A few observations from the stats (Bristol City Home)

[Coolblade]

A few observations from the stats:

- for me MOTM was Burrows with two assists, most key passes (4), second most shots (3), more than twice the number of crosses as anyone else (7) with 88% pass completion rate and solid defensive stats. From a broader defensive viewpoint, Choud and Souza dominated on the ground with most tackles (6 and 5) with Choud growing in the role and becoming a cult favourite

- Hamer was a bit more miss than hit than usual with a goal (although deflected) but just one key pass, three crosses, and 76% pass completion rate. But he is still a complete star!

- the contrast in attacking stats is stark. Moore was awesome with 9 aerial duels won (next best just 2), most shots (5), 2 key passes and a goal. Cannon with no shots on target, no key passes, won just one aerial duel, no accurate crosses, and attempted just 5 passes with very low 40% accuracy. Moore must start, presumably with Campbell. I keep hoping Cannon comes good, but it’s getting harder to justify his selection on the stats (context remains key!).

- we won the xG battle but not as much as the away leg (against 10 men for 45 mins) by 1.35 v 0.43 creating 2 big chances to nil. Meaning our defence didn’t allow Bristol City one big chance across both legs. They did manage a fair few shots last night on target, with 6 against us, and all three of our shots on target resulting in goals. But in Cooper we trust.

A solid rather than spectacular showing, but good prep for the final, and hopefully the new two up top formation is bedding in, with Moore showing his value (and by him playing it makes Burrows crosses and Robbo’s throws that much ore potent)

Good luck at Wembley everyone!

UTB

 

[Blade56]

First. I know Burrows was statistically mom but I gave it Souza

 

[RetfordBlade96]

Hamer is such an intresting player, Like on what statistically was a off night (goal obviously the exception) I still find myself turning to people sat beside me in stands being like "how good is this guy" in terms of class he was stand out yesterday... I think you just have to let him try spectacular stuff all the time like he does, even if it doesnt come off its very good to watch

 

[Sheffsteel]

Burrows has had a good season but went off the boil about a month or 2 back, as though he was tired.
Good to see that he’s back to his best and finding some form….just at the right time.

Moore has generally been disappointing however he has similarities to McBurnie in that just his presence can cause trouble and he’s always excellent at defensive headers. His 6ft 5 heights helps out Ahmedhodzic when defending corners and the opposition have some big men.
Think Moores last 2 games have been his best of the season and he looks really effective when we play 2 up front.
Playing 2 up front instead of 1 seems to make us much more threatened going forward.

Hamer is a strange one…often has quiet games…sometimes can be quite poor when his ambitions passes go astray but then out of no where he’ll produce a killer pass or score a great goal from nothing. Basically with Hamer on the pitch….even when he’s been poor you know he can produce high quality at any moment.

Special mentions to Cannon, Brewster and Choudhry
Thought Cannon had his best game for us last night, not hard to achieve but it’s progress and he deserves credit. Playing in a 2 with Moore helped him.
Brewster was excellent again when he came on. Think when teams sit back parking the bus Brewster isn’t as good but when teams try to attack us
then Brewster has pace and awareness for quick counter attacks running from midfield into space.
Wasn’t initially that impressed with Hamza but got to admit he looked excellent again as right back. Seems to roam about abit making tackles.

 

[Frank the tank]

Hamer is such an intresting player, Like on what statistically was a off night (goal obviously the exception) I still find myself turning to people sat beside me in stands being like "how good is this guy" in terms of class he was stand out yesterday... I think you just have to let him try spectacular stuff all the time like he does, even if it doesnt come off its very good to watch

He definitely took the game up a notch when he had a little spell of action about twenty minutes in
Before that they were playing keep ball and the crowd were getting frustrated so even though he didn't ha e his most productive or eye catching evening he definitely raised our levels just by exciting the crowd and letting them know he is no joke

It seemed to settle everyone down and from then on we played much better

 

[billyblademan]

Burrows was on fire last night. Hard not to give Souza MOTM, but Buzzer a close second.

 

[bladesince64]

Burrows MOM for me.

Cannon is building up a head of steam and I'm convinced he'll score at Wemberley.

 

[PokerBlade]

Burrows has had a good season but went off the boil about a month or 2 back, as though he was tired.
Good to see that he’s back to his best and finding some form….just at the right time.

