Millwall 3 United 2 - Report/ratings

[Deadbat]

Sadly won’t be a full report on the game as I’m travelling back on the train from London after being at Millwall. Pretty fed up after another poor performance and defeat. It seems we are somewhat imploding on and off the field and have chucked away a comfortable lead at the top in less than a week. I’d not be surprised the way we are playing if we are overtaken in a few games.

I will try and get back to fuller and proper reports next week but travelling to London and back this week has made it hard to do that. Apologies.

Anyway brief summary and ratings.

In the end 3-2 was about right. Overall play and ruthlessness when it mattered, they did enough. It was frustrating as at 1-1 and 2-2,you sensed we had the quality to go on and win but did not show it at either end. We didn’t do the basics and shipped horrible goals.

I think Millwall knew if we scored they could just go up the other end and score. They only needed two chances 2nd half but that was enough. To be fair they will wonder how it was even close at half time and whilst it was more even after the break- maybe we shaded it- certainly on the ball and chances- they will feel it should not even have come to that.

They were miles better first half and should have been 2 or 3 up. They were aggressive, quicker to the ball and like Boro exploited our weaknesses. We looked like we were having a stroll in the park. They won the loose balls, turned it round the corners and got in way too easily. They knocked it in and roughed Wes up and then should have scored with a Bradshaw chance. He made a good save but there was no reprieve and not long after with Lowe in a frankly ridiculous position high up the field, they broke and Burke of course fed Bradshaw for the good finish.

After this we were all over. They had other moments and Norwood/Berge both gave it away. Egan did likewise and actually maybe should have had a pen when the flag went up and Wes brought Bradshaw down. We looked leggy and just were punting it aimlessly to Jebbo with no real plan of how to move through them with good football. Each department seemed miles apart with two wing backs way ahead if the three CBs. The midfield coughed up possession and could not deal with being pressed. We were completely penned in but we then won a free kick with one of rare things Jebbo did well and Doyle scores with a decent strike but one Long has to save. We get to half time just about but 1-1 massively flattered us.

I was crying out for a change to give us more legs in midfield but only Fleck looked a serious option really. We did start better and Norwood and McBurnie combined to put Jebbo in but he misses a one on one- well smothered by Long. We continue to have much more of the ball and Bogle, Berge and Jebbison got in some great areas but over played or no end product.

Inexplicably, Doyle is hooked. If he can only do 55-60 mins that is poor. Yes he has been out but he’s a professional deemed fit enough to start? However the fact Osborn, who quite frankly offers absolutely nothing, was introduced was baffling. It does not help us tighten the midfield nor does he offer us anything going forward? Ridiculous change. We did have moments but then another dither from Berge saw them break and with a ridiculously high line, Bash makes a school boy error and gets too tight. Bogle is nowhere and a good cross (we had umpteen chances to put crosses in like thus but failed every time) sees a free header as Egan and JLT are ball watching. Pretty much their first decent attack.

We then bring Ndiaye on. Fine. But for Jebbo? He’d not been great but had still stretched them and got Cooper booked. Take off Bash or a defender. It was another odd move. Bash did have a header saved that he should score and we huff and puff and press them back but Berge and Bogle took an age to do things allowing defenders back. We had no threat down the left now with Osborn supporting Lowe. McAtee comes on and makes a difference as he dribbles forward and commits defenders. Bogle had a poor game but did well on the goal but its a great finish from McAtee. Lovely quick feet.

You think if anyone’s going to win it then its us and Robbo spots the ball on the centre circle. I texted Webding and said I felt we were a bit kamikaze though and lost our shape. I said 2-2 would be OK. Easy to say in hindsight but a point would have been fine. I did not advocate just defending but we needed to keep a shape/system but we were all over the place. One ball down the side. Lowe does not react and another free cross but how is Bradshaw completely unmarked? Egan is just marking space. Its hideous defending from a senior international. Still even with Egan’s errors, the wag they got through us on both is frighteningly bad. After that we chuck balls forward but lose our discipline and McBurnie and Robinson could easily have been sent off- as could a fee of their players too. The final whistle comes and Long turns round and pumps his fists and berates the United fans weirdly. He seemed really upset. Disappointing reaction but suppose if fans give it out they have to take it but feel he needs to realise we gave him a living in the game maybe too?

 

[Deadbat]

United – Didn’t really deserve anything despite what Hecky says. The first half we were dreadful, giving it away and getting turned round easily. 3-0 would not have been unfair. We score a decent goal but yet again he does not change it deciding to try and go Basketball again in our approach. We do have chances and if Jebbo scores we lead but he misses. We had so many opportunities and triangles down the sides but rarely did a good ball/shot result. We were so slow to move it and make decisions.

