Some thoughts on tonight

It wasn't the perfect performance, but it was the best I've seen this season. Regardless of result. I mean that, in terms of how we set up, playing on the front foot and generally dominating a side I'd expect to be in the top six. We forced their 'keeper into some terrific saves, rattled the woodwork and had one cleared off the line. There were no inches given. We were first to most of the 50/50 balls and won plenty of duels. It was a pleasing performance for me and I fully expected us to run out winners.

However, a couple of issues.

I don't think Vimal had the best of games, and perhaps he was tiring. But in putting on Craig I noticed a shift. Midfield no longer made sense, I noticed confusion. The equaliser was great in terms of Berry's execution of it. But watch that back and tell me it couldn't have been dealt with. Such a soft goal. Which we've become accustomed to unfortunately for much of this season. The other side never really needs to work for their goals. And so that leads me nicely onto the second Charlton goal. My lord. It's an absolute nothing cross that is shanked if anything. It appears for all the world that Slonina will come grab it. But he tries to punch it clear and Bob's your aunty with balls. Berry strikes again. It's so soft. Mate, you should be tearing out and taking out everything ahead of you to get that ball.

Thankfully, Super Max finishes clinically at the other end to rescue a point, after great work from Robbo. But that's a victory we've somehow managed to throw away. And after what to me, was a good performance. Which is frustrating. There were plenty out there who deserved a win and clean sheet. I could name more than a handful, but Gent possibly edged out Humphrys for me tonight. Well done to DC for giving him his go and sticking with him since.

I'm not too downhearted. It's back-to-back games where we've rolled up the sleeves, competed and taken four points from six. We'd have all taken that Saturday morning. But someone needs to read the riot act to this goalkeeper. He costs us almost every time we play at Oakwell. I know Darrell will be just as frustrated.

 

Agree apart from i have Humphries as man of the match imho.

 

There was no need for Slonina to come for that ball, hge had a wall of defenders, let them do their job.

 

He should have stayed on his line and left it to his defenders. Dreadful goalkeeping.

 

Split second decision possibly a little rash but the unity of the squad was shown in the response terrific equaliser,

 

Let's hope he's frustrated enough to drop him.

 

He called for it too, Roberts, rightfully heard the shout and ducked, he probably should have ignored it and cleared. Although if it was defended properly out wide it wouldn’t have happened. Crosser had all the time in the world

 

What I don’t get is how the powers that be haven’t worked out that at League One level there is going to be a lot of high ball into the box. We aren’t playing against Man City or Arsenal where shot-stopping may well be the priority. From memory, he didn’t have a single difficult save to make. Not good enough. Not by a long way.

 

We only looked relatively decent tonight because we are comparing the performance with a long run - stretching back nearly all last season - of mediocre displays down at the Well.

Plus over recent games we've been absolutely shocking until Blackpool last Saturday.

And in any event we haven't won tonight, and we don't look like a team that's anywhere near like discovered a formula for success.

The only vestige of hope emanating from tonight lies in an improving Humphrys and a more cohesive back 3. Who did well but were let down by the goalie.

Clarke needs time to do whatever he can, but I don't think he has enough square pegs in his toolbox for square holes.

 

Really enjoyed Humphreys tonight, some sublime skills on show down the Ponty end! That's the most I've enjoyed a match at Oakwell for a while, although I knew we wouldn't manage a clean sheet. At least the players look up for it, I think there are signs they're starting to gel as a team.
And no way should we start another match with no sub goalie again, that's just asking for trouble!

 

I think he has a couple straight at him, one from Godden springs to mind. A few years ago you’d expect him to score against us.
Decent shot stopper, reaction keeper but decision making and command of his box is u18 standard.
Hell probably be a decent keeper one day but he’s miles off the consistent level we need to challenge the top 6.

 

That was one of the easiest MOM decisions I have seen for ages.

 

I’d like to see Humphreys and Watters up front with DKD as a 10 just behind. Plenty of pace, strength and movement.

 

I remember the one straight at him that he elected to punch away. My lad is a keeper and he said to me “surely he should catch that”. And surely he should.

 

Should the goalkeeping coach be held accountable ?

There have been goals where the goalkeeper appears to guess where the ball is going rather than keeping his eye on the ball .

Plus his catching ?

Time for him to have cricket catching practice .
With a tennis ball of course , don't want any silly injuries .

 

Very true.

I'm afraid we're going to have to put up with his learning, which will be good for Slonina and Chelsea in the long run. I hope he's a quick learner and come the New Year he's ironed stuff out. Because I do think he has his strengths.

 

Every word Andy, nothing much to add.

 

For who though? Bobby Hassell?

 

That’s modern football I’m afraid.
I played at a good level and coached kids from 6 to 18 and I’d have been disappointed with both the goalkeeping and the lack of pressure on the ball for the cross.
It’s football 101, pretty basic stuff.

 

The frustrating thing is the keeper was brilliant on Saturday. How the same goalie can go from that to this is infuriating but I guess that’s why he’s out on loan because he is so inconsistent.

It’s a good job Watters scored or Roberts might have had the keeper up against the wall in the changing room. He was furious.