- We were told we would play a high tempo pressing game and we did exactly that - every player knew their role and executed it fully throughout - Subs made at the right time, in the right positions and all contributed positively - hard work was there for us all to see - We looked like a team but also had some quality individual performances - we looked confident - both centre forwards gave their defence a game - goals came from the team and not just same suspects. Get Kieffer and Bradders hitting the net too will be great - We mixed up the move it forward quick and the play through midfield. Faster movement first half then more ball possession and control when we needed a breather. - we looked like we wanted to shoot on sight - Our performance and result impressed the away fans. We got the respect deserved and no excuses of a win - We were relentless. 2:0 wasn’t a signal to just lock up shop and we continued to press and look for goals. - we looked like a good footballing side but we also looked physically strong and mentally positive. Of course people will talk about early days, league one level etc but I’m just saying what pleased me today. A lot to like for me. .
Agree with every word, good summary. I've not seen such an accomplished performance for years, it could have been 8-0
Good un, Said to my lad at the end, first time I can remember thinking ‘ I want more’ when they only held up the 3min board
loved it as said above but I was concerned we could keep up the intensity in the heat. Cavare seemed to flag in the second half, but they kept up the pressure on a good team
Yeah we seemed to keep hold of the ball a bit more from another 25 min into the 2nd half and the game management on the pitch and with subs looked for me tactically good. Im sure teams will learn how we play and is always a bigger test to see how things go through season but today was great.
It should have been seven or eight and Oxford would have had no complaints. They were comprehensively beaten
Agree with all of that. Seen a lot of comments on twitter saying how we’re too good for this league with the players we have, it’s a nice feeling to hear that. It sure beats “they were lucky, they’re still *****”. I’m trying my very best not to get carried away because it’s only 1 game but leaving Oakwell in the sunshine today with a very good win and performance felt great. I don’t know about other people but it just makes my whole mood more upbeat for a while.
Loved it when Kieffer Moore closed down and blocked an Oxford players pass near to dugout and Stendel jumped around and fist pumped like we’d scored a goal.Bloody Brilliant.
He was very animated on the touch line. Cheering, clapping and punching the air whenever anyone closed down well. Even managed a few trips and slips (damn water bottle) getting carried away. He seems a very likeable guy, long may it continue.
The most pleasing aspect was we passed the ball forward more than sideways or back-it was possession with intent. I would hasten to add that at 2;0 they had a 1:1 with the keeper and their “striker” just fell over which was a symptom of just how poor Oxford were- significantly poorer than the worse sides we saw at Oakwell last season.
Oxford could have scored a couple with 2 excellent strikes from their right winger - also, when the forward was clear through & slipped. Having said that, we were superb in all depts. & could have scored double. Their keeper was outstanding, no wonder we tried to sign Simon Eastwood! Great game, performance & result. So so chuffed tonight.
So it’s looking like the 2nd batch of young lower league players who we had written off last season ,could come good again.
Seems quite humble/down-to-earth too. Was looking for him at the end when the players were clapping the fans and he was at the side of the dug-out signing autographs for the kids and shaking hands with the 'bigger' kids. He stayed there long after the players had gone in.
The only thing I didn't enjoy today was when the Oxford physio came onto the pitch there was some wolf whistling going on. I know it's harmless and to be expected and yadda yadda but I just wish it hadn't happened, especially as we have a female physio ourselves and we don't really want Vikki being intimidated by away fans. I'm sure she wasn't bothered by it in the slightest really but she should just be able to do her job without it. She's there to help their players, not for people's enjoyment.