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NEXT GAME:Leicester City FC
Saturday 4th May 2024
Kick off 12.30 pm
Kingpower Stadium
Championship
Rovers v Watford - Fans' Takeover
- Thread starter goozburger.
- Start date
Strangely our only win in the last 5 games was largely undeserved.
Anyway, down to 14th BUT "still only 5 points off the play-offs".
We shouldn't be in a relegation fight as there are some gash teams down there.
But lower mid table mediocrity is hardly going to inspire a half-season ticket rush.
goozburger.
Senior Member
We deserved something but we are stretched and at the behest of financial unfair play.
I thought we started brilliantly and did well to get the crowd onside. We just went into our shell somewhat after 25 minutes or so which eventually wore us down in the last ten minutes of the game, although I feel individual goalkeeping mistakes were the difference in the end.
Watford have a talented set of individuals, but very little cohesion. They aren't on the same wavelength as each other, and it was superior player quality that saw them through.
Attendance was 17,803, with 16,620 home supporters and 1,183 away supporters. That's a great effort by all involved, but it is extremely disappointing to see so many leaving in the 87th minute just because Watford scored. I appreciate a minority may need to leave early, but this isn't that... Are people expecting the Walker years and looking down at Watford as a lowly club? Out of touch part-time supporters, just as some in the Walkersteel used to chant to those who left early in the droves no matter what?
Wahlstedt
Had nothing to do in the first half except punch away a corner. Showed great braveness in the second half with a superb save and a solid save, but I'm afraid to say he showed poor goalkeeping for both of Watford's goals by spilling the ball out to the centre of the six yard box, particularly for Watford's winner.
Carter
Great through-ball to A Wharton for his goal. Gets forward really well for a centre-back, and tried a number of through-balls. Good block close to half-time. Could have done better with the cross-shot that was probably the turning point for us getting nothing. Very good performance.
S Wharton
Great ball to Carter for his assist. Did well to prevent Asprilla scoring early in the second-half, followed by blocking a shot. Another last-ditch tackle inside the box moments later. Good performance.
Travis
Worked his socks off and won the ball well. Some nice touches on the ball.
Hyam
Quiet, solid enough, and a decent return to the starting XI.
A Wharton
Man of the Match. Superb finish for our goal from a tight angle. Seems to be maturing and showing more strength when tackling and shielding the ball. Won some free-kicks very smartly with the latter attribute. Some of his touches are Premier League quality.
Tronstad
Always offered an outlet at the back. Really neat and simple passing. Superb goal-saving block against Healey before his eventual winner.
Moran
Didn't really get into the game. One or two nice touches, but not his day.
Garrett
A really good game from him, and close contender for Man of the Match. Wasn't afraid to put his body on the line, particularly with a great block in the first-half, as well as taking one one to the head. I felt he might have let the occasion put a bit too much adrenaline in him and feared a red card, but he halted it after the first-half showing, which shows great maturity. Had a few shots, and could have scored early in the second-half but for slicing it. Almost scored from a free-kick. Looked tired after 70 minutes which is understandable given his lack of game time. I think he is going to shine for us.
Sigurdsson
Largely quiet, and I fear against better sides such as Southampton and Watford, he won't be in the game or on the ball much. He worked hard, did his defensive duties, and could have scored in the first-half. Almost got on the end of Carter's cross-shot but it wasn't to be.
Ennis
Slightly isolated up front, but held-up the ball well. Looked tired early in the second-half, so he's clearly still not up to par in terms of the team's intensity requirements.
As for the subs...
Leonard
Good positional sense. Had a rasping shot parried away by the keeper.
Hill
Made a good block from a dangerous cross in the 82nd minute, although Wahlstedt had it covered.
Markanday
Could have done better in a good wide position in injury time, but wasted the chance.
Overall, it's disappointing to have such a good showing against a quality set of players that ultimately came out on top. We were just undone by some late quality after averting it for so long. I cannot fault the overall effort at all, and there is hope for the upcoming games. Let's get back on track.
Have a great Christmas, all! Time to open the Port.
I thought we started brilliantly and did well to get the crowd onside. We just went into our shell somewhat after 25 minutes or so which eventually wore us down in the last ten minutes of the game, although I feel individual goalkeeping mistakes were the difference in the end.
Watford have a talented set of individuals, but very little cohesion. They aren't on the same wavelength as each other, and it was superior player quality that saw them through.
