A few take aways from yesterday

Thought we struggled early on without giving them any clear chances. Kitching looked the most rattled to me. He almost gifted possession to a Port Vale player in our own box & then looked to me like he got away with one when he pushed a forward over in our own box but the referee didn’t give it.

Port Vale clearly came with a game plan to put us under pressure early doors to try & nick an early goal probably hoping to catch us cold with the changes to our settled defence from last season.

To me we were very lucky to lead at half time, both our goals came against the run of play, they should’ve had a pen at 0-0 & Roberts pulled off a stunning save to deny them at 1-0.

However we were brilliant second half. I get the argument that their heads went down but we were clinical. I can’t remember the last time I saw a Barnsley side so clinical in front of goal. It felt like every shot went in.

Roberts was brilliant. His kicking reminded me of Pickford. He pulled off two world class saves albeit one of them was offside anyway. On this showing we won’t miss Collins or Isted.

Cotter wasn’t really tested defensively but he showed how good he can be going forward.

Kane was the best player on the pitch for me but he was never going to win man of the match due to Cole’s hat trick.

Thought Russell was second to quite a few loose balls in the early stages but he got better as the game went on. His passing & control of the tempo was outstanding.

All the subs did well. Shepherd’s passing was superb for the level he’s come from.

Shaw really stretched them & looks a great foil for a goal scorer like Coke or Dallas.

Dallas reminded me of Sam Winnall with the diving header.

One thing that really impressed me was how many times we caught them offside. With a new back 5 my worry was they’d not communicate well but they got better & better as the game on. Several times Port Vale nearly scored but then I noticed the flag was up anyway. Full credit to Collins & the boys at the back for that.

It looked to me like he plays the same system as Duff but gives the 3rd midfielder a bit more of a free role. I’d imagine it’ll make us a bit better at breaking teams down but potentially easier to play against. Either that or Collins will revert & make Styles or whoever it is play a bit deeper against a better side.

I think 7-0 definitely flattered us but we fully deserved a comfortable win & to be top of the league. Great start.