They break the other way and against the run of play, penetration and a good cross and its a goal. We get our technical attackers on and one scores a very good goal but then we switch off and concede another horrible goal. It was as if Millwall knew they could just pick us off and go and get another if they needed to.
At the moment it’s a lot harder for us to score than so called weaker opposition- looking at the table. That’s worrying.

In the end they were not great 2nd half but did not need to be and still for all our play, other than the goal, we had the Jebbo chance and Bash header. They still created as much as us even with less ball and for the first half domination will feel they deserved to just about win it.
We look a bit of a mess at the moment. Ragged on and off the ball and relying on individuals to create something.

There’s no clear system or pattern of play, in and out of possession. We look a yard slow in getting to balls and our passing is short leaving teams nicking the ball and breaking. The wing backs are more a liability than strength at the moment and the midfield are getting overrun. A lot will be made of shocking defending with Lowe, Bash and particularly Egan all culpable but the defence should not be left exposed so much. It was 2 on 2 or 3 on 3 in the first 10 mins which is school boy stuff. The fact it happened at other parts of the game showed it was ingrained in our poor tactics and play.


The subs (Osborn) were wrong in terms of incoming on the first and outgoing on the second (Jebbo) but the whole shape/solidity of the team has completely gone with 6 goals conceded and it could have been much more.
A lot was made of us doing enough to beat poorer teams and I did feel performances would catch up on us in terms of results when we faced better teams but a number said we would up it accordingly and play better versus better teams.

Well we have carried on playing the same as before and now are getting exposed. Too many senior players are not at it and the last two games more than half a side or more has been average or poor. People are saying we are still 2nd and we are still in the box seat but we’ve gone from 10 (13 at 7.15pm in Weds) pts clear to 4 in three days! Boro are winning every week and on a Forest type run. Their best player is on fire whilst ours, Ndiayes firm has dropped off considerably.


I would not be surprised sadly if we lost again versus a Watford side that has pace and runners. It is only two defeats but it’s been a horrific few days on and off the field and there is a true rest of the manager now. He’s dine a solid job with a very talented squad with players that cost a lot of money but now he faces a big test. His selections, tactics, motivation and subs have been sadly lacking this week. He faces a big test in the next few weeks.


Foderingham 6/10 – Got battered on a Hugh ball that should have been a booking and was limping but made a good save to keep it 0-0. The first goal was hit hard and he was exposed but goes in at the near post – I thought he could have done better. Has no chance on the 2nd and 3rd as again his defenders go to sleep. Let in 6 this week after not conceding that number in about 2 months!


Bogle 4.5/10 – Set up the second goal with good run but defensively he was way off his man and gave away stupid fouls. He gets into great positions but takes too long and overplays. He has to be tighter to his man and more disciplined.


Lowe 4/10 – Thought he was bad in the week and he carried on today. Miles off his man and no discipline. Lost physical challenges and they got in down his side a fair bit. He is way out if position on the first and same on the second. A lot will directly blame Egan but he is poor throughput stopping crosses. Looks more like the player we saw in the Prem – this last week.


Basham 5/10 – Began with a few hesitant moments bit thought he improved after the whole defence looked ropey but too tight and gets done on the second. He then misses a chance with the header and at the end the whole defence is all over the place.


Robinson 5.5/10 – Best of the defence in that he competed and actually came forward well a few times bringing it out. He was a bit lost as Burke broke but Lowe leaves a big gap. He lost his man or gave it away a fair bit but one of few who is at least winning some 50-50 tackles. At the end he lost his discipline and could easily have been sent off.


Egan 3/10 – His main opponent scored a hat trick. The 2nd and 3rd he us nowhere near and seems to be day dreaming. He has one main man to work and fails to deal with him. Bradshaw with chance at start and a clear pen could have had 5 goals. Egan also gave it away a fair bit when under no pressure. He had a bit if a nightmare but again no protection from midfield even with his total lack of marking.


Norwood 5/10 – Sloppy on the ball and harried/pressed into kicking it long. Not in the game first half and even when he got it, he was too ponderous to move it on. Second half better and one good ball to McBurnie gave us the Jebbo chance. Not sure he or others put many quality balls into the box despite lots of ball. Defensively it’s worrying when teams break and pick us off as he has no help.


Doyle 5/10 – He scored a well struck free kick but outside of that he was as guilty as the rest for giving it away or looking slow. I still think he was better than a few others so him being the one to give away, and for Osborn, was mystifying. If he’s not fit to play more than the time he does, that us a worry with the similarly unfit Fleck never seemingly able to play much. Norwood has so much on his shoulders.


