Yesterday's performance.

[Leicesterbaggie]

It's only my opinion, but I don't think that we can continue to go into games with three defensive mid-fielders. For all but the last 15-20 minutes we were very poor. We showed little inclination to push forward and to my mind were completely outplayed by Brighton. As soon as Morrison, Burke and Gibbs came on we looked far more threatening. If Nyom is in the side he must play right back, where he is far more effective, with Gibbs at left back. Sadly, Rondon is a shadow of the player he was when he first arrived and has to make way. I would also find a place for Brunt in the side as we missed his delivery. Hopefully, