

I’d rather we didn’t run after the ref, it never changes their mind and if there’s an infringement it should be picked up

As for Hendo, if he’d come out confidently he would’ve had a whack when he had the ball and it would’ve been a foul, as he was nowhere near the ball as he was fannying, it’s not a foul... from what I could see least

You see that differently to me but VAR has all the technology.

As for non-protests, Im afraid they get you nothing v such as Chelsea

 

[SwissBlade]

You see that differently to me but VAR has all the technology.

As for non-protests, Im afraid they get you nothing v such as Chelsea

So it’s better for our players to get on with the game.

Foul or not, for me, it’s about making fewer mistakes and not giving the controversy a chance... just do our job and hopefully the officials get most decisions right.

 

[blade67]

A few things happened in the second half (yeah, we scored twice) that could prove to be BIG this season...

As soon as Robbo scored, his all-round play immediately jumped a level for the rest of the game. He hasn't been miles off so far this season, but the missing few percentage points that had seen his ball-control, dribbling, decision making and general attacking play not quite clicking, suddenly clicked! He of course went on to get the assist, but even if he hadn't, he looked so much more assured and comfortable in his role than at any time so far since pre-season. Huge half for him.

When Moose came on, he gave us something completely different to anything we've had under Wilder, or for some considerable time. He looks fast, powerful and direct. The burst forward when he played Robbo in was very promising, even though he probably dwelled too long on the ball instead of laying it off on to the right-wing. He also bullied Zouma - a big lad himself - into making the mistake for the goal. Don't want to get carried away, but this guy gives us some serious options we haven't had since God knows when.

Hendo was able to make amends for his error with a cracking save, Enda was twirling his way down the left like he was practicing for Strictly with a ball at his feet, JOC got forward and involved with the attacking play like we know he can - everybody just looked comfortable in their own skin all of a sudden. If we can't take something potentially season-defining from that half, I don't know when we can!

We've conceded 5 goals so far, and while you can probably argue we could have been better defensively for all 5, 3 have been caused by outright howlers. These howlers all came in the first half of the last two games when we've played without the self-belief shown in the second halves.

For me, that was a BIG second half - not just because we've managed to get the two goals - but because the players should now be under no illusions that they deserve to be in this division. We're gifting top 6 teams goals, and we're STILL competitive. Imagine what we'll be like when we've settled down and accepted we can compete? Good times ahead!

best OP I've read in ages.

robbo's little check back for his goal was very Billy Sharp. Found a bit of space when there wasn't much.

moose looked a handful.

Lunny is a revelation so far, and showed today he can be part of a team that plays with intent and attacking flair.

 

[Woodwardfan]

So it’s better for our players to get on with the game.

Foul or not, for me, it’s about making fewer mistakes and not giving the controversy a chance... just do our job and hopefully the officials get most decisions right.

In the P.L players 'work ' the referee more, they put pressure on refs very forcibly and they routinely 'demand' VAR examinations and they also go down more easily on minimal contact. Refs do not seem to give fouls unless players go to ground.

If we dont do it we will be disadvantaged. Wilder has said as much when he talks of us having to get 'street wise'. Today he said he was "old school and stayed on my feet".

We'll do it all before long.

If Henderson had gone down holding his thigh that goal would not have stood.

Ugly but that's the playing field we are on now.

 

[DaleHillBlade]

Win at home, draw away.

A point against Chelsea? Lovely.