Berge 4/10 – Maddening, frustrating and quite frankly his effort at times leaves a lot to be desired. The way he coasted around first half and kept losing it or taking too long to do things was infuriating. He looked disinterested and barely broke into a sweat. He was better 2nd half in that he improved but still despite getting in great areas, did he actually drive in the box, have any meaningful efforts at goal (one cross shot saved when he should have crossed). He dillied and slowed the attacks down and his tame shot/header when well placed summed him up. His inability to close down saw them break for the 2nd. He gives an air of someone just going through the motions. People may say that’s the sort of player he is but we need much more. He’s meant to be one of our main players but twice this week he gas thoroughly shrank. Yes he got on the ball and got in some good areas but the end product final part was not there at all. They had two crossing chances and twice picked someone out for goals and half. I’d consider playing him as an impact sub on the right when teams are tiring . Currently we are almost a man down defensively in midfield as teams break and if he does not threaten attacking wise then what is he offering?


Jebbison 5/10 – Put himself about but also gave away some silly fouls and the ball did come off him a bit. He did win the free kick for the goal and then got Cooper booked but he misses the big chance at 1-1. I’d have left him on personally and took a defender off.


McBurnie 6/10 – Might have been our best starter but that’s not saying much. He had no service first half but second got involved and set up Jebbo. Narrowly missed a few crosses that came across and at least competed but another stupid booking. He was looking fir free kicks too much and going to floor which I don’t like.


Subs


Osborn 4/10 – Pointless. He offers nothing it’s nor like he gives us legs or tenacity. Twice he just ran it out. Had chances to cross and hit the first man. I have no idea what Hecky sees him in. He does not change games and is weak, slow and limited technically.


Ndiaye 6/10 – At least had a few runs and got on it but maybe tried to do too much at times. It’s a moot point whether we were right to rest him but he has been off form and the goals have dried up. Not sure Jebbo took his chance so expect him back next week. Needs to get back on form and quick- with him off form we look devoid of ideas.


McAtee 7/10 – Did more in his time on the pitch than many did in the rest of the game. Scored a lovely goal and was always looking to dribble/create. Poor in the week and you could see the reason for bringing him off the bench but now think you have to play him and Ndiaye as they are two of our better players.


Heckingbottom 2/10 – Team selection did not work at all. Dreadful start and could have been finished long before we got back in it. Subs did not work really – except McAtee of course. He rested key men and it backfired and they had to come on as we chased. The basketball style is not working as teams with pace are breaking on us. We have no shape or pattern of play and look a bit if a mess. We improved bit we should not be waiting to impose ourselves. The way we are set up that is exposing the defence us not working currently- granted bad mistakes not helping. Tactically and coaching wise he has been found short this week and we have deserved to lose both games.


Millwall – They were good first half and should have put us away but 2nd half they gave it away and panicked. A more ruthless side would have put them away but we did not create much despite having lots of possession in their third. They broke and scored a goal with their first real chance. Then after we got level, they did it again showing a ruthless element we lacked in both boxes. They are good at what they do but actually it was balls down the sides rather than set plays that hurt us. Will fancy their chances of the playoffs and who knows we might play them again yet?


Man of the match- Bradshaw of course. 3 poachers goals and we do not have a striker that can do that sadly. Burke actually caused us problems first half with some strong running. McNanara was a threat as was Flemming who did well on the second. Long was poor in the first but made two good saves his reaction at the end a bit OTT though as I said earlier.


Weak link - I thought Cooper was there for the taking with his lack of pace but the service was poor. I do think you can get through them on the floor but we only did this a few times.


Referee – Berge’s pathetic dive was rightly waved away. They actually were onside when Wes fetches his mam down and we maybe got away with it? Berge was grabbed and played on, then grab game his man to get booked- the Millwall man of course went down! To balance it thought their booking was soft just before. Second half thought he A few guesswork decisions, like the McBurnie booking when the assistant did not even see it. At the end a few of ours lost their cool although their was a claim for a pen maybe for shirt pulling but it’s unlikely you get them at the death. Both McBurnie (could have been sent off for 2nd yellow) and JLT were daft and the latter can’t be raising his hands- yes the Millwall player milked it but don’t give him chance.


Fans/Day out – Decent day out ruined by the match! Saw Roy and Eggy pre match and had a few beers down the Bermondsey Beer Mile with them although many were not open due to the earlier kick off. Also saw Travelling Blade and three Tufty listeners, Rory (I think was his name pre match? ) and Alex and Gary came and thanked/complimented us on the podcast- so thanks for coming to say hello! Odd set up in the ground with almost a disco with music blaring out in the concourse but they did have a pop up bar too and was spacious too unlike some away ends. Got us away quick after too in terms of the train to London Bridge.


I will say sadly saw a lot if things that put me off going away. Lairy young lads had too much drink and other stuff (saw them queuing in the toilet for said drugs). There was lots of moaning and groaning too (yes the performance was bad granted). The letting off of smoke bombs and chucking flares was also really stupid and one landed in the United fans rather than in the empty section below- not that throwing them anywhere is very sensible. There was some right dickheads in the way they acted and it seems this sort of fan has grown and grown I applaud those that go away particularly those of my kind if age or older, as not sure I’d want to be part of that every other week these days. Maybe I’m getting old and boring. I might try and get to one more before the end of the season but it’s nowhere near as enjoyable as it used to be.

 

[United Aren't Back.]

A mish mash of a performance that gives little in the way of confidence for the next few matches really.
But the boss has shown before he has a never say die attitude, as do his players.

 

[ShockingBadBuy]

There’s no clear system or pattern of play, in and out of possession.

At present, there’s a list of things to be worried about stretching from A-Z and halfway back again. Among these, the lack of obvious system, pattern, or intent, is a major concern. So many of our other current flaws follow from this.

Desperately disappointing again today. Thanks, per usual, for a refreshingly hysteria-free write-up.

 

[Richeee]

Thanks for the report. Saturday v Watford I am worried it will be more of the same, Berge absent for long periods and when we need to change it from the bench, Osborn comes on. UTB

 

[Addison]

Ndiaye was carrying an injury so reason for not starting him. Problem with thigh.

The rest what can you say. We looked devoid of energy, ideas but most concerning discipline when it comes to managing a game. No point in commenting on Osborn manager sees something none of us do. If Fleck isn't fit now after sitting on the bench for the last 3 matches then whats the point of him being there. Ditto Clark surely a shoe in for the next game.

We were disadvantaged by them having 24 hours longer rest but we compounded the problems by not making full use of our substitutes in the last 2 games. Wall and Boro used all 5. There seems to be a mental block in the dug out when the need for fresh legs is apparent.

Big week now for the Manager and coaching staff. The last 2 games have shown letting the wing backs charge up the pitch constantly is hurting us on the counter. We don't have the fitness and conditioning to last 90 minutes so managing the game tactically to conserve energy is critical. As you say this basket ball approach which has not been part of our game needs to stop.

I fear the off field issues are affecting PH. Not his fault at all. A decent well run club would have a football man on the Board available to give some words of advice when difficult times occur. Instead he's left to flounder and deal with speculation about the new owner, embargo, lack of money and no doubt growing player concerns regarding contract issues as well as on field matters. Would help if next week he can finally use the improved pitches to fully train on.

Watford has suddenly become the most important game of the season. Win and its only a blip lose and the confidence levels will start to erode.

Finally as far as the fans are concerned the Club have lost control of the match day management. The seat migration issue is only one problem they haven't dealt with effectively. Its clear to everyone the taking of drugs is happening in the Kop toilets but it just seems to be accepted. At the Middlesborough game when we scored my daughters were sat next to a man who got hit in the face by a smoke bomb. Luckily it was only his cheek leaving a red mark. They managed to calm his two little girls down, it was their first match ffs! What type of so called supporter launches a smoke bomb into his own fans!! Stewarding is now reduced to youngsters telling you where to sit. I'm afraid a return of SYP and/or more robust stewarding is now required inside the stadium.

 

[TJ blade]

Thanks for the report. Saturday v Watford I am worried it will be more of the same, Berge absent for long periods and when we need to change it from the bench, Osborn comes on. UTB

For ffs! No more of tiny tim he's shit..

 

[Champagneblade]

We were disadvantaged by them having 24 hours longer rest but we compounded the problems by not making full use of our substitutes in the last 2 games. Wall and Boro used all 5. There seems to be a mental block in the dug out when the need for fresh legs is apparent.

This is such an important point in terms of both game and season management.

I feel like shouting from the rooftops at times:

YOU CAN USE FIVE SUBS - USE THEM!

We were disoriented at the back, looking ragged. Why would you then not choose to introduce Clark and/or Ahmedhodžić to get fresh legs and a bit of fresh focus in there? I get the whole idea of rotation and resting but if you can't come on for a quarter of a game then you shouldn't be on the bench.

We were not getting a foothold in the game. Why would you not introduce Fleck? Again if he's not fit then why is he sat there? Is he Banker when they play trivial pursuit on the bus? Honestly. If you can't use him then don't pick him.

