Watford 1 United 0 - report

[cahill]

Cut his legs off after 60 min ,your a hard task master.

Well it doesn’t look like he’s got much use left in them. Although, giving him a new pair won’t make his brain work faster. Hopefully he’ll improve with match time.

 

[Deadbat]

Sarr Dennis and Pedro an exciting trio?
The entire game was torpor inducing.
If that is exciting then fuck me what have ee got? Absolutely fuck all. Shit by comparison with a shit Watford.

Compared to our players they were exciting. They at least dribbled, ran forward and tried to attack.

We looked boring last night. If I was a neutral I'd have just thought 'Why are they not even trying to attack.'

Even after conceding there was no reaction or change of urgency.'

I want to win and/or be entertained. Last night we were miles off on both fronts.

Heckys post match comments were one of the first times I thought 'what are you talking about.?' He is normally spot on. He talked about commitment and effort but we lost most loose stuff and did not run forward or back when it mattered.

 

[Blade59]

Kind of could see how this was going to pan out when I saw the line up,had a very safe negative feel about it. Last 15 minutes it is almost as if we thought it was 0-0 and settled for the draw, no urgency shown from the majority of players. The likes of Stevens and Fleck should be nowhere near a starting place these days. Stevens legs have gone and Fleck only shows the occasional flicker of the payer he was 3 years ago about twice a season. The rest of the time we may as well have ten men. We need to move on from basing the style of play around Norwood, it has had its day and all to easy to counter now. MGW papered over a lot of cracks last year and whilst it is only one game against a side expected to be at the top the warning signs are there. Don't think even with everyone fit Hecky knows his best side or what our style of play is. Just feel yet again it is another season where we are not properly prepared and have a clear plan.

 

[Addison]

The starting point had to be a good pre season in order to start well. Bring in players early to integrate them. Play games against meaningful opposition who will test you. Play EPL teams to go up a level in terms of the pace of the game. Look at the medical back up and improve the management of injuries whilst waiting for the pitches to improve at the training ground. Get a fitness and conditioning guru in to improve physicality and game endurance.

Well credit that we've got players in earlier than usual and appointed a Head of Performance. The rest is a miserable fail. It was obvious players were strolling through pre season against inferior opposition with no visible style or formation. We continue to pick up injuries such as hamstrings which is indicative of a lack of conditioning.

The argument you don't need to worry about pre season was found out yesterday as we were under prepared. Look at Burnley by way of example. 6 out of 7 matches behind closed doors whilst the manager drilled them into a new style. The result was a dominant front foot 45 minutes against Udders out of the traps quick playing first time pass and move football.

Watford were a yard faster all over the pitch. We never matched their intensity and were obsessed tactically with stopping their front 3. The flat 3 in midfield we started with meant we were way too deep and reflected a negative wave the white flag before we've kicked a ball approach. I really hope this performance makes PH reflect that we should have prepared better and thought more about our game than worry about the opposition.

Our approach in Home games is likely to be different with a more front foot formation. Thats the problem from the second half of last season we just went negative away and that cost us. We need to develop a style to suit all matches built around fit, fast, physical players. It may take some time to get there but there are young midfield players at the club who do possess those attributes.

 

[bakeblade]

Ratings:



Foderingham 7/10 – First half he had little top do even though they were the better side. One flashed past his post and then he made a good save to get across to Pedro’s header. His kick led to the flick on from Jebbison and the chance for Ndiaye. Second half even though they came at us, he did not really have much to do but was left badly exposed on the goal. After this not sure he made any real saves other than one at the end actually.



Baldock 6/10 – Started ok and looked up for it but a few sloppy touches and then they got behind him a few times down that side as he and Clark were too far apart. They had a few chances from that side. He did cross one with his left foot (not that bad!) and involved in the Jebbison chance. Second half saw nothing from him going forward and stuck to his job defensively and they had less joy down that side.



Stevens 4/10 – Looked heavy legged to me. He just seems not to be able to run anymore with any conviction and never really a forward threat. Defensively he just kicks it out or rotates onto his left side. A player I am surprised that started as he looks like someone who should not be playing much now. Hobbled a few times and then went down with cramp and then came off.



Norrington Davies 5.5/10 – Did ok but a few times they got behind him and he was slow to react and like with Clark and Baldock, they found those gaps down that side. He (along) with Fleck should have cut the ball out. Then lucky not to get booked after he took his man out and they started to find more gaps in between. He competed and got stuck in but not sure he is a centre back.



