Pros and Cons - Wrexham @ home

[Maurice Maurice]

Very happy with that, first half performance was excellent and no surprise when they had a go at us after the break but it was all long ball hoof bollocks and they never looked like scoring.

CONS
Being really niggly, if we'd just had a little more composure second half and controlled the ball better we could have had more goals, or at least created a few more chances. That should come with confidence and if we keep winning we'll get there.
Tanganga scares me, he goes to sleep, he gives the ball away and while he had some good moments tonight, he always looks like he has a mistake in him.
The referee, while hardly having an absolute stinker he did get two decisions massively wrong. The Wrexham player deliberately ran straight into Kitching who grabbed his shirt while falling. Hundred percent a free kick to us but he gave it them and showed Kitching a yellow card. Wrexham defender kicks Burrows foot, misses the ball and Burrows goes down. Nailed on penalty (even the biased panel here in the US of A saw it) but the referee motions that Burrows was somehow turning his man. Big call to miss that one, deserving of a place in the post game wicker man.

PROS
Ayew, thought he was excellent. Used his experience, sensible with his energy levels and was positive the whole time he was on the pitch.
BBD, I still don't like him and won't be sending him a Christmas card but he was on the spot for the goal and looked a lot better playing more direct up front. Knackered after 55/60 minutes again but that seems to be acceptable in the modern game.
Donovan first half was a joy to watch. Full of tricks, early crosses and a real handful. They closed him down a lot quicker second half but you get excited when he gets the ball which we've been lacking for a long time.
Sydie and Phillips should be centre midfield and unless one of them is injured, no question they're the best two.
It was Wrexham that we beat, they were pretty fucking shite and only had one tactic. All that money, all that hype and they have Worrall at centre half. I can't believe some of our fans thought we should try and sign him. He's fucking terrible and I always enjoy watching him chasing shadows......really slow ones.

Happy with the win, fairly happy with the performance and hope I'm not being overly optimistic but there are a few green shoots for all to see.

 

[Mark T]

Thought it was the best performance at home this season. They put a shift in all game

 

[Wards]

Really enjoyed it, especially first half. Not said that many times this season. Don’t know why it’s taken them so long to realise we can get after teams and play some good football at times.

Thought the midfield and forwards were really good today - and that helps immensely. Top marks to Ayew and BBD too, they’ve endured a lot of stick (rightfully so at times) but really put a shift in tonight.

 

[Booker4]

First half we were really good. Second half we just couldn't finish them off and didn't create as much but we were in control. The crowd got really nervous second half, first half it was pretty loud in the Kop I felt.

 

[dc_blade]

The biggest pro was that we got the ball on the deck and tried to play football. Especially first half it was very noticeable and we took some risks in possession, played out from the back a bit more. There really is a decent team in this bunch if they can play like this more consistently.

 

[YES Blade]

Look miles better with Donovan in the team and it’s clear BBD isn’t a left winger. Hopefully Donovan has cemented his place in the starting eleven after these last two games.

We just need to find a way to change the momentum of the match when we end up on the back foot. A better probably would’ve punished us tonight.

 

[Mark T]

Look miles better with Donovan in the team and it’s clear BBD isn’t a left winger. Hopefully Donovan has cemented his place in the starting eleven after these last two games.

We just need to find a way to change the momentum of the match when we end up on the back foot. A better probably would’ve punished us tonight.

Donovan is a better left winger than a right winger and helped us massively. And changed and hamza complimented this game so you had a couple of threats from both wings for a change

 

[Ginger Gnome]

The biggest pro was that we got the ball on the deck and tried to play football. Especially first half it was very noticeable and we took some risks in possession, played out from the back a bit more. There really is a decent team in this bunch if they can play like this more consistently.

Absolutely baffling that we did aimless high balls into the wind the other day when we always look better playing it on the floor.

Hopefully we see a lot more performances like the first half in future, second half wasn't so good and the subs made it needlessly messy with players out of position.

 

[Booker4]

Just want to give a quick shout to Campbell. Made a difference when he came on and set up Peck with a lovely weighted pass when he must have been tempted to shoot.

 

[Houston_Blade]

Top marks to Ayew and BBD too, they’ve endured a lot of stick (rightfully so at times) but really put a shift in tonight.

The bloke sat behind me despises BBD, he was almost angry when we scored and said something like “he’s still shit, it were only a tap in”, then made a point of telling his kids he wasn’t clapping him when he came around past the SS after being subbed off

His kid (I’d estimate 8 or 9 years old) did make my evening though. I think it was that donkey at left back, Coyle who fouled Seriki near the end and miserable bastard’s kid shouts “fuck off” at the top of his voice. Cue mum and dad telling him he can’t use the ‘f word’ and the kid just stands up and tells his mum and dad to “fuck off” as well. Me and my son were giggling like mad.