Hecky seems to be unwilling or incapable to give bad news to Ozzy.

Coulibaly should have been on the bench. Why? Three reasons:
1. He's an athlete. In a midfield of short-arses with the exception of Berge, who is awol half the time right now, he is the only one who has some physicality.
2. He's also right footed. Why have 3 left footed midfielders on the bench and not one right footed one? What purpose or eventuality does this serve? If you have McAtee and Fleck, why do you need Osborn? If Fleck isn't fit to play then don't pick him. The selection seemed to be more about respecting some established order than actually covering your bases for a key game. Any loss of Lowe could be compensated by Robinson or Bogle moving there. Basham can play RWB.
3. There is a potential future in Coulibaly. Not sure if the club has an option but it seems his deal may be up in some way during the summer. Osborn has proven to be occasionally useful but a bit part player above and also at this level. Coulibaly could genuinely emerge to be that physical midfield player we need. Osborn certainly isn't going to emerge into anything more.

Using the squad also involves better game management. It's also not illegal to hook Sander if he's not playing well, or even not pick him.

 

[Blade59]

It has no doubt been a bad few days. Strangely we could have won both games not that I am saying we deserved to. Wednesday night we could have been 3 up after 15 minutes, yesterday the opposite was true and could and should have been 3 down at half time but had good periods in the second.. Since the international break we have played a succession of poor to average teams and we have deservedly won most of them with spells of quality in each game with the opposition in the main having nothing to offer in return. We are now playing better teams and will not get away with just playing for a third of the gam. and have been punished twice as a result.

The confusion off the pitch is not helping and you can see us running out of steam as the season goes on due to the lack of additions in January. We appear to be relying on players unable to complete 90 minutes yet still never use the 5 subs. I fear that if the takeover doesn't go through, which I don't think will (not sure I want it to) and or we don't go up I really fear for the future. Watford is now a huge game next week. far bigger than the cup game against Spurs and the fans need to try to raise the atmosphere for this one. Loose and Boro win at West Brom which is a difficult game for them you can see the momentum shifting permanently.

 

[just ted]

Thank you for going to the trouble of writing this up. I couldn’t watch yesterday so am grateful of the, albeit grim, insight. Have similar views about away games. Used to do maybe half a dozen a year but not got back into it since covid and not sure I will any time soon sadly.

 

[Bergen Blade]

Six goals conceded this week, a look at what went wrong on the three yesterday:

1st goal: We're high up the pitch, but Long catches the ball and makes a long throw to Burke who runs with it. Our midfield can't catch up with him and Millwall have effectively a 4 vs 3 situation.

It is difficult, but the main priority is to have control of the most dangerous space, which is behind the defence. As JR pushes out to close down Burke, Egan and Bash must drop deeper to close the space for Bradshaw. Egan hesitates, enough for Bradshaw to run in behind and finish.

Trying to play Bradshaw offside is usually a bad idea on these occasions when the man on the ball is not closed down well.





2nd goal: Millwall play a long ball forward. Note that we have a back five here, basically marking noone. But Norwood is beaten in the air by the meeting Bradshaw and the ball drops to Fleming. Osborn and Berge are too high up to get involved.



Bradshaw's flick-on drops to Fleming who manages to get past Basham. I noted that Hecky said we should have brought their player down at this stage. I've mentioned before that I hate that, but it does happen all the time in today's football.

Anyway Millwall have managed to create a panic situation. From then on I think we should applaud Millwall, rather than criticising the remaining defenders. Fleming passes wide to Voglsammer and although our defenders do manage to get back, a perfect cross and perfect header sees the ball bounce in.


In my opinion, if we're going to play with a back five they must be so dynamic that one of them (Egan or JR) has to either challenge for the header, or one of them (Bash) has to push up a bit to fill the gap where Flemming is alone. We can't have a back five hanging around passively while the rest of the team presses high. So my advice to the coaching staff is to work on that. Get the organisation right and avoid the danger from happening, rather than focusing on the destructive act of pulling the runner down.


3rd goal: We have changed to a 4-4-2 diamond at this stage and have dominated a lot of the half. But here Millwall have a free kick and send forward both centre halves. With the aerial strength of Cooper, this is a situation not to take lightly.

But we do. JR goes up to challenge Cooper, but behind him we allow Millwall to outnumber us 3 against 2:



How to avoid danger? I can't blame JR. He puts in a strong challenge, but we must accept that Cooper will win some of these headers. As we've switched to a back four here, Bogle must realise he must get in line with the other defenders, especially when JR is out of it. Osborn should also realise our two defenders will be in trouble if the ball is flicked on, i.e. he should drop a bit deeper:




The rest of this attack is panic defending again. Voglsammer's cross is perfect again, between Wes and Egan, and Bradshaw has a tap in.

