Blackburn ripped us apart some what in that first half, but when it came to clear cut chances, we had as many if not more than them. We really should have been 2-0 up before they scored. Second half we changed things around and gave as good as we got, if not better. A few weeks ago a team as classy as Blackburn, playing at the top of their game like they were in the first half, would have hammered us. But tonight we fought back, played some quality football and could have won. I enjoyed it and I can't wait for our next game. Well played Reds.
Yh have to agree with that Jay. Plenty of positives from tonight. Get McLaughlin back in, Lawrence up to speed and we'll be fine. Hopefully see Bobby back soon too.
I liked how quick Danny changed it and didn't wait until we were dead and buried before trying to do something about it,
Indeed, you cant say that Digby played brilliant, what he did was what Dawson was supposed to do, sit in midfield and protect the centre halves. Played it simple, didn't get sucked into chasing the ball and because of that I think Ramage had his correct starting position and he won every header in that second half. It was totally agains the run of play when we scored (although ironically enough if the new German lad had taken his chance it would have been 2 nil), it was embarrassing in midfield that first half, can't really blame anyone else, although you can see why Tango hasn't been getting a game, looked very average for me.
I very much agree. One change at half time, and the other two before 60 minutes. Gives them some time to make an impact. Not like bringing Scotland on with 2 minutes to go, chasing for a draw.
I enjoyed it too. I thought Danny got the selection wrong. Blackburn dominated our midfield at Ewood Park earlier in the season (Dunn mainly) and when I saw O'Brien and Dawson in a 4 man midfield I thought we'd get played off the park. It started that way, and Danny responded by making a diamond of the midfield 4, which sort of helped, but exposed the full backs badly. Kennedy at right back was mental, I've no idea why Nyatanga and Cranie/Ramage didn't partner at centre back to allow one to play right back. I thought we were fortunate to go in 2-1 down. I've seen Dawson get some stick, but I didn't think he did too badly at all. It was the midfield collective that struggled. The 2nd goal was caused in part by the fact Dawson couldn't put a tackle in from behind having been (ridiculously) booked. 2nd half we made 3 positive changes, got at Blackburn and put them on the back foot. They were shaky. Both sides had chances, and Proschwitz perhaps could have done better with a couple. Thought his all round contribution was minimal, but he was always looking to get on the end of things in the box. Something we've been lacking. Jennings' cross for the first goal - absolute quality. Shame we couldn't nick a winner, but that was a decent point against a good team. Let's keep the run going on Saturday.
First half was terrible and we were lucky to only be a goal down. Massive improvement in the 2nd half and it was no coincidence that the improvement came when players were put in their correct positions. Two men upfront is definitely the way forward for us however its crucial Wilson sorts the centre midfield out before Saturday. A combination of Dawson and O'brien is worse than the dreaded Dawson and Perkins. I'm not sure this is the time to be starting Digby either as although he has ability his lack of experience has shown massively in both the game tonight and the game against Charlton at the start of the season.
Well, they earned their start this evening. Where is Etuhu? The only time Danny has selected him (as far as I can remember), he played him out wide. He's more effective in the middle than any of those you mention above.
He played all but 2 passes backwards when there were forward balls to be played. The 2 forward balls he did play cost us possession. Im not having a go because he's a young lad with great talent. All im saying is he MIGHT not be ready.
agree that we were terrible in the first half and thought Wilson got the tactics badly wrong BUT it's a mark of a good manager to be proactive and he turned it round so well done Danny. O'Brien had his best ever game for me against Blackpool and had high hopes that he'd found his position in the centre but reverted back to type tonight, hopefully just a blip cos he's been in good form lately. I like Dawson but his idiocy put us in massive trouble and he was rightly taken off. O'Grady MOM by miles, new lad was a mixed bag but took his goal brilliantly. Think Jennings will be an important player for the rest of the season. Shea is mercurial. Looking a lot healthier than a couple of weeks ago. Optimistic.
I must have watched a different game, I thought I saw him switch play on 2 or 3 occassions to players in acres of space, showed composure and was generally a good influence. Any way we can agree to disagree. Today was a point won, we dug in and battled.
Definitely a good point. If Digby is ready then all the better for us. I think he'd be very useful in a 3 man midfield i'm just not sure he has the positional sense yet to play in a 2.
Agree with much of what you put apart from this. He scored a goal, held up play and brought others in. He always looked like he would get on the end of crosses etc. I'm not sure how much more influence he could have had. Maye it's me. I'm going to have a lie down ;-)
Had we started off with the line-up we finished with give or take Jennings, I reckon we'd have won that. Think Bob would have been a good bet tonight if he'd been fit. He'd have got to grips with Dunn.
