They had us by the cojones for 70% of the game. We started both halves, albeit for a very few minutes, brightly. Then they started the high press and we folded. They outdid us for energy and for speed. We helped them by giving them lots of time and space. When we got the ball back we gave it away with some poor passing. We've struggled against every side who have pressed us with energy this season. More will be doing just that as the season unfolds. We need a change of formation and/or personnel or we are doomed IMO.
Both full backs were not on it. They gave their wide men given too time and space. We had a good start but between minutes 7 and 10 Roos saved us twice. Last 30 we were all at sea. Equaliser was a deflection giving Roos no chance. 1-1 probably right so far. We needed a change of formation 2nd half to get tighter all over the park.
They had enough chances to hammer us. We had enough chances to get at least a point. We were 2nd best for much of the game. Fozzy was off it and was rightly subbed at HT. Byrne frightens me at every corner with his all in wrestling moves. 1st goal was unfortunate with a deflection beating Roos but the guy who scored beat Foz to the ball, took the ball to the bye line, cut back and Foz failed to pressure him. He took the chance to shoot and a deflection off Davies saw the ball beat Roos at the near post. 2nd was the 2 CDs getting done good n proper from the free kick but it started further up the pitch. Buchanan got the ball in their half, might have played a pass down the line but chose not to. He then had the chance to play a 15 yard pass diagonally forwards which he also ignored, was that because he would have had to play that pass with his right foot and he doesn't seem to have confidence in it.
I put this one down to Rooney going for the wrong formation, tactics and personnel. Shinnie back Satdeh should improve things. Ravel missing will be a miss except for in the final third. If we're going to play 2 up top I still prefer Strets to Baldock who I don't rate despite his 2 goals this season.
The inability to handle being pressed. The inability to pressurise opponents the way do us. Giving wide players and midfielders oceans of time and room. These are the basics and we aren't getting it right. Keep that failure up and we are down.