Clark 2.5/10 – Had a shocking first half. Slow to the ball, got beat for skill a few times and they seemed to target him. Clumsy booking and on the ball, he looked woeful with kicks out of play or passes straight to them. Worrying that he looked so poor when he was in the top division last season. Second half he was less error ridden but they still found space down that side. He at least won a few tackles but then of course was sacrificed after they took the lead.



Egan 6.5/10 – Our best defender with the others struggling with movement and pace. He won a few headers and blocks. He had a headed chance first half and another second half where he made a mess of both of them. Defensively he was ok though and did not make any real errors I can recall.



Norwood 4/10 – Quiet game where he did not have much of the ball and ended up being more involved in a defensive type sense. When he does not see the ball, he struggles as lacks pace and the legs to chase back and with no protection alongside it will be hard for him. Second half he was not really in it again and then after a few more misplaced passes as they threatened to run through us, we took him off.



Fleck 2/10 – Thought he looked tired and weary again and seems to lack the power and dynamism he once had. First game of the season and looked dead on his feet after 20 minutes! On the ball he was sloppy. Stupid booking too where he raised his hands (first before their man). Second half he was even worse as he constantly had bad touches that gave it away and then of course a poor shot from the corner and then failed to cut out the ball and they score. He blamed the ref but it was awful from him twice regardless of if he had to check his run a bit. He then put them in twice more after this. He just wanted rid of it whenever he had it and cannot run with it at all anymore. Sad to watch but for me we need to upgrade in here. It seems Coulibaly is not seen as the answer (not on the bench) and Osborn is not realty any better. We either have to wait for Doyle or give the young lad Arblaster a go. I said lack of legs in midfield would hurt us and it showed again tonight.



Berge 4.5/10 – Started ok and one or two bits and then a shot but then faded and saw little of him as he did not impose himself. He tried to find and link but then 2nd half he was even more anonymous and sadly looked a bit disinterested. After Norwood went off, he came a bit deeper but it made no difference as he still saw nothing of it. The bit at the end where he just ran into his man and then pulled him back summed him and us up tonight.



Ndiaye 7/10 – Our best player first half showing good skill, strength and some nice runs. Had a good chance which he maybe should do better with but he was the main outlet and only one who looked comparable to their front three. Had no real help either. Second half he kept going but kind of got crowded out as they had the dominant spell and we saw little of it. I would still have kept him on as he offered a threat.



Jebbison 4/10 – Game mostly passed him by. One flicked header to Ndiaye and the shot before half time but too often the ball did not stick to the front and he sort of got lost. He lacks strength and the ability to hold it up and so it just kept coming back. Second half not really involved but then we never had the ball the first 15 minutes and then he was taken off. To me he is a long way off being a striker who can lead the line and if we are playing one like that, he cannot be the player as lacks strength, experience and understanding of how to do that role. Surprised he started tonight and a big kick in the teeth for Brewster really who would be seen as the main man this season but was not given the role?





Subs –



Lowe 0.5/10 – Stop laughing! I was close to giving him a 0/10. He did run forward a few times so that gets him half a mark but I am not sure he found a red and white shirt once in about 8 or 9 passes/crosses. He mis controlled it, kicked it out and on the goal, he just ran into no man’s land. Absolutely woeful. Saw some saying he has to be the starter and was in many ‘projected’ teams. I thought he was awful when played a few years ago and when I saw him for Forest a few times did not see this improved player he apparently was? Whatever offer we had for him, I would have let him go -even nominal. May sound controversial but we saw tonight that he is not the answer (as we saw when he played for us before).



Khadra 6.5/10 – Looked lively and got on the ball to make things happen. He was always showing and tried to be direct. No real help at all in terms of players linking with him and had to kind of do it on his own. Like the fact he wanted to go at players and get them turned. Only him and Ndiaye tried to be positive tonight.



Osborn 2/10 – Another who lacks ability and his brief cameo showed that as he was against quicker and stronger players and got bustled out of it. Ran one out, passed it to them and one throw in where he played it straight out. Pointless sub. Rather see Coulibaly or Arblaster have a go.



Brewster 5/10 – Tried to get involved but not really any chances and then he tackled Khadra as he came forward. We did not get any balls into the box or behind the defenders at all so was living off scraps.



Sharp – Battled down the corner once or twice but we were just looking desperate to win a set play or corner as we just had no cohesion or pattern at all to our play.





Manager: Heckingbottom 3/10 – Mark appears low and he was not helped by disruption which meant he had to change the defence but the formation and Jebbison selection did not work. We never had any of the ball and he did not change it at all and we eventually went behind. The subs were needed but seemed a bit knee jerk in terms of complete change to the whole approach/formation. It was like one extreme to the other and whilst we improved a bit, I am not sure we had a plan of how to create chances or force them back. Really negative approach in how we set up and played and the side looked woefully underprepared in terms of fitness to me as we came out slowly and were not first to lose balls. It was a nothing sorts of performance that deserved and got nothing as we barely had an attack of note or any kind of sustained pattern of play. Defensively we got cut through a few times and eventually they scored.







Watford – Really hard to analyse where they may finish and what might happen. They are probably the least predictable of the three coming down as maybe lack the continuity of the other two and you worry that they might the side that loses a few before the end of the window. If the likes of Sarr, Pedro and Dennis remain then they will be hard to stop at the top of the pitch and still have enough experience around the other areas but it is hard to know what the plan is? They went away from the continental manager approach bringing in a young up and comer from Forest Green but Edwards has never managed this level or had expectations like this.



The squad does have plenty of talent but hard to know how he will get them playing or what the plan is and from the outside it seems a bit unclear as they have lots of overseas players that you expect would move if they could (but on big wages) some experienced British talent and then some youngsters too. If they went up what would the approach be that would stop them coming down yet again? Like Norwich and Fulham, if the plan is to keep coming up and down and make the money whilst doing so, then that is fine but at some point, they need to try and stabilise at the higher level even if actually they take some time building something longer term, even if it means not chasing the quick buck and promotion necessarily.



Tonight, they began well and had a few chances with the attacking trio to the fore but then we had a better spell and they made a few errors at the back but after the break they upped it hugely and had a really good opening after half time. They scored with a well-made goal and well say they broke at pace. After this they threatened to go on and finish it but then for the final spell seemed a bit nervous but were never threatened. Not sure they were brilliant and maybe only a 7/10 performance but enough for a relatively easy win in the end. In general play they were much better than us but did not create tons I suppose but just felt they looked quicker and more athletic and sadly better players and other than Ndiaye won most of their battles 1-11.



Opponent Man of the Match –Any one of the front three but the man of the match Pedro was probably right in terms of Sky’s selection. Scored the goal and also looked the most dangerous.



Opponent Weak link – Cleverly was dirty and finally got booked after three fouls on Ndiaye and then put another bad one on Fleck. Outside of this no one was awful. They just did enough.



Referee/Officials – Josh Smith. Did the home league game against Forest where I recall he kind of lost the plot a bit I think and had no kind of consistency but then was fine against Fulham in an easy game to ref as we won at a canter. Hecky was annoyed at the goal and he was not in a great position but Fleck still had time to adjust and then also we made error after error after this. Blaming the ref is clutching. I also felt it was just onside but some have said it was offside? Seemed tight but defensively we need to look after ourselves instead of looking at the officials. Outside of this most of the other bookings he got right and indeed he did not give them a few decisions after half time they could have had. I think blaming him for the goal and defeat is a stretch really and focusing on the wrong areas of concern.

Welcome back and thanks for the report, your efforts are much appreciated. Whatever we're paying you, it's not enough!
Fantastic summary on Lowe and spot on. We’ve unfortunately got 3/4 poor LWBs and to rub salt in, Wilder has managed to pick up a real talent in Wolves loanee, Ryan Giles.

 

[alcoblade]

The starting point had to be a good pre season in order to start well. Bring in players early to integrate them. Play games against meaningful opposition who will test you. Play EPL teams to go up a level in terms of the pace of the game. Look at the medical back up and improve the management of injuries whilst waiting for the pitches to improve at the training ground. Get a fitness and conditioning guru in to improve physicality and game endurance.

Well credit that we've got players in earlier than usual and appointed a Head of Performance. The rest is a miserable fail. It was obvious players were strolling through pre season against inferior opposition with no visible style or formation. We continue to pick up injuries such as hamstrings which is indicative of a lack of conditioning.

The argument you don't need to worry about pre season was found out yesterday as we were under prepared. Look at Burnley by way of example. 6 out of 7 matches behind closed doors whilst the manager drilled them into a new style. The result was a dominant front foot 45 minutes against Udders out of the traps quick playing first time pass and move football.

Watford were a yard faster all over the pitch. We never matched their intensity and were obsessed tactically with stopping their front 3. The flat 3 in midfield we started with meant we were way too deep and reflected a negative wave the white flag before we've kicked a ball approach. I really hope this performance makes PH reflect that we should have prepared better and thought more about our game than worry about the opposition.

Our approach in Home games is likely to be different with a more front foot formation. Thats the problem from the second half of last season we just went negative away and that cost us. We need to develop a style to suit all matches built around fit, fast, physical players. It may take some time to get there but there are young midfield players at the club who do possess those attributes.

I think our pre season preparations are shit, and it feels like they have been for a few seasons. b(last season was disastrous).

It's not about the results, which we know are a poor predictor - I just don't think they're tough enough, or that we play enough games with the more established players who we know are going to start. Every team we play is beneath us.

 

[Deadbat]

I think our pre season preparations are shit, and it feels like they have been for a few seasons. b(last season was disastrous).

It's not about the results, which we know are a poor predictor - I just don't think they're tough enough, or that we play enough games with the more established players who we know are going to start. Every team we play is beneath us.

It is interesting that many said pre season performances and results don't matter and it's when we real things start we can assess (Norwood said much the same).

Well last night we looked much the same slow/uninspiring side lacking tempo and forward play we saw much of those games!

Now the new one is we need more games/time in the proper games which I am not doubting but did we not go through this last season? You'd have think a competitive pre season allowing you to develop a style and settle a first team down which got fit and ready would be basic stuff but again we are playing catch up due to poor prep, conditioning and looking completely undercooked.

I will say it now but would not be shocked if we go 4 or 5 again without a win and are right at the bottom again. After Millwall we play Boro. I'm not that confident we will get much from either of those. Wilder will be bang up for revenge and Millwall have our number. Hope I am wrong and we see a completely different performance.

It's poor that we are starting the season with the same issues of not being ready seemingly. We looked so far off being sharp last night with poor touches and short passes not being crisp and no movement at all. I mean none. The team other than Ndiaye and Khedra at the end were completely stationery all night. In the first game too where players should be zipping around all over the pitch you would think on and off the ball?

 

[Espania blade]

Ratings:



Foderingham 7/10 – First half he had little top do even though they were the better side. One flashed past his post and then he made a good save to get across to Pedro’s header. His kick led to the flick on from Jebbison and the chance for Ndiaye. Second half even though they came at us, he did not really have much to do but was left badly exposed on the goal. After this not sure he made any real saves other than one at the end actually.



Baldock 6/10 – Started ok and looked up for it but a few sloppy touches and then they got behind him a few times down that side as he and Clark were too far apart. They had a few chances from that side. He did cross one with his left foot (not that bad!) and involved in the Jebbison chance. Second half saw nothing from him going forward and stuck to his job defensively and they had less joy down that side.



Stevens 4/10 – Looked heavy legged to me. He just seems not to be able to run anymore with any conviction and never really a forward threat. Defensively he just kicks it out or rotates onto his left side. A player I am surprised that started as he looks like someone who should not be playing much now. Hobbled a few times and then went down with cramp and then came off.



Norrington Davies 5.5/10 – Did ok but a few times they got behind him and he was slow to react and like with Clark and Baldock, they found those gaps down that side. He (along) with Fleck should have cut the ball out. Then lucky not to get booked after he took his man out and they started to find more gaps in between. He competed and got stuck in but not sure he is a centre back.



Clark 2.5/10 – Had a shocking first half. Slow to the ball, got beat for skill a few times and they seemed to target him. Clumsy booking and on the ball, he looked woeful with kicks out of play or passes straight to them. Worrying that he looked so poor when he was in the top division last season. Second half he was less error ridden but they still found space down that side. He at least won a few tackles but then of course was sacrificed after they took the lead.



Egan 6.5/10 – Our best defender with the others struggling with movement and pace. He won a few headers and blocks. He had a headed chance first half and another second half where he made a mess of both of them. Defensively he was ok though and did not make any real errors I can recall.



Norwood 4/10 – Quiet game where he did not have much of the ball and ended up being more involved in a defensive type sense. When he does not see the ball, he struggles as lacks pace and the legs to chase back and with no protection alongside it will be hard for him. Second half he was not really in it again and then after a few more misplaced passes as they threatened to run through us, we took him off.



Fleck 2/10 – Thought he looked tired and weary again and seems to lack the power and dynamism he once had. First game of the season and looked dead on his feet after 20 minutes! On the ball he was sloppy. Stupid booking too where he raised his hands (first before their man). Second half he was even worse as he constantly had bad touches that gave it away and then of course a poor shot from the corner and then failed to cut out the ball and they score. He blamed the ref but it was awful from him twice regardless of if he had to check his run a bit. He then put them in twice more after this. He just wanted rid of it whenever he had it and cannot run with it at all anymore. Sad to watch but for me we need to upgrade in here. It seems Coulibaly is not seen as the answer (not on the bench) and Osborn is not realty any better. We either have to wait for Doyle or give the young lad Arblaster a go. I said lack of legs in midfield would hurt us and it showed again tonight.