Attendance was 17,803, with 16,620 home supporters and 1,183 away supporters. That's a great effort by all involved, but it is extremely disappointing to see so many leaving in the 87th minute just because Watford scored. I appreciate a minority may need to leave early, but this isn't that... Are people expecting the Walker years and looking down at Watford as a lowly club? Out of touch part-time supporters, just as some in the Walkersteel used to chant to those who left early in the droves no matter what?
Wahlstedt
Had nothing to do in the first half except punch away a corner. Showed great braveness in the second half with a superb save and a solid save, but I'm afraid to say he showed poor goalkeeping for both of Watford's goals by spilling the ball out to the centre of the six yard box, particularly for Watford's winner.
Carter
Great through-ball to A Wharton for his goal. Gets forward really well for a centre-back, and tried a number of through-balls. Good block close to half-time. Could have done better with the cross-shot that was probably the turning point for us getting nothing. Very good performance.
S Wharton
Great ball to Carter for his assist. Did well to prevent Asprilla scoring early in the second-half, followed by blocking a shot. Another last-ditch tackle inside the box moments later. Good performance.
Travis
Worked his socks off and won the ball well. Some nice touches on the ball.
Hyam
Quiet, solid enough, and a decent return to the starting XI.
A Wharton
Man of the Match. Superb finish for our goal from a tight angle. Seems to be maturing and showing more strength when tackling and shielding the ball. Won some free-kicks very smartly with the latter attribute. Some of his touches are Premier League quality.
Tronstad
Always offered an outlet at the back. Really neat and simple passing. Superb goal-saving block against Healey before his eventual winner.
Moran
Didn't really get into the game. One or two nice touches, but not his day.
Garrett
A really good game from him, and close contender for Man of the Match. Wasn't afraid to put his body on the line, particularly with a great block in the first-half, as well as taking one one to the head. I felt he might have let the occasion put a bit too much adrenaline in him and feared a red card, but he halted it after the first-half showing, which shows great maturity. Had a few shots, and could have scored early in the second-half but for slicing it. Almost scored from a free-kick. Looked tired after 70 minutes which is understandable given his lack of game time. I think he is going to shine for us.
Sigurdsson
Largely quiet, and I fear against better sides such as Southampton and Watford, he won't be in the game or on the ball much. He worked hard, did his defensive duties, and could have scored in the first-half. Almost got on the end of Carter's cross-shot but it wasn't to be.
Ennis
Slightly isolated up front, but held-up the ball well. Looked tired early in the second-half, so he's clearly still not up to par in terms of the team's intensity requirements.
As for the subs...
Leonard
Good positional sense. Had a rasping shot parried away by the keeper.
Hill
Made a good block from a dangerous cross in the 82nd minute, although Wahlstedt had it covered.
Markanday
Could have done better in a good wide position in injury time, but wasted the chance.
Overall, it's disappointing to have such a good showing against a quality set of players that ultimately came out on top. We were just undone by some late quality after averting it for so long. I cannot fault the overall effort at all, and there is hope for the upcoming games. Let's get back on track.
Have a great Christmas, all! Time to open the Port.
Peter quill
Active Member
This is totally correct. He was poor today both his first touch and defensively. The problem is who do you replace him with
Peter quill
Active Member
I was in the riverside there appeared to be alot of strange decisions from the linesman in the last 15. I’m not sure if I was caught up in crowd opinion but there appeared a couple of clear offside decisions.
I can definitely say the linesman failed repeatedly to keep up with play. On the first goal the ref kept looking over at him because I think the ref thought offside
I can definitely say the linesman failed repeatedly to keep up with play. On the first goal the ref kept looking over at him because I think the ref thought offside
steve w
Senior Member
I was on the riverside - in line with the six yard box - he was at least 5yds behind the play - and you are spot on - I almost thought for a second or two the ref would call it - but he probably cant undermine his liner to that degree
He looked two yards off to me
Second goal - no issue - it was a fair goal
1SimonGarner
Senior Member
Another decent performance with nothing to show for it. Young lads that gave their all but seem to get "outstayed" by stronger, more experienced opposition.
A Wharton was great and has really hit form recently but special mention for Tronstad who was also very good with and without the ball at times and is turning out to be the signing of the summer.
We're stretched and have no money so any dream of a top 6 finish this season looks exactly that.
