Formation - quite clear that the 5 in midfield wasn't working early on. Swansea seemed to be finding space where ever they wanted it and we seemed glad to give it to em. I think Hume was a bit confused where he was playing - never really saw him play as an out and out winger or as a second striker all game. Anderson got pushed out wide and was anonymous from then on. It's also apparent Julian Gray wasn't match fit and also that he's not a left back. Would've liked to have seen him push to left midfield when he brought Doyle on but he settled in midfield which meant we had a right winger at left wing, a left winger at left back, a central midfielder on the right, a right back in central midfield & a comfortable left back on the right. Defence looked solid enough and Preece pulled off a cracking save but we were too quick to lump it up to Gray in the second half. It's apparent that we're going to be looking to get the ball in the box at every opportunity - all free kicks that were round about half way resulted in Moore & Foster being pushed up and a long ball into the area. To be fair, it nearly paid off with Moore first half so no complaints. I was impressed with Robins body language on the touchline, seemed to care and was always talking to the players. I just don't think he got the subs right. Macken & Devaney should've been on with 20 minutes to go to try and freshen it up but hey ho. All in all we did nothing in attack but I never felt Swansea were going to do anything either. Another point to the total and 4 in a week. With JCR, Emil etc to come back I think we'll stay up but it's not going to be the free flowing football people want and it's not going to be pretty. I can't comment on Derby as I wasn't there but that's what it seems with the performance today.
Agree. But, if Adam Hammill is the 'right winger at left wing', you'll find he prefers to play on the left despite being right footed.
Like I said to Dale.... ....conversation and company wasn't up to much so I had to actually watch it.
I thought julian Gray did very well He tired and made some mistakes towards the end but played Nathan Dyer well. Dyer is a difficult player to control, expecially when you have a slow centre half alongside you. He also put other some good crosses. Hammil had a poor game infront of him. I would like to see Gray offered a longer contract and also see him play left mid. Also thought Andy Gray looked a cut above what we're used to upfront. The only problem was there was no support with Hume making up a 5 man midfield int he first half and second half the understanding wasn't there, but will come
RE: I thought julian Gray did very well Andy Gray might look a cut above, and I agree, but he still fluffed his big chance. Should have shot first time when he was through on goal. I was thinking 'hit it' as soon as he was through, so I am sure others were, so why wasn't he? Got to do things sharp. He may have missed or been saved but he should have got a proper shot away. I do like him though, good Championship player.
Should definately hit it earlier However, thats not where his goals will come from, we need good delivery in to the box and if we do that he will get goals. I thought his work rate was excellent too in a pretty thankless role