Berge 4.5/10 – Started ok and one or two bits and then a shot but then faded and saw little of him as he did not impose himself. He tried to find and link but then 2nd half he was even more anonymous and sadly looked a bit disinterested. After Norwood went off, he came a bit deeper but it made no difference as he still saw nothing of it. The bit at the end where he just ran into his man and then pulled him back summed him and us up tonight.



Ndiaye 7/10 – Our best player first half showing good skill, strength and some nice runs. Had a good chance which he maybe should do better with but he was the main outlet and only one who looked comparable to their front three. Had no real help either. Second half he kept going but kind of got crowded out as they had the dominant spell and we saw little of it. I would still have kept him on as he offered a threat.



Jebbison 4/10 – Game mostly passed him by. One flicked header to Ndiaye and the shot before half time but too often the ball did not stick to the front and he sort of got lost. He lacks strength and the ability to hold it up and so it just kept coming back. Second half not really involved but then we never had the ball the first 15 minutes and then he was taken off. To me he is a long way off being a striker who can lead the line and if we are playing one like that, he cannot be the player as lacks strength, experience and understanding of how to do that role. Surprised he started tonight and a big kick in the teeth for Brewster really who would be seen as the main man this season but was not given the role?





Subs –



Lowe 0.5/10 – Stop laughing! I was close to giving him a 0/10. He did run forward a few times so that gets him half a mark but I am not sure he found a red and white shirt once in about 8 or 9 passes/crosses. He mis controlled it, kicked it out and on the goal, he just ran into no man’s land. Absolutely woeful. Saw some saying he has to be the starter and was in many ‘projected’ teams. I thought he was awful when played a few years ago and when I saw him for Forest a few times did not see this improved player he apparently was? Whatever offer we had for him, I would have let him go -even nominal. May sound controversial but we saw tonight that he is not the answer (as we saw when he played for us before).



Khadra 6.5/10 – Looked lively and got on the ball to make things happen. He was always showing and tried to be direct. No real help at all in terms of players linking with him and had to kind of do it on his own. Like the fact he wanted to go at players and get them turned. Only him and Ndiaye tried to be positive tonight.



Osborn 2/10 – Another who lacks ability and his brief cameo showed that as he was against quicker and stronger players and got bustled out of it. Ran one out, passed it to them and one throw in where he played it straight out. Pointless sub. Rather see Coulibaly or Arblaster have a go.



Brewster 5/10 – Tried to get involved but not really any chances and then he tackled Khadra as he came forward. We did not get any balls into the box or behind the defenders at all so was living off scraps.



Sharp – Battled down the corner once or twice but we were just looking desperate to win a set play or corner as we just had no cohesion or pattern at all to our play.





Manager: Heckingbottom 3/10 – Mark appears low and he was not helped by disruption which meant he had to change the defence but the formation and Jebbison selection did not work. We never had any of the ball and he did not change it at all and we eventually went behind. The subs were needed but seemed a bit knee jerk in terms of complete change to the whole approach/formation. It was like one extreme to the other and whilst we improved a bit, I am not sure we had a plan of how to create chances or force them back. Really negative approach in how we set up and played and the side looked woefully underprepared in terms of fitness to me as we came out slowly and were not first to lose balls. It was a nothing sorts of performance that deserved and got nothing as we barely had an attack of note or any kind of sustained pattern of play. Defensively we got cut through a few times and eventually they scored.







Watford – Really hard to analyse where they may finish and what might happen. They are probably the least predictable of the three coming down as maybe lack the continuity of the other two and you worry that they might the side that loses a few before the end of the window. If the likes of Sarr, Pedro and Dennis remain then they will be hard to stop at the top of the pitch and still have enough experience around the other areas but it is hard to know what the plan is? They went away from the continental manager approach bringing in a young up and comer from Forest Green but Edwards has never managed this level or had expectations like this.



The squad does have plenty of talent but hard to know how he will get them playing or what the plan is and from the outside it seems a bit unclear as they have lots of overseas players that you expect would move if they could (but on big wages) some experienced British talent and then some youngsters too. If they went up what would the approach be that would stop them coming down yet again? Like Norwich and Fulham, if the plan is to keep coming up and down and make the money whilst doing so, then that is fine but at some point, they need to try and stabilise at the higher level even if actually they take some time building something longer term, even if it means not chasing the quick buck and promotion necessarily.