I was back in W01 today and it was full for the first time in ages and guess what, the atmosphere in there was absolute shite. Some songs that were sung to our own fans today.... You should've gone christmas shopping.... You should have gone to the opera.... You should have watched it on the telly... We're Blackburn Rovers, we'll sit down and clap ... You're only here for the cheap seats etc etc
People have their own opinions and I've got mine but people flapping their arms around saying we need these fans in every week are in dreamland. They're casual supporters, desperately passionless and will never contribute anything to the club other than a few quid every so often, I'll be in the minority but I'd rather have an empty seat next to me and do without the groans when things aren't going well.
COYB
A Wharton was great and has really hit form recently but special mention for Tronstad who was also very good with and without the ball at times and is turning out to be the signing of the summer.
We're stretched and have no money so any dream of a top 6 finish this season looks exactly that.
I was back in W01 today and it was full for the first time in ages and guess what, the atmosphere in there was absolute shite. Some songs that were sung to our own fans today.... You should've gone christmas shopping.... You should have gone to the opera.... You should have watched it on the telly... We're Blackburn Rovers, we'll sit down and clap ... You're only here for the cheap seats etc etc
People have their own opinions and I've got mine but people flapping their arms around saying we need these fans in every week are in dreamland. They're casual supporters, desperately passionless and will never contribute anything to the club other than a few quid every so often, I'll be in the minority but I'd rather have an empty seat next to me and do without the groans when things aren't going well.
COYB
tonygreenbank
Senior Member
A big problem for us at the moment is the 5 sub rule. Watford could bring on 5 good subs whereas we don’t have that quality and experience. Our bench today must be the weakest in a long time. 8 first choice players out today and it showed. We really need bodies in the Transfer Window.
blueandwhitehalves
Senior Member
Venkys "threadbare" squad loses them £10-15m per season because its worth 150% of our total fan revenue, when a sensible business model would be spending about 60% of our revenue on wages.
Feel somewhat like the prophet of doom constantly repeating the reality of our post PL era, but we should be losing to clubs like Watford. That's not Venkys fault, Venkys (post 2012 anyway) are the reason we're not in League 1.
Dunnfc
Senior Member
He's been poor for a while (Moran). Great technically but off the ball is appalling.
Dunnfc
Senior Member
Club Is being ran like a corner shop. The owners are a disgrace.
Dunnfc
Senior Member
Think he looks promising myself, but he won't fit into JDT's system, it's too intense for him and his body.
You have to ask why Gregg and his recruitment team signed a player so non adapatable?
Let's be fair and realistic.
1. We have at least 8 1st team players out through injury whilst Watford had just 1 on the treatment table. As a result we are relying on a second choice gk, a CH at right back and Travis at left back in a role to which he is ill suited (fair play to him though, he did his utmost during the match. Fair play to the players too for 60 mins making an expensive Watford side look very ordinary and error prone.
2. The Championship's top scorer was out through rather mysterious circumstances.
3. Whilst Watford's gk made at least 3 blinding saves.
BUT
A. Even when on top we do give opposing teams far too many chances and rely hugely on blocking shots. Yesterday's two sucker punches have imo been an accident waiting to happen. Of the players available too many are poor defensively. Only Tronstadt and Travis can put a strong foot in when needed. Garrett can too but yesterday he was filling in for Szmodic. Moran, Siggurdson, Markanday are attacking minded players and haven't got a tackle in them.
B. The performances always weakens late in the game as the players visibly tire leaving JDT with few options for replacements as half the subs bench are inexperienced Academy kids.
C. Who tf is our goalkeeping coach? Like Raya Wahlstedt is a pretty good reaction keeper but his command in the air is suspect to say the least. At 6ft 3" he should be picking crosses out of the air for fun but instead he frequently chooses to punch out the ball even when not under pressure. My main gripe though is his punching. Anyone watching all that boxing last night would not have seen a fighter using two hands to punch an opponent. Two hands cannot deliver a powerful punch! If he is to rely on punching he should at least be taught to do it properly! At age 24 how tf has no one taught him that?
D. Yet again we fell back to the old fault of overplaying in the front third of the pitch. All those triangles down the flanks look pretty but all they do is allow the opposition to get into good defensive positions. The old rule was to try to get defenders to face their own goals and a few of our players need to take the responsibility of 'avin a do'. After 2 mins Wharton did just that and blazed a shot between Hamer and his near post from an acute angle. It worked because Hamer had not had the time to 'set' himself.
On the plus side it was fantastic watching Adam Wharton yesterday. His distribution was amazing for the entire match.