 

[HeCanDoMagic]

Really enjoyed it, especially first half. Not said that many times this season. Don’t know why it’s taken them so long to realise we can get after teams and play some good football at times.

Thought the midfield and forwards were really good today - and that helps immensely. Top marks to Ayew and BBD too, they’ve endured a lot of stick (rightfully so at times) but really put a shift in tonight.

Agree with this. I have been very critical of CW and certain players, but today was the most positive performance of the season. Far from perfect but a step in the right direction.

Main difference today, particularly in the first half, was our willingness to make passes through the lines - Phillips and Kitching doing this well. Was a welcome sight compared to the side to side stuff suffered so far.

 

[nopigfansintown]

Pros:

BBD and Ayew linked it well.

Phillips was imperious again.

Burrows was more positive than the Derby game (was excellent Vs Bristol City).

Peck was great second half.

The team showed their physical and mental development again compared to last season. They couldn't bully us and we had the fitness to compete with a team that had the blessing to get all their ducks in a row for the start of the season. Night and day compared to last season's Wrexham games (and a lot of others) despite another shocking summer.

Cons:

When they doubled up on Donovan we had little coming down the flanks until Seriki's introduction.

Set pieces were decent again but we never looked like scoring.

Front two were decent individually but I'm not sure that's the correct balance. I like BBD at 9 with his back to goal , but I'm not 100% what his best partner would be if he plays there regularly. Watching the Derby match back underlined to me that we need a striker in the side that can hold it up and give us a platform.


I'd like a bit more composure. The chances were there to counter and kill them in the last twenty.

January:

Would like a middle centre half for a back three, another winger and a pacy striker.

Ref: That pen decision .

 

[LiamBG]

First half we actually played some good stuff and I was impressed, thought Wrexham were absolutely pony though and we should have put them to bed. Second half I expected a change in personal and shape from the visitors but it didn’t really change much. Moore absolutely terrible. I know there aren’t many of them, but Wrexham fans must be pretty pissed off with Parky hoof ball. Some serious investment in the summer too.

 

[Valleyblade]

"Tanganga scares me, he goes to sleep, he gives the ball away and while he had some good moments tonight, he always looks like he has a mistake in him."

Agreed.

I can see why wilder has made him captain. He's an experienced championship centre back, and our last big money signing.

Not as good as Jake Wright

Sort it out wilder

 

[Kona]

For the first time in a very long time, probably 2 years, I feel like we set up with the mentality of ‘let them worry about us’ - and it worked.

Too many times we set up to nullify or counteract other teams and it often leads to painfully boring games. We didn’t do that in those early Wilder years.

Last night we arguably had players in their best positions and attacked.

It won’t always work, but at least we had something to get behind, and thankfully went home with a smile.

More of this please

 

[luffenhamblade]

All I really want is for the lads to play like they care about being Blades, last night was the first time in ages that I felt they did. I can enjoy my weekend, pathetic I know, but it really does make a difference.

 

[SuperSonicBlade89]

Pro - No OTT "light show" before kick off for the cameras like last season against our bitter long term massive rivals the premier god-tier team of Wrexham... aww shame.

 

[bertieblade]

The difference last night is that we pressed them high up the pitch, we moved the ball quicker and had players running off the ball in positions they knew how to play.
Wilder may have accidentally fallen into a system that works, mind it is easier when you play your best players, Donovan and others, BBD and Peck in their best positions

 

[Kenilworth]

Pros:

BBD and Ayew linked it well.

Phillips was imperious again.

Burrows was more positive than the Derby game (was excellent Vs Bristol City).

Peck was great second half.

The team showed their physical and mental development again compared to last season. They couldn't bully us and we had the fitness to compete with a team that had the blessing to get all their ducks in a row for the start of the season. Night and day compared to last season's Wrexham games (and a lot of others) despite another shocking summer.

Cons:

When they doubled up on Donovan we had little coming down the flanks until Seriki's introduction.

Set pieces were decent again but we never looked like scoring.

Front two were decent individually but I'm not sure that's the correct balance. I like BBD at 9 with his back to goal , but I'm not 100% what his best partner would be if he plays there regularly. Watching the Derby match back underlined to me that we need a striker in the side that can hold it up and give us a platform.