Tonight, they began well and had a few chances with the attacking trio to the fore but then we had a better spell and they made a few errors at the back but after the break they upped it hugely and had a really good opening after half time. They scored with a well-made goal and well say they broke at pace. After this they threatened to go on and finish it but then for the final spell seemed a bit nervous but were never threatened. Not sure they were brilliant and maybe only a 7/10 performance but enough for a relatively easy win in the end. In general play they were much better than us but did not create tons I suppose but just felt they looked quicker and more athletic and sadly better players and other than Ndiaye won most of their battles 1-11.



Opponent Man of the Match –Any one of the front three but the man of the match Pedro was probably right in terms of Sky’s selection. Scored the goal and also looked the most dangerous.



Opponent Weak link – Cleverly was dirty and finally got booked after three fouls on Ndiaye and then put another bad one on Fleck. Outside of this no one was awful. They just did enough.



Referee/Officials – Josh Smith. Did the home league game against Forest where I recall he kind of lost the plot a bit I think and had no kind of consistency but then was fine against Fulham in an easy game to ref as we won at a canter. Hecky was annoyed at the goal and he was not in a great position but Fleck still had time to adjust and then also we made error after error after this. Blaming the ref is clutching. I also felt it was just onside but some have said it was offside? Seemed tight but defensively we need to look after ourselves instead of looking at the officials. Outside of this most of the other bookings he got right and indeed he did not give them a few decisions after half time they could have had. I think blaming him for the goal and defeat is a stretch really and focusing on the wrong areas of concern.

"United – I know people will say it is only one game but I thought we were really poor tonight. I watched pre season and saw no real clear plan to how we were going to play or attack and felt it continued tonight. Losing a few players to injury cannot have helped but also do think that other than Ahmedhodzic, I think the rest of the defence may have been the same and he clearly chose Stevens over Lowe and picked Jebbison over Brewster. So I am not sure I buy this mass disruption some have said? Even with all the injuries maybe only Doyle and AA would possibly start. If he plays that system it's going to be Ndiaye or Khadra – maybe at home we can play both."

Never a more telling statement DB - we could be in for a hard season!
Harsh on Berge though, he covered every blade of grass last night and every position, things like that often go under the radar but he really tried to get things going and eventually I think he gave up, then he looked as though he wanted to be somewhere else - and probably will be!

These are already worrying times and after only one match!!
Questions will soon start to be asked as to whether Heck'y was ever the right man etc, etc
I really hope it comes good for him - and us!

Great report and welcome back to being a Blades fan!

 

[alcoblade]

It is interesting that many said pre season performances and results don't matter and it's when we real things start we can assess (Norwood said much the same).

Well last night we looked much the same slow/uninspiring side lacking tempo and forward play we saw much of those games!

Now the new one is we need more games/time in the proper games which I am not doubting but did we not go through this last season? You'd have think a competitive pre season allowing you to develop a style and settle a first team down which got fit and ready would be basic stuff but again we are playing catch up due to poor prep, conditioning and looking completely undercooked.

I will say it now but would not be shocked if we go 4 or 5 again without a win and are right at the bottom again. After Millwall we play Boro. I'm not that confident we will get much from either of those. Wilder will be bang up for revenge and Millwall have our number. Hope I am wrong and we see a completely different performance.

It's poor that we are starting the season with the same issues of not being ready seemingly. We looked so far off being sharp last night with poor touches and short passes not being crisp and no movement at all. I mean none. The team other than Ndiaye and Khedra at the end were completely stationery all night. In the first game too where players should be zipping around all over the pitch you would think on and off the ball?

I'm convinced results don't tell you much (history seems to prove it), but we need more competitive fixtures that include players likely to play, in pre season. We did far too much farting around with the likes of Scunthorpe and Burton.

 

[ChrisDysonHT]

Ratings:



Foderingham 7/10 – First half he had little top do even though they were the better side. One flashed past his post and then he made a good save to get across to Pedro’s header. His kick led to the flick on from Jebbison and the chance for Ndiaye. Second half even though they came at us, he did not really have much to do but was left badly exposed on the goal. After this not sure he made any real saves other than one at the end actually.



Baldock 6/10 – Started ok and looked up for it but a few sloppy touches and then they got behind him a few times down that side as he and Clark were too far apart. They had a few chances from that side. He did cross one with his left foot (not that bad!) and involved in the Jebbison chance. Second half saw nothing from him going forward and stuck to his job defensively and they had less joy down that side.



