United – Frustrating as it was a game we had won but in the end the visitors deserved a point as they fought back really well as their manager and players reacted excellent to such a poor start when United seemed way too strong for Rangers. In the end, the stats from the game (shots/possession) and overall flow meant a draw for each side was about right and they really points to the changes in the game from half time in terms of the approach of both respective sides.
For United some excellent things first half but ultimately, it was disappointing and maybe a big wake up call for the players, manager and fans after all the hype over the transfer activity and the decent start. Today we saw what the Championship can do to you if you get complacent. A game we seemed to be coasting with two good goals and some really good play and then completely threw it away second half with a passive approach from the coaching staff and players. We were very good to begin with and it all seemed too easy with quick and nimble players getting in, creating good chances and us looking physically stronger in the midfield and dominating the ball. Arblaster and Souza’s play allowed O’Hare and Hamer to get on the ball in front and we looked a real threat with players getting into dangerous areas and being hard to pick up. QPR seemed to have no answer. We went 2-0 up and really should have took that on, even first half, and got more goals but we sort of dropped off around the half hour mark.
A top side goes on and scored the third and the game is done (look at Burnley today) and go on to win well. As good as the attitude was first half with players committed, winning tackles and loose balls and looking good at the top end, we did none of this second half. We sat back, did not compete and did not try to even attack. They thought we could coast to the victory but failed to defend a set play (constantly an issue for this side in recent years) and then after this it was all a bit scrappy. QPR remained well in the game, despite the red card and looked far more likely to create something and/or score than we did – not sure we had an attack or effort on goal the second half.
We saw many of the same failings of last season in the mentality of the group – even if 4 of the starters were different (not 11 new players as Wilder made out?). We were 2-0 up v QPR, not a Premier League team. They scored and again he made no changes, leaving Hamer out wide, O’Hare in no man’s land and Moore miles off anyone. The shape and structure of the side was appalling second half and we looked a mess really. I get we have new players but we still have several ‘good’ and ‘experienced’ players and I felt he needed to tell one of Hamer and O’Hare to drop/tuck in and just to ensure we had more of the ball. He said himself that we started chasing the ball and had no control yet he does nothing to change it. He keeps banging on about his coaching qualifications and what he has done before but we saw last season (granted versus much better sides) he had no idea how to combat formations/shapes. In game his subs/changes to shape were ineffective and teams always got better than us to end games and second half we dropped off and became clueless most games. Today versus a side that just stayed up at the Championship level, we did the same as a young manager again out thought him for me. I get we have new players and it will take time but the shape of the side was all wrong with big gaps between defence and midfield and midfield and attack. He absolutely needed to plug them. It might not have been popular taking off O’Hare or Hamer or even Moore but we had no control of midfield or the game. I get people will blame individuals (sure Robbo will get a fair bit of stick) but the goals were coming as we simply did not keep the ball or move up the field. I am not sure either goal was a glaring error. We simply ended up defending way more than we should have done and it was not a shock when they got the equaliser.
The changes we made all seemed a bit scattergun and then we ended up with players all over the place and lost any real shape. It needed a change around the 55-60 min mark to help us get control back of the game, with an extra body in midfield or even another fresh legs up top. Wilder made these changes with barely any time off and it seemed a bit like just throwing on men randomly. I think we did see today we probably still need a right back and an experienced old head in midfield (which was needed) and maybe even another experienced striker (maybe Campbell can play a part here) but Moore had ran his race and we had nothing really to replace him with. It is a new team and will take time but today I think was more about the shape and structure of the side second half as much as individual issues or new players finding their feet. Maybe I am being too harsh but a side serious about competing for the top 6 really does need to do a far better job of seeing a game we had won, out. The players and managers need to improve quickly in this regard. It is only two games in so will take time but I was sadly not surprised how fragile we were again today against a team that was pretty much beaten after 15 minutes but again we showed the lack of killer instinct.
Ratings:
Davies 5.5/10 – Didn’t have a lot to do really and first half barely touched the ball. 2nd half a different story as he was put under more pressure – made one save from a scramble but both goals went in rather easily. I thought he might have come for the first one – granted defenders have to do better but it was right inside the 6-yard box and second was it right in the corner – again maybe this is harsh ? I was surprised he did not start Cooper. He said he had not training much but we saw videos of him training for us? I expect he will start next week but I think it would have been better to start at home for his debut.
