Originally Posted by
surge
Goal Keeper:
I think comments on here about Phillips hoofing it up the pitch are unfair - he clearly looks to play long passes when he can.
Defence:
Flint and Morrison are extremely experienced Championship defenders but we've only kept one clean sheet so far which isn't good enough. Yesterday both were poor even if Flint did show "passion".
Nelson beat the full-back two or three times and put in a few good crosses, I know he's not perfect but credit to him for playing LCB and full-back this season when his natural position is RCB.
Sang is an attacking player who was asked to play the most defensive of roles yesterday but I'm yet to see why he's so rated on here.
It was Brown's first game back after a little while out but not a performance that suggests we should extend. Took him a few games to get up to speed last year but on very thin ice now.
Midfield:
Pack played well in the first four league games of the season but hasn't for the last four - does he need a rest? Shouldn't we be asking more of him? Supposedly our best ball-playing midfielder but he doesn't change the tempo with his passing, doesn't switch play and is frequently pushing forward (slowly) in a press that leaves us exposed behind.
Vaulks needs the right players around him to be anything other than limited but he was one (the one?) verbally calling for players to give sh*t after we conceded which provoked our best 15 minutes of the game. He can effectively change the pace of the game in the middle even if it can also go badly wrong.
Attacking three:
Really hard day for them chasing after lost causes. Summed up by Kieffer being desperate for ball-boy/girl or fans to get the ball back him for quick throw but a very young child enjoying touching the ball and not able to respond effectively to the request.
Subs:
I know some see Bagan as a future LCB so will be interesting to read their thoughts on his performance yesterday spending time more centrally.
Overall:
Extremely frustrating to see a side ready for Premier League football show us why we're not. We're desperate to find the balance between physicality and skill Bournemouth had today without being able to spend as highly or as frequently as they have...going to be difficult to manage (and patience required) but starting to think bold actions needed this summer.
I think fans of 8 Championship sides would have swapped their result for ours yesterday but might have changed their mind after seeing the "highlights".