Stevens 4/10 – Looked heavy legged to me. He just seems not to be able to run anymore with any conviction and never really a forward threat. Defensively he just kicks it out or rotates onto his left side. A player I am surprised that started as he looks like someone who should not be playing much now. Hobbled a few times and then went down with cramp and then came off.



Norrington Davies 5.5/10 – Did ok but a few times they got behind him and he was slow to react and like with Clark and Baldock, they found those gaps down that side. He (along) with Fleck should have cut the ball out. Then lucky not to get booked after he took his man out and they started to find more gaps in between. He competed and got stuck in but not sure he is a centre back.



Clark 2.5/10 – Had a shocking first half. Slow to the ball, got beat for skill a few times and they seemed to target him. Clumsy booking and on the ball, he looked woeful with kicks out of play or passes straight to them. Worrying that he looked so poor when he was in the top division last season. Second half he was less error ridden but they still found space down that side. He at least won a few tackles but then of course was sacrificed after they took the lead.



Egan 6.5/10 – Our best defender with the others struggling with movement and pace. He won a few headers and blocks. He had a headed chance first half and another second half where he made a mess of both of them. Defensively he was ok though and did not make any real errors I can recall.



Norwood 4/10 – Quiet game where he did not have much of the ball and ended up being more involved in a defensive type sense. When he does not see the ball, he struggles as lacks pace and the legs to chase back and with no protection alongside it will be hard for him. Second half he was not really in it again and then after a few more misplaced passes as they threatened to run through us, we took him off.



Fleck 2/10 – Thought he looked tired and weary again and seems to lack the power and dynamism he once had. First game of the season and looked dead on his feet after 20 minutes! On the ball he was sloppy. Stupid booking too where he raised his hands (first before their man). Second half he was even worse as he constantly had bad touches that gave it away and then of course a poor shot from the corner and then failed to cut out the ball and they score. He blamed the ref but it was awful from him twice regardless of if he had to check his run a bit. He then put them in twice more after this. He just wanted rid of it whenever he had it and cannot run with it at all anymore. Sad to watch but for me we need to upgrade in here. It seems Coulibaly is not seen as the answer (not on the bench) and Osborn is not realty any better. We either have to wait for Doyle or give the young lad Arblaster a go. I said lack of legs in midfield would hurt us and it showed again tonight.



Berge 4.5/10 – Started ok and one or two bits and then a shot but then faded and saw little of him as he did not impose himself. He tried to find and link but then 2nd half he was even more anonymous and sadly looked a bit disinterested. After Norwood went off, he came a bit deeper but it made no difference as he still saw nothing of it. The bit at the end where he just ran into his man and then pulled him back summed him and us up tonight.



Ndiaye 7/10 – Our best player first half showing good skill, strength and some nice runs. Had a good chance which he maybe should do better with but he was the main outlet and only one who looked comparable to their front three. Had no real help either. Second half he kept going but kind of got crowded out as they had the dominant spell and we saw little of it. I would still have kept him on as he offered a threat.



Jebbison 4/10 – Game mostly passed him by. One flicked header to Ndiaye and the shot before half time but too often the ball did not stick to the front and he sort of got lost. He lacks strength and the ability to hold it up and so it just kept coming back. Second half not really involved but then we never had the ball the first 15 minutes and then he was taken off. To me he is a long way off being a striker who can lead the line and if we are playing one like that, he cannot be the player as lacks strength, experience and understanding of how to do that role. Surprised he started tonight and a big kick in the teeth for Brewster really who would be seen as the main man this season but was not given the role?





Subs –



Lowe 0.5/10 – Stop laughing! I was close to giving him a 0/10. He did run forward a few times so that gets him half a mark but I am not sure he found a red and white shirt once in about 8 or 9 passes/crosses. He mis controlled it, kicked it out and on the goal, he just ran into no man’s land. Absolutely woeful. Saw some saying he has to be the starter and was in many ‘projected’ teams. I thought he was awful when played a few years ago and when I saw him for Forest a few times did not see this improved player he apparently was? Whatever offer we had for him, I would have let him go -even nominal. May sound controversial but we saw tonight that he is not the answer (as we saw when he played for us before).



Khadra 6.5/10 – Looked lively and got on the ball to make things happen. He was always showing and tried to be direct. No real help at all in terms of players linking with him and had to kind of do it on his own. Like the fact he wanted to go at players and get them turned. Only him and Ndiaye tried to be positive tonight.