 

[Bergen Blade]

Referee – Berge’s pathetic dive was rightly waved away.

I think it's a clear penalty if the referee sees it.

I used to be a centre half and that was a dirty trick I sometimes used. Pulling a shirt is often easily spotted. Grabbing a player's hand was very effective and was usually missed by referees. It takes very little force to get a running player off balance and this allowed me to win the ball numerous times.

A dirty trick often not spotted. But an offence, of course it is.

 

[Maurice Maurice]

Six goals conceded this week, a look at what went wrong on the three yesterday:

1st goal: We're high up the pitch, but Long catches the ball and makes a long throw to Burke who runs with it. Our midfield can't catch up with him and Millwall have effectively a 4 vs 3 situation.

It is difficult, but the main priority is to have control of the most dangerous space, which is behind the defence. As JR pushes out to close down Burke, Egan and Bash must drop deeper to close the space for Bradshaw. Egan hesitates, enough for Bradshaw to run in behind and finish.

Trying to play Bradshaw offside is usually a bad idea on these occasions when the man on the ball is not closed down well.

View attachment 154260



2nd goal: Millwall play a long ball forward. Note that we have a back five here, basically marking noone. But Norwood is beaten in the air by the meeting Bradshaw and the ball drops to Fleming. Osborn and Berge are too high up to get involved.

View attachment 154261

Bradshaw's flick-on drops to Fleming who manages to get past Basham. I noted that Hecky said we should have brought their player down at this stage. I've mentioned before that I hate that, but it does happen all the time in today's football.

Anyway Millwall have managed to create a panic situation. From then on I think we should applaud Millwall, rather than criticising the remaining defenders. Fleming passes wide to Voglsammer and although our defenders do manage to get back, a perfect cross and perfect header sees the ball bounce in.

View attachment 154262
In my opinion, if we're going to play with a back five they must be so dynamic that one of them (Egan or JR) has to either challenge for the header, or one of them (Bash) has to push up a bit to fill the gap where Flemming is alone. We can't have a back five hanging around passively while the rest of the team presses high. So my advice to the coaching staff is to work on that. Get the organisation right and avoid the danger from happening, rather than focusing on the destructive act of pulling the runner down.


3rd goal: We have changed to a 4-4-2 diamond at this stage and have dominated a lot of the half. But here Millwall have a free kick and send forward both centre halves. With the aerial strength of Cooper, this is a situation not to take lightly.

But we do. JR goes up to challenge Cooper, but behind him we allow Millwall to outnumber us 3 against 2:

View attachment 154263

How to avoid danger? I can't blame JR. He puts in a strong challenge, but we must accept that Cooper will win some of these headers. As we've switched to a back four here, Bogle must realise he must get in line with the other defenders, especially when JR is out of it. Osborn should also realise our two defenders will be in trouble if the ball is flicked on, i.e. he should drop a bit deeper:


View attachment 154264

The rest of this attack is panic defending again. Voglsammer's cross is perfect again, between Wes and Egan, and Bradshaw has a tap in.

The one thing your excellent analysis highlights is the lack of a leader, Bergen. Going up and down the leagues and at all levels of football, you usually have a gobby bleeder at centre half, marshalling the defence. We don't have that. Robinson throws himself into challenges and is a bit old school, but a leader he is not. Egans jaw's constantly moving, but only on his chewing gum. He points a lot, but he doesn't hold the line or get the others to keep any shape. Bash is past it, but even when he wasn't, he was the quiet man. Anel can play a bit but again, he's quiet and just concentrates on his own job.

When the ball comes at us, it's panic stations as no one looks to take responsibility. We haven't conceded a great deal this season, but when we do they're usually avoidable.

Having said all that, it wouldn't hurt the midfield to help out every now and then either......but that's a whole different problem.

 

[CoatesyBlade]

I think it's a clear penalty if the referee sees it.

I used to be a centre half and that was a dirty trick I sometimes used. Pulling a shirt is often easily spotted. Grabbing a player's hand was very effective and was usually missed by referees. It takes very little force to get a running player off balance and this allowed me to win the ball numerous times.

A dirty trick often not spotted. But an offence, of course it is.

Thank you Bergen! I couldn’t believe it was brushed aside so lightly. Commentators talking about simulation! The Millwall player even had the audacity to encourage the ref to give a card to Sander!