I'd like a bit more composure. The chances were there to counter and kill them in the last twenty.

January:

Would like a middle centre half for a back three, another winger and a pacy striker.

Ref: That pen decision .

I thought the balance between Ayew and BBD was very good and looks very promising. I hope we keep that formation up for Preston, on Tuesday. With Rom on the wing. BBD and Ayew combined with good passing on numerous occasions, trying to split open the defence. To me, that looks a good pairing to persevere with. Keep BBD as a central striker and pair him with Ayew or Bamford and then bring Campbell and Cannon on later.

 

[Bell4]

Very happy with that, first half performance was excellent and no surprise when they had a go at us after the break but it was all long ball hoof bollocks and they never looked like scoring.

CONS
Being really niggly, if we'd just had a little more composure second half and controlled the ball better we could have had more goals, or at least created a few more chances. That should come with confidence and if we keep winning we'll get there.
Tanganga scares me, he goes to sleep, he gives the ball away and while he had some good moments tonight, he always looks like he has a mistake in him.
The referee, while hardly having an absolute stinker he did get two decisions massively wrong. The Wrexham player deliberately ran straight into Kitching who grabbed his shirt while falling. Hundred percent a free kick to us but he gave it them and showed Kitching a yellow card. Wrexham defender kicks Burrows foot, misses the ball and Burrows goes down. Nailed on penalty (even the biased panel here in the US of A saw it) but the referee motions that Burrows was somehow turning his man. Big call to miss that one, deserving of a place in the post game wicker man.

PROS
Ayew, thought he was excellent. Used his experience, sensible with his energy levels and was positive the whole time he was on the pitch.
BBD, I still don't like him and won't be sending him a Christmas card but he was on the spot for the goal and looked a lot better playing more direct up front. Knackered after 55/60 minutes again but that seems to be acceptable in the modern game.
Donovan first half was a joy to watch. Full of tricks, early crosses and a real handful. They closed him down a lot quicker second half but you get excited when he gets the ball which we've been lacking for a long time.
Sydie and Phillips should be centre midfield and unless one of them is injured, no question they're the best two.
It was Wrexham that we beat, they were pretty fucking shite and only had one tactic. All that money, all that hype and they have Worrall at centre half. I can't believe some of our fans thought we should try and sign him. He's fucking terrible and I always enjoy watching him chasing shadows......really slow ones.

Happy with the win, fairly happy with the performance and hope I'm not being overly optimistic but there are a few green shoots for all to see.

View attachment 246433

I agree about Ayew , very good . He’s always been a really classy footballer imo - remember him tearing us a new one a few years ago during the Prem opener with Palace . Time catches up with everyone but if he can get a bit fitter theres no doubt he can contribute.

Mass over reaction of negativity when he joined imo - but that’s us isnt it

 

[Kona]

The difference last night is that we pressed them high up the pitch, we moved the ball quicker and had players running off the ball in positions they knew how to play.
Wilder may have accidentally fallen into a system that works, mind it is easier when you play your best players, Donovan and others, BBD and Peck in their best positions

I agree with most of this Bert, but I don’t think Wilder accidentally fell into the system.

I think he actually realises that his tenure will be brought to a close unless something changes. He knows the fans aren’t happy either, so the shackles were off… and it was good to see.

I loved Wilder V1 but this more cautious approach he picked years ago isn’t much fun and doesn’t suit him. Hopefully, he and the team can kick on from here.

Please don’t go back to the previous approach. Go out with a bang!!

 

[Hamer's Right Peg]

The only con is playing all 3 of Donovan, BBD and Chong purely because it leaves us with no options to sub either of them as Donovan was pretty much cooked after 70-75mins but he got 85mins and was brilliant.

Need another wide player in January if the plan is to continue with BBD as a ST but I feel that was only because Bamford was out.

 

[Deadbat]

Very happy with that, first half performance was excellent and no surprise when they had a go at us after the break but it was all long ball hoof bollocks and they never looked like scoring.

CONS
Being really niggly, if we'd just had a little more composure second half and controlled the ball better we could have had more goals, or at least created a few more chances. That should come with confidence and if we keep winning we'll get there.
Tanganga scares me, he goes to sleep, he gives the ball away and while he had some good moments tonight, he always looks like he has a mistake in him.
The referee, while hardly having an absolute stinker he did get two decisions massively wrong. The Wrexham player deliberately ran straight into Kitching who grabbed his shirt while falling. Hundred percent a free kick to us but he gave it them and showed Kitching a yellow card. Wrexham defender kicks Burrows foot, misses the ball and Burrows goes down. Nailed on penalty (even the biased panel here in the US of A saw it) but the referee motions that Burrows was somehow turning his man. Big call to miss that one, deserving of a place in the post game wicker man.

