Ok, so another nil nil draw. Our third in four games. When your down scrapping at the bottom, and you don't concede many goals it is much more valuable than scoring goals. Burnley have scored quite a few goals, but their leaky defence is what has them struggling to survive. Hull haven't scored as many, yet their defence is just as bad. It has taken us a while, but defensively we are sorted. In the summer, IF we survive, we will have to look to improve our little problem in the other team's half.
Of course, as we kept a clean sheet, our defence did well. Hahnemann had a dodgy couple of moments where he dropped the ball right on Damien Duff's foot but he shot wide. The back four won every ball in the air. On the ball, they weren't so good. Zubar is very good at driving forward and linking with Foley but the other three often give away possession. Craddock and Berra have formed a very good partnership, but are too predictable. Hoof. Elokobi is improving, but I get the feeling Mick might search for a new left back. It was probably one of Big George's best performances defensively. He saved us from going home with nothing with his superb tackle on Duff but unlike Ward, doesn't get the ball to our main outlet in Jarvis enough.
Doyle won the ball in the air a lot, and often had to create something out of nothing. Maybe he needs a partner up there? Our just someone to support him, as he looks quite isolated. It puzzles me however why Mick shifts Doyle out the left, and sticks Iwelumo up front who won absolutely nothing in the air. Aside from one good chest down he might as well not have been there.
Hahnemann - 7
Zubar - 7
Craddock - 7
Berra - 6
Elokobi - 7
Foley - 6
Jones - 6
Mancienne - 8
Edwards - 7
Jarvis -7
Doyle - 7
Subs: Guedioura - 6, Milijas - 6, Iwelumo - 5.
Still, one defeat from seven. That's the sort of form that keeps a team out of the relegation zone. A win against Blackburn could all but see us safe.
Here is a link on the observer website from 'The Verdict' which I participated in: http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/apr/17/fulham-wolves-premier-league
Don't agree with my observations, or my markings for the players? Comment and tell me.
Good blog BloggerWolf.
ReplyDeleteIwelumo is a much use as I am up front. We need to give SEB a chance. Against a team liek Fulham Sylvan might be able to create a chance on his own. Really want to see more of him and Doyle, it takes time to make a partnership. A point is a point and not to be sneered at.
Manchester Wolf
Another game, another draw, another point.
ReplyDeleteIf we defend like this for the last three games we will stay up. If, in addition, we learn how to attack we will make it look very easy and set us up nicely for next season. I think Mick will look for another striker, and hopefully revert to 4-4-2 next season (if we are in the Premiership)
Where was Foley during the match? A good point considering Fulham are a very decent team. I still have the jitters though, especially with Wigan and Bolton getting 3 points. Ok we have 3 games left but it will still be very hard.
ReplyDeleteCan't we atleast make it entertaining, just a bit? Watched it on internet and turned it off for thelast half an hour. Just listened to radio listening out for anything that happens. Still I guess it's not too bad, not many teams come away from the Cottage with a point or more.
ReplyDeleteHope the showing is better next week,
Dunsworth, that's like leaving a game early! Didn't think the game was as bad as it was made out to be. And Louie, nice one on getting in the observer. Top Stuff
ReplyDeleteSpot on marks out of ten Bloggerwolf. The game had quite a bit of the end of season feel about it especially with the warm weather, but we kept our heads and managed to grind out another point. Well done to Mr McCarthy and his staff I say. Let's hope we can finish the job against Blackburn next saturday!
ReplyDelete