 

[Rudders]

The one thing your excellent analysis highlights is the lack of a leader, Bergen. Going up and down the leagues and at all levels of football, you usually have a gobby bleeder at centre half, marshalling the defence. We don't have that. Robinson throws himself into challenges and is a bit old school, but a leader he is not. Egans jaw's constantly moving, but only on his chewing gum. He points a lot, but he doesn't hold the line or get the others to keep any shape. Bash is past it, but even when he wasn't, he was the quiet man. Anel can play a bit but again, he's quiet and just concentrates on his own job.

When the ball comes at us, it's panic stations as no one looks to take responsibility. We haven't conceded a great deal this season, but when we do they're usually avoidable.

Bring back Jake White Senior as defence coach he was a superb on field organiser. Would literally tell all the other defenders and goalie where to stand and what to do...

 

[Champagneblade]

Six goals conceded this week, a look at what went wrong on the three yesterday:

1st goal: We're high up the pitch, but Long catches the ball and makes a long throw to Burke who runs with it. Our midfield can't catch up with him and Millwall have effectively a 4 vs 3 situation.

It is difficult, but the main priority is to have control of the most dangerous space, which is behind the defence. As JR pushes out to close down Burke, Egan and Bash must drop deeper to close the space for Bradshaw. Egan hesitates, enough for Bradshaw to run in behind and finish.

Trying to play Bradshaw offside is usually a bad idea on these occasions when the man on the ball is not closed down well.

View attachment 154260



2nd goal: Millwall play a long ball forward. Note that we have a back five here, basically marking noone. But Norwood is beaten in the air by the meeting Bradshaw and the ball drops to Fleming. Osborn and Berge are too high up to get involved.

View attachment 154261

Bradshaw's flick-on drops to Fleming who manages to get past Basham. I noted that Hecky said we should have brought their player down at this stage. I've mentioned before that I hate that, but it does happen all the time in today's football.

Anyway Millwall have managed to create a panic situation. From then on I think we should applaud Millwall, rather than criticising the remaining defenders. Fleming passes wide to Voglsammer and although our defenders do manage to get back, a perfect cross and perfect header sees the ball bounce in.

View attachment 154262
In my opinion, if we're going to play with a back five they must be so dynamic that one of them (Egan or JR) has to either challenge for the header, or one of them (Bash) has to push up a bit to fill the gap where Flemming is alone. We can't have a back five hanging around passively while the rest of the team presses high. So my advice to the coaching staff is to work on that. Get the organisation right and avoid the danger from happening, rather than focusing on the destructive act of pulling the runner down.


3rd goal: We have changed to a 4-4-2 diamond at this stage and have dominated a lot of the half. But here Millwall have a free kick and send forward both centre halves. With the aerial strength of Cooper, this is a situation not to take lightly.

But we do. JR goes up to challenge Cooper, but behind him we allow Millwall to outnumber us 3 against 2:

View attachment 154263

How to avoid danger? I can't blame JR. He puts in a strong challenge, but we must accept that Cooper will win some of these headers. As we've switched to a back four here, Bogle must realise he must get in line with the other defenders, especially when JR is out of it. Osborn should also realise our two defenders will be in trouble if the ball is flicked on, i.e. he should drop a bit deeper:


View attachment 154264

The rest of this attack is panic defending again. Voglsammer's cross is perfect again, between Wes and Egan, and Bradshaw has a tap in.

Excellent reading as always.

I would say there are comments to be had on Foderingham's part in the day too.

Should have possibly given away a penalty.

The first goal is in at his near post and he's inexplicably down on his knees almost. I honestly think a better keeper saves that. Archer also scored at the near post. Granted that was his nore powerfully, but if you guard your near post it's difficult to get those in.

The second goal he is so slow to get across and he dives almost from a standing start. No idea why he doesn't show more foot movement.

Third one, whilst I wouldn't say he's culpable, he adds nothing to the attempt to keeping the ball out of the net. Diving across for a ball he hasn't a hope of getting. He may as well have just stayed on his line and hope the finish comes near him. He made it easy selling himself and giving an open net to finish into.

I think he's been pretty poor this past week and he's been off it since the World Cup.

 

[Bergen Blade]

At present, there’s a list of things to be worried about stretching from A-Z and halfway back again. Among these, the lack of obvious system, pattern, or intent, is a major concern. So many of our other current flaws follow from this.

Desperately disappointing again today. Thanks, per usual, for a refreshingly hysteria-free write-up.

We seemed reluctant to take chances when building attacks. The defenders didn't advance with the ball like they do when we're at our best. Instead they passed it sideways and it seemed to often end up on the left. A lot of attacks broke down down that side where Robinson, Doyle and Lowe had poor pass completion stats:



If the centre halves aren't contributing on the ball it can be difficult to get moves going, more so with three centre halves than two.