PROS
Ayew, thought he was excellent. Used his experience, sensible with his energy levels and was positive the whole time he was on the pitch.
BBD, I still don't like him and won't be sending him a Christmas card but he was on the spot for the goal and looked a lot better playing more direct up front. Knackered after 55/60 minutes again but that seems to be acceptable in the modern game.
Donovan first half was a joy to watch. Full of tricks, early crosses and a real handful. They closed him down a lot quicker second half but you get excited when he gets the ball which we've been lacking for a long time.
Sydie and Phillips should be centre midfield and unless one of them is injured, no question they're the best two.
It was Wrexham that we beat, they were pretty fucking shite and only had one tactic. All that money, all that hype and they have Worrall at centre half. I can't believe some of our fans thought we should try and sign him. He's fucking terrible and I always enjoy watching him chasing shadows......really slow ones.

Happy with the win, fairly happy with the performance and hope I'm not being overly optimistic but there are a few green shoots for all to see.

View attachment 246433

I am not Tanganga's biggest fan (listen to the latest pinch episode when I strongly rebuke Sam's JT player of the year call but....

I actually thought he was ok last night. He won stuff, limited a dangerous Moore and thought we did not let then have anything at all chance wise - so was marking better and more switched on. I did not see much difference between him and Kitching (who I prefer) & thought both were decent.

 

[Kona]

The only con is playing all 3 of Donovan, BBD and Chong purely because it leaves us with no options to sub either of them as Donovan was pretty much cooked after 70-75mins but he got 85mins and was brilliant.

Need another wide player in January if the plan is to continue with BBD as a ST but I feel that was only because Bamford was out.

I hope we stick with this as the default system, with BBD as striker too. He, Ayew, Bamford and Campbell can rotate. Dropping back to the wing should only be as a last resort.

Bring in extras to support it in January.

 

[Speedracer]

The pro is obviously the 1st half, pretty much all of it. Donovan is a real live-wire & really gets the crowd buzzing & behind us. I thought the pressing from the top was also much better, & we looked more athletic for it too.

I don't necessarily see the second half as a regression to type though, we always looked comfortable & in control, & I think it was driven by CW's growing caution in the main. We were never under the cosh or looked in trouble or running out of legs, & to those who say it was in part because Wrexham were poor, well we can only play the team in front of us, & just maybe give our team the praise for that rather than deflect to the opposition.

 

[Nick Jansky]

The only con is playing all 3 of Donovan, BBD and Chong purely because it leaves us with no options to sub either of them as Donovan was pretty much cooked after 70-75mins but he got 85mins and was brilliant.

Need another wide player in January if the plan is to continue with BBD as a ST but I feel that was only because Bamford was out.

I think Wilder is viewing One as primarily a wide player this season.

 

[RandomBlade]

Look miles better with Donovan in the team and it’s clear BBD isn’t a left winger. Hopefully Donovan has cemented his place in the starting eleven after these last two games.

We just need to find a way to change the momentum of the match when we end up on the back foot. A better probably would’ve punished us tonight.

Tactical master class by Wilder.

 

[Ginger Gnome]

I think Wilder is viewing One as primarily a wide player this season.

Problem with that is that much like BBD, he's only really a wide player in a front three, he's not creative enough or defensive enough to be a wide midfielder in a 4-4-2.

 

[Uganda Blade]

Problem with that is that much like BBD, he's only really a wide player in a front three, he's not creative enough or defensive enough to be a wide midfielder in a 4-4-2.

Some time ago, CW said that Oné can play left, right or in the middle. I took from that that he meant across a front three.
However, whether CW is ever going to play a front three (except perhaps when we're chasing a game) is another matter...

 

[KMC-1889]

First half is the best we’ve played for some time, probably since that six week spell before Christmas last year. Theres a couple of things I’d like us to work on though:

- We were slow coming out for the second half and I really didn’t like when we went to a back 3/5. A better team than Wrexham probably would have punished us from the half chances they had.

- The right hand side of Choudhary and Chong is where good football goes to die. They’re so awful with the ball at their feet. I know they’re wilder’s favourites and some have this bizarre need to back them regardless of how they’re playing but they’re both absolutely woeful on that right hand side. Given the issues with the squad I’d much rather have Tanganga behind Seriki.

Either way I’d much rather see more of the football we saw in the first half, even if it means we ultimately get fewer points