Osborn 2/10 – Another who lacks ability and his brief cameo showed that as he was against quicker and stronger players and got bustled out of it. Ran one out, passed it to them and one throw in where he played it straight out. Pointless sub. Rather see Coulibaly or Arblaster have a go.



Brewster 5/10 – Tried to get involved but not really any chances and then he tackled Khadra as he came forward. We did not get any balls into the box or behind the defenders at all so was living off scraps.



Sharp – Battled down the corner once or twice but we were just looking desperate to win a set play or corner as we just had no cohesion or pattern at all to our play.





Manager: Heckingbottom 3/10 – Mark appears low and he was not helped by disruption which meant he had to change the defence but the formation and Jebbison selection did not work. We never had any of the ball and he did not change it at all and we eventually went behind. The subs were needed but seemed a bit knee jerk in terms of complete change to the whole approach/formation. It was like one extreme to the other and whilst we improved a bit, I am not sure we had a plan of how to create chances or force them back. Really negative approach in how we set up and played and the side looked woefully underprepared in terms of fitness to me as we came out slowly and were not first to lose balls. It was a nothing sorts of performance that deserved and got nothing as we barely had an attack of note or any kind of sustained pattern of play. Defensively we got cut through a few times and eventually they scored.







Watford – Really hard to analyse where they may finish and what might happen. They are probably the least predictable of the three coming down as maybe lack the continuity of the other two and you worry that they might the side that loses a few before the end of the window. If the likes of Sarr, Pedro and Dennis remain then they will be hard to stop at the top of the pitch and still have enough experience around the other areas but it is hard to know what the plan is? They went away from the continental manager approach bringing in a young up and comer from Forest Green but Edwards has never managed this level or had expectations like this.



The squad does have plenty of talent but hard to know how he will get them playing or what the plan is and from the outside it seems a bit unclear as they have lots of overseas players that you expect would move if they could (but on big wages) some experienced British talent and then some youngsters too. If they went up what would the approach be that would stop them coming down yet again? Like Norwich and Fulham, if the plan is to keep coming up and down and make the money whilst doing so, then that is fine but at some point, they need to try and stabilise at the higher level even if actually they take some time building something longer term, even if it means not chasing the quick buck and promotion necessarily.



Tonight, they began well and had a few chances with the attacking trio to the fore but then we had a better spell and they made a few errors at the back but after the break they upped it hugely and had a really good opening after half time. They scored with a well-made goal and well say they broke at pace. After this they threatened to go on and finish it but then for the final spell seemed a bit nervous but were never threatened. Not sure they were brilliant and maybe only a 7/10 performance but enough for a relatively easy win in the end. In general play they were much better than us but did not create tons I suppose but just felt they looked quicker and more athletic and sadly better players and other than Ndiaye won most of their battles 1-11.



Opponent Man of the Match –Any one of the front three but the man of the match Pedro was probably right in terms of Sky’s selection. Scored the goal and also looked the most dangerous.



Opponent Weak link – Cleverly was dirty and finally got booked after three fouls on Ndiaye and then put another bad one on Fleck. Outside of this no one was awful. They just did enough.



Referee/Officials – Josh Smith. Did the home league game against Forest where I recall he kind of lost the plot a bit I think and had no kind of consistency but then was fine against Fulham in an easy game to ref as we won at a canter. Hecky was annoyed at the goal and he was not in a great position but Fleck still had time to adjust and then also we made error after error after this. Blaming the ref is clutching. I also felt it was just onside but some have said it was offside? Seemed tight but defensively we need to look after ourselves instead of looking at the officials. Outside of this most of the other bookings he got right and indeed he did not give them a few decisions after half time they could have had. I think blaming him for the goal and defeat is a stretch really and focusing on the wrong areas of concern.

Looks like your 8th place prediction may be correct - great first report

 

[Keen Blade]

I am actually relived we only lost one nil, it was blindingly obvious from the moment the team was announced we would have to be extremely lucky or Watford to be terrible for us to get anything.

As it happened Watford were actually just bang average and we gave them the only goal with our own stupidity, but the rest of what was predicted was completely correct as we had zero creativity in midfield and zero impact with a kid up front on his own.

I am hoping this was a one off and Hecky has now released that the Fleck / Norwood partnership is finished, Stevens is done as a footballer at this level and Jebbo is not ready to lead the line on his own.

Play like that on Saturday against a confident and buzzing Millwall and we will get thumped.

Lots of work to do this week Hecky.

Jebbo v Jake Cooper ... Oh dear ... Better have 3 Weetabix Jebbo