Gilchrist 3.5/10 – Played well at Preston I felt but struggled in the week and today was much more like that game sadly. I am not sure he is a right back at all as he gets into poor positions and seems to not know where to stand when crosses come in or the ball comes across? However, he is too small to play centre back I feel. I thought he realty struggled to get to grips with the game and looked fatigued fairly early on. Second half he was run past a few times and seemed to be looking to the bench long before he went off. Needs to get to the pace of first team football and quick. I still think we need a right back personally as think plugging in a youngster who had barely played in this role or much at all is a lot to ask? Looks a long way off the standard required as harsh as that may sound.
Burrows 5/10 – Started the game quite well. Decent on the ball and used it well when he could. We played a few decent moves down his side and he was involved. He was given a tough task marking Dembele, who got away from a few times and he struggled with his trickery at times. Kept plugging away and felt he was better positionally than Gilchrist but then 2nd half we got pulled around and seemed to have no shape all over the team. They had a few attacks down that side and then the second goal he gets under the ball and seemed to just be way too high up the field. He makes a poor mistake but even after that we shouldn’t be so open? Struggled 2nd half and showed defensively he has a lot to work on. I also was disappointed with his set plays and either under hit them or over hit them.
Ahmedhodzic 6/10 – Thought he was the best of the defence all game in that he at least kept to a decent position and moved it quickly when he had it – he also cut out a few crosses/balls. He used the ball better than the others and was calm and composed, stepping out. First half was sharp and looked up for it but then 2nd half as they had men coming at us, he struggled more they got past him a few times. He ended up right back due to Gilchrist’s struggled and us needing Souttar to cope with the height of Rangers at the back.
Robinson 5/10 – Sure, a lot will pick him out as the two goals came in ‘his area’. Granted they will have a point as the header on the corner it did seem to be his man and then the second was too slow to react. First half he was fine but his weakness with the ball was evident still as he often kicks it aimless and lacks composure to find a shirt. I thought second half with limited protection (midfield were poor) he really struggled as they had men running at the defence. It will be interesting what he does next game as he has spoke about Souttar being Anel’s competition but Anel was better of the two.
Souza 6.5/10 – First half played really well and got stuck in, picked up loose balls and was able to help us completely control this area. He won tackles, got on the ball and pressed with high energy. He got a harsh booking I thought and maybe this held him back after this. 2nd half he dropped off and they controlled this area of the pitch and seemed to dominate in this area, as much as we did in the first half. He definitely had started the season better though and felt others dropped off even more than him 2nd half.
Arblaster 6/10 – Began the game well, getting on it, coming out of those pockets of space and using it well. Just nice and simple but also got his foot in when he needed to and made sure we completely dominated the midfield. Second half was not really involved and thought we sat back and we did not see any of the ball. He was careless when he had it and like other resorted to just knocking it on. Not helped by the lack of options in front. I thought he faded quite badly second half and did not see much of him and he strangely was right on top of the defence instead of being a few yards further forward? Needs to do better for whole game but that is the concern as he is still young and shows why we need another experienced body in there as he will not start every game or be good in 46 games and will have drop offs.
Brooks 6/10 – I thought he was one of our steadiest players today and did a lot more good than bad. He worked up and down the flank and often had to cover for the weaknesses of Gilchrist. He got his foot in, helped us get up the field and helped us keep possession. He did have a few chances in good areas and at times takes too long and is indecisive when he is in the final third but surprised he went off as he was one of our better players I thought and felt we went chasing the game even more at this stage with some odd changes?
Hamer 6/10 – First half he began well with some lovely link play, touches and always looked to get in as we got in the final third. Scored a lovely goal and had a few other half chances too. Played well with O’Hare and they were a real handful. Set up the second with a lovely ball. Second half not in the game and we ended up exposed in midfield as him and O’Hare were took out of it as they moved up the field. Tried to be too clever when he had it and felt he was just ineffective. He needs to work harder out of possession as otherwise him and O’Hare are luxury players and with Moore quite immobile means we lack options to stretch teams. Second half he gave Burrows no help or protection when he needed to sit in. Not sure he is a left side player at all but then this is where Wilder has chose to play him. I would play him off Moore personally and O’Hare wide left but as good as these two are attacking wise, they are going to be an issue defensively.
O’Hare 6/10 – Started really well and lively as he got across the front line and seemed to be linking with everyone up in the final third. Made the first and then involved in the second too and a really good opening to the game where they struggled to handle him. He became less involved even before half time and then second half was completely anonymous and surprised he stayed on as long as he did. The concern with him and Hamer is that they are not going to do the defensive side and that means we end up with 2 v 3 as happened in the second half and they swarmed midfield. Weirdly I think our formation and how we play these two will be better away from home.
