Balham Blade
S24SU Seer
The basis of this is something I posted in the "Now the dust has settled thread" but I thought (how egotistical...) that it merited its own discussion.
In League One, a side with the budget and players we've got should, in theory, be able to play teams off the park. Sides like Oldham, Notts County and everyone in between will know that if they try and play they might get taken apart. That means that opposition managers will now be taking notes that United struggle when pressurised high up the pitch (a lack of composure in possession for the back 4), rely on Kevin McDonald for tempo (close him down before he turns) and lack awareness on the wings (Flynn excepted) and up front.
They will also notice that too many of United's players don't have good enough concentration. How many goals have we conceded this season from set pieces or hoofs into the box? That means that every opportunity to slow the game down will be taken - even at 1-0 down - as it breaks the play up.
It's now up to the management team at SUFC to drill into the United players that they are good enough to rise above the mind games and to not let their performance sink to the levels that they did on Saturday. I think some of the team need a rest but last season showed that Wilson is of the belief that players shouldn't be dropped unless they're truly awful.
I'd also really like Wilson to take the opportunity provided by the JPT to give some of the fringe players a run-out. Who knows; maybe one of Westlake, Chappell or McFadzean could have a blinder and prove to be ready for first team football.
In League One, a side with the budget and players we've got should, in theory, be able to play teams off the park. Sides like Oldham, Notts County and everyone in between will know that if they try and play they might get taken apart. That means that opposition managers will now be taking notes that United struggle when pressurised high up the pitch (a lack of composure in possession for the back 4), rely on Kevin McDonald for tempo (close him down before he turns) and lack awareness on the wings (Flynn excepted) and up front.
They will also notice that too many of United's players don't have good enough concentration. How many goals have we conceded this season from set pieces or hoofs into the box? That means that every opportunity to slow the game down will be taken - even at 1-0 down - as it breaks the play up.
It's now up to the management team at SUFC to drill into the United players that they are good enough to rise above the mind games and to not let their performance sink to the levels that they did on Saturday. I think some of the team need a rest but last season showed that Wilson is of the belief that players shouldn't be dropped unless they're truly awful.
I'd also really like Wilson to take the opportunity provided by the JPT to give some of the fringe players a run-out. Who knows; maybe one of Westlake, Chappell or McFadzean could have a blinder and prove to be ready for first team football.