 

[Roygbiv]

Millwall board are huge fans of Deadbat

 

[Steelcitysenior]

That's a fantastic assessment of what unfolded at the Den.
Big up to you Sir for posting it after the trauma of watching it live.UTB.

 

[cooperblade]

I think it's a clear penalty if the referee sees it.

I used to be a centre half and that was a dirty trick I sometimes used. Pulling a shirt is often easily spotted. Grabbing a player's hand was very effective and was usually missed by referees. It takes very little force to get a running player off balance and this allowed me to win the ball numerous times.

A dirty trick often not spotted. But an offence, of course it is.

Completely agree but I also think that Berge might not have gone down if it wasn't for Hecky saying we needed to start going down more when fouled.

This was one of a few times (Bogle's incorrect booking another) where I thought the commentators must not have watched the replay when talking about the incident.

 

[Dnblade]

Having not seen the game through being at work,it sounded like a poor performance,but tbh having watched it back I think we were worth a point.
Poor goals to give away though..the first one we had Lowe and Doyle high up when we attacked,but when it breaks down there's a massive hole behind them,and they break away and score...after that maybe Egan could have done better and Wes should have saved.
In the past we always had Fleck on that side, sliding in and snuffing out the counter..maybe someone else like Norwood needs to shuffle across if we are going to risk them both joining the attack,we are getting done on the counter far to much of late,and next up Watford are always a danger on the break.

 

[Champagneblade]

Having not seen the game through being at work,it sounded like a poor performance,but tbh having watched it back I think we were worth a point.
Poor goals to give away though..the first one we had Lowe and Doyle high up when we attacked,but when it breaks down there's a massive hole behind them,and they break away and score...after that maybe Egan could have done better and Wes should have saved.
In the past we always had Fleck on that side, sliding in and snuffing out the counter..maybe someone else like Norwood needs to shuffle across if we are going to risk them both joining the attack,we are getting done on the counter far to much of late,and next up Watford are always a danger on the break.

Clearly fine margins at play too.

Last week could easily have read:

- Boro looked a very capable side but never recovered from that first 15 minutes as the Blades took all three points. Yes they came back into it but coughing up those chances meant they were always up against it.

- After a dreadful first half where we got away with one due to Doyle's free kick, a brilliant through ball by McBurnie was put away by Jebbison and then a late Basham header sealed the points despite Bradshaw's late header making for a nervy final few.

Very little would have changed in the performance but a bit more composure in the right moments and the narrative could have been oh so different.

 

[Rufus Smalls]

Completely agree but I also think that Berge might not have gone down if it wasn't for Hecky saying we needed to start going down more when fouled.

This was one of a few times (Bogle's incorrect booking another) where I thought the commentators must not have watched the replay when talking about the incident.

Many times on Match of the Day that a Premiership striker goes down with the slightest tug of an arm and the free kick/penalty is awarded. Not too dissimilar to the Berge incident. Why the difference in outcomes ?
I don’t think it was a clear penalty by the way, but they are given.

 

[Deadbat]

Clearly fine margins at play too.

Last week could easily have read:

- Boro looked a very capable side but never recovered from that first 15 minutes as the Blades took all three points. Yes they came back into it but coughing up those chances meant they were always up against it.

- After a dreadful first half where we got away with one due to Doyle's free kick, a brilliant through ball by McBurnie was put away by Jebbison and then a late Basham header sealed the points despite Bradshaw's late header making for a nervy final few.

Very little would have changed in the performance but a bit more composure in the right moments and the narrative could have been oh so different.

Yet we could say the same about many of the games in the unbeaten run where we often won by the odd goal.

The concern is whether we win or lose we are not exactly controlling games I would say - even on the good run - only Swansea was one we won at a canter

Recently the last two have been basketball games and sadly opponents have had better strikers/set up play to score 6 goals. We have been wasteful in front of goal and coughed up chances too easily.

Essentially football comes about scoring goals and stopping them as Adkins says but looking at patterns/overall systems of play and we are not looking like a side much better than many others - even in the game we won. Now it has caught up with us.

I want us to be able to control games, dominate the ball and stop teams getting through us. All essential really for a promotion team. If we play and are as open as we have been last week then we will not be close to going up.

 

[Revolution]

To answer the question in your Pod, Leon Clarke the player and Warnock the manager have 5, not 4, clubs in common: QPR, Bury, Plymouth, Oldham and us.

Plus both have played for Scunthorpe and Hartlepool.