I've not seen REDS yet this season as I've been on holiday. Questions I would have are:- Defence - do we still look like conceding from set pieces? Has the aerial authority of M'Voto improved us? What has Nyatanga looked like pre-season (I know he's currently out injured)? Is there a place for Wiseman? Midfield - have we found the right formation, that includes Mellis? Does Digby look the part? Can we play Dawson and Perkins in same team, effectively? Is Etuhu our key anchor man? Strikers - I know we are on look out for additions here, assume to play up front with O'Grady? Are we saying Dagnall is simply not up to Championship football, despite being an honest "trier"? Owt else you can furnish me on? Ta lads n lasses......
To save you going back and reading every post after the two games thus far, these are the general views of posters on here:- Defence: ***** Midfield: ***** Attack: ***** Defence: Steele, doesn't come off his line, M'Voto good acquisition Midfield: We need Etuhu back sharpish cos Perkins & Dawson centrally with Mellis out wide is not working Attack: Daganll not Championship standard
The defence hasn't improved at dealing with set pieces. M'Voto as culpable as anyone for at least 2 goals thus far, and he can't pass. Had his name been McNulty he'd be getting slated already. Strange eh? . Wiseman best player thus far, followed by O'Brien which speaks volumes. The likes of Golbourne, Mellis and COG have been poor compared to what we now expect of them. Steele at fault for no goals, but others may disagree. . Perkins and Dawson aren't ideal as a pairing, but even worse is playing a winger at RB to accomodate Dawson on the wing. We do miss Etuhu, but not as much as some suggest. Digby played 60 minutes so not about to say he's world class either. Perspective. . Our major issue is up top. The strikers have had very little to go on, and despite COG missing twice last weekend, it's Dagnall to blame. . Flitcroft is already copying Hill according to some. Me, I think it's very early days and we look to have improved with each display. My only concern is the rather hopeful punts up top, lack of intensity all over the park, and little flair, invention or bravery in terms of having a pop at goal or 'trying sumat' etc. Good performance tomorrow and things look rosier. You Reds etc.
Re McNulty and Mvoto, the former has been seen over more games and many have decided that he isn't up to it based on this.
Defence - do we still look like conceding from set pieces? Yes, occasionally. Steele doesn't come off his line quick or often enough for some. Has the aerial authority of M'Voto improved us? Yes, we look a lot more comfortable dealing with the long ball when he plays. What has Nyatanga looked like pre-season (I know he's currently out injured)? Only seen him in the Wolves pre-season friendly myself so it's difficult to say but my instant reaction was that he was definitely an improvement on McNulty. Is there a place for Wiseman? Most definitely. Arguably our best and most consistent player so far this season. He has made very few errors and looks comfortable in 3 positions. Those being RB, CB and RWB. Midfield - have we found the right formation, that includes Mellis? Flicker doesn't seem to have no. 4-4-2 doesn't suit Mellis when he's played out wide as he has very little effect on the game. Although even when we played 3-5-2 against Scunny he didn't look that effective. I think Mellis needs to up his game. Does Digby look the part? Yes, looks quality on the ball. It's a big learning curve for him but we're not having to carry him or anything like that, the lad deserves his place on merit. Can we play Dawson and Perkins in same team, effectively? Not for me. Dawson hasn't looked Championship quality this season. Is Etuhu our key anchor man? The statistics would say yes as we always win or draw when he plays in the middle. He's effective at breaking up play so we certainly look a better and more balanced side when he plays. Strikers - I know we are on look out for additions here, assume to play up front with O'Grady? Yes I would say so. He's not hit the heights of last season but still a crucial player for us. Are we saying Dagnall is simply not up to Championship football, despite being an honest "trier"? He's certainly a trier and that can't be underestimated as he often puts defenders under pressure to clear quicker than they would have liked. On the other hand, he doesn't look to have the ability on the ball and his link-up play has been poor thus far. I would say his game at Blackpool was one of his worst ever and he was rightfully subbed early 2nd half. For me he defines the 'confidence player'. When he's on his game, his drive and finishing is top notch (Flicker once claimed he was 'our Suarez') but those games don't seem to come round often enough at this level.