Moore 5.5/10 – He did score but as at Preston, I was a bit disappointed with him. He is extremely slow and also often gets caught on his heels. He linked up well to begin the game but he did not really dominate aerially, nor did the ball consistently stick to him. He also has a penchant for going down and looking for free kicks under minimal contact. Second half he barely had a kick and their defence had an easy game. I would have taken him off for Brewster/Campbell early so the defence had something to worry about but they stepped up as they know he will not get behind them, nullified O’Hare and Hamer and just controlled the midfield in front. We had nothing up top and took too long to make changes- when he did, it was too late.
Subs -
Souttar – Thought he looked up for it and attacked the ball and tried to get the team organised and moving quicker. I will be surprised if he is not starting next game but may mean moving people around but we need some leadership at the back and not sure Robinson or Anel offer than or that powerful presence – as shown last season.
Slimane – Not sure he touched the ball much at all? I had no idea where he was even playing. Seemed an odd introduction. We needed some midfield legs and to control midfield but putting a flair player on who does not track back was a strange move?
Peck – Came in and looked busy in his brief time on the pitch. Gave us some energy that we not had in this area but it was probably too late for me the changes.
Brewster – As above, the change came way too late and expecting players to get into the game with a few minutes to go is poor management. One chance but took too long and blocked out of it.
Rak Sayki – As above. Did have a few runs with one awful cross into the Kop and another that was blocked. Looked lively but again given minimal time to make any impact. We were crying out for some movement/pace up the top and get us up the pitch – no idea why we waited so long -Wilder said he could only do like 5-10 minutes but not sure why – is not fully fit – he has been playing for Palace a lot of pre season?
Manager: Wilder 4/10 – Complete lack of reaction to the changes in the game, tactically and personnel wise. First half credit to him as we were up for it, started well and controlled the game. Won the loose balls, looked bright attacking wide and defended when we had to. Agree with him that we started getting sloppy before the half as he said. Second half I thought he would have made the necessary changes to the formation and tactics, especially when his counterpart reacted at half time. He just waited and waited, they swarmed midfield, we had none of the ball and no threat up front and were passive and negative. In the end we got what we deserved.
QPR – Awful first half and never got going as we swarmed all over them. They struggled with our movement and sharp play as we got into good areas and never really got close to us. They lost the midfield and the defence was put under pressure constantly. They stayed in the game just about then then improved just before the break to at least sense some hope. The manager reacted with a change (he had made one enforced) and solidified the midfield, got them playing further up the field and they won all the loose stuff. They controlled things for long periods and after the set piece goal, remained well in the hunt. They coped with us easily and I felt looked good value to get level but then the red cards threatened to derail them but they kept chucking men forward and scored a decent goal with numerous men committed forward (not sure we had a man in their box hardly second half till stoppage time, in contrast). In the end, they got the point and were full value for an excellent second half where they showed some fight and resolved to come back. Not sure they are that good a side and think they will be middle at best and probably closer to the bottom than the top but their manager improved them after they came in and showed his coaching ability at half time today.
Opponent Man of the Match – Dembele was excellent and a real threat. The only player who looked like he could cause us problems first half. Faded a bit after the break and came off. I thought Saito was good when he came on and caused us problems too.
Opponent Weak link – Colback seems the easy pick I suppose as he game on and got two yellows but this seemed to inspire them even more oddly! I thought the lad Varane struggled though before Colback replaced him and we completely controlled this area. Their midfield as they put an extra man across, improved immeasurable after the break.
Referee/Officials – Anthony Backhouse. Dreadful. Wanted to be involved from start to finish with some bewildering decisions (both ways). He booked people for very little and even the red yard for two yellows no one really had an idea what they were for? (both dissent I assume). He just was constantly blowing his whistle and stopping the game. He was wildly inconsistent with sometimes physical stuff allowed and then the slightest of contact being penalised. Towards the end he lost control and not sure the players knew what he was going to give next?
Crowd – Started with a decent noise and of course buoyed by the early goals but the team did not build on this and you sensed the anxiety second half as the opponents came back and it was if we had a feeling we would throw it away (not won this calendar year in the league at home which is incredible). The fans tried to rally late on but it was all a bit reactionary, on and off the field. Felt very flat at the end and after all the euphoria to start the season and all the excitement with incoming players, felt the same old story by full time. 27,500 was down as a crowd really for opening day too – expected it to be almost full but maybe not many will pay the huge mark up in match day prices and that will probably be around the total much of the season – moving slightly up for the bigger games and slightly down for the lesser ones. QPR did not bring that many but as I have said the prices are really high for fans to pay on the door so expect that might be a trend unless the big/local clubs come to the Lane. The fan park is a nice idea and hopefully will generate some revenue for the club and allow fans to do something different around the ground.
