by Denver Royal »
04 Aug 2018 15:31
Some very good summaries, thoughts, and opinion in this thread (shame Snowball call's people out). As everyone says, didn't deserve it, but as we know, you don't always get what you deserve. Wazzock makes good point, need to learn to win, and quickly.
Good opportunity, playing at home vs. very young rookie manager with no experience in his first game. Looked more drilled and organized compared to last year, but it's how we compare against opponents this year that will matter. Early pressing was effective (last night), but hard to keep that up all game. Started well (as you'd hope, being the home team) and in control til keeper did 'first shot on frame is a goal' routine. Didnt get much done afterwards, and in fact, rarely troubled Carson all night long.
Mannone, someone in here said he's top 6 in league? Wonder if keeper should have been more priority in off season, hope it doesn't bite us. With everyone watching, he will now see plenty of shots. Not sure how much he really wants to be here(?)
McShane did well overall. Defense gave Mannone little to do, and was better than our Offense, in general.
Richards did well, but at fault for winner, imo. 10 secs to go, see it out, don't let player get behind you and get cross in...from a throw in on half way line. Foul out there if need be, stall the game, then defend very long free kick, game over.
Aluko had a good game, unexpected bonus if it continues
Yiadom, good shift and energy. Can be beat and leaves holes. Might have done better for winner, impede the player/header more
Meyler, good addition, smarts, broke up plays. Slower than I hoped but steady, albeit pretty deep and next to McShane at times as we backed off. D-mid's can still get forward, esp at home
Kelly, good hustle and effort, and more involved in the dirty stuff. But his long passes don't come off, which Clements' system requires
Swift, playing fresh, was improved, but very long season and much hard work lay ahead for him, hope he's up for it
Bod ran around as usual, missed crucial chances. Nice headed goal, hope it continues, but hadn't won many header's prior to that, if any. Good energy and was more physical (as, of course, he needs to be in this div)
Barrow good 1st half, less so 2nd. Should have drawn more fouls from their RB who was playing on yellow from very early doors
Baldock, not the impact we wanted/needed last night, but more to come. Not sure of position(?), looks like he'll need a lot of service. Ran around, but ultimately very few touches
Meite kept McNulty on bench and was an immediate nuisance. Competition up front interesting
Clement, got the starting line up right. Good game plan, will need more of those. Subs didn't work as well as he'd have hoped/expected. Much work lays ahead in season. Needs to pick team up for Forest