Moore has generally been disappointing however he has similarities to McBurnie in that just his presence can cause trouble and he’s always excellent at defensive headers. His 6ft 5 heights helps out Ahmedhodzic when defending corners and the opposition have some big men.
Think Moores last 2 games have been his best of the season and he looks really effective when we play 2 up front.
Playing 2 up front instead of 1 seems to make us much more threatened going forward.

Hamer is a strange one…often has quiet games…sometimes can be quite poor when his ambitions passes go astray but then out of no where he’ll produce a killer pass or score a great goal from nothing. Basically with Hamer on the pitch….even when he’s been poor you know he can produce high quality at any moment.

Special mentions to Cannon, Brewster and Choudhry
Thought Cannon had his best game for us last night, not hard to achieve but it’s progress and he deserves credit. Playing in a 2 with Moore helped him.
Brewster was excellent again when he came on. Think when teams sit back parking the bus Brewster isn’t as good but when teams try to attack us
then Brewster has pace and awareness for quick counter attacks running from midfield into space.
Wasn’t initially that impressed with Hamza but got to admit he looked excellent again as right back. Seems to roam about abit making tackles.

Moore's decision making this season has been woeful and made it hard to defend him, but I can't help but see us as a better side with him in it. He gives us an out-ball we otherwise don't have, he presses well, he chips in defensively on set-pieces, he brings our midfielders into the game and allows them to get higher up.

 

[Frank the tank]

Moore's decision making this season has been woeful and made it hard to defend him, but I can't help but see us as a better side with him in it. He gives us an out-ball we otherwise don't have, he presses well, he chips in defensively on set-pieces, he brings our midfielders into the game and allows them to get higher up.

What was that effort early doors where he attempted to lobby the keeper ( who was on his line anyway ) and it went nearer corner flag ?

 

[Tarqs]

First. I know Burrows was statistically mom but I gave it Souza

I'd agree... seemed back to his dominating self again.

 

[Tarqs]

Also shoutout to Choudhury, who i'd get in for RB next season anyway. It's a position we need a player in and he's looked far more established there than in Centre Mid (half).

 

[Rusty view]

Hamer. I thought wasn't up to his usual standard (which is high). Thought he made a few mis placed passes 1st half.

Moore. Seemed to lose ball in 1st 30 mins. But constantly caused issues

Choudary. I've always liked even before coming to us. Seems to have settled I to RB position.

Souza is just Souza.

We look much more threatening at 442. Although I think we did it purposely for Britol City as they couldn't cope with it.

Without wanting to sound arrogant we looked a class above City.

Bring on the final..but I suspect it'll be much tougher and we'll be under far more pressure that the semi finals.

 

[Blade56]

I'd agree... seemed back to his dominating self again.

He popped up at every point of danger and distribution was good, forwards not backwards.

 

[G.H. Lawrence]

Thought they played well, to a man, including the subs. Wilder must have thought his dreams had come true when we were 2-0 up in the game, and rather bthan chuck a couple of defenders on to defend the score-line, he goes and throws 4 attackers on the pitch. Fun times for him.
Sydie Peck was up there for my mom. He has q class head on those shoulders and always, always wants the ball.

 

[Rochdaleblade]

I thought Cannon had his best game for us tonight. He robbed their defenders on quite a few occasions. He also seemed to have the Billy Sharp role of discreetly fouling the keeper at corners.

 

[SwitchBLADE Smiles]

I’m so glad Wilder has finally decided to stick with Chowdhury at right back, who seems to have properly stamped his mark on that position. If all 26 of our right backs were available for the final, for me Chowdhury gets the nod, especially if we’re going to play Brooks in front of him.

As much as I love Brooksy, he left Chowdhury really exposed at times in the first half. I’d much prefer to have him available as a sub to run at tiring full backs as he causes chaos.

Moore was my MOTM in both games. I don’t think we’ve had a ‘proper’ centre forward since James Hanson & Moore caused the Bristol City defenders no end of issues over the 2 games. Doing all the donkey work needed for others to flourish but also has enough of a football brain to win the penalty in the first game. Hard as nails, flashes of quality & a proper fucking grafter. Got his richly deserved goal last night & as the focal point of our attacks, he adds an element to our play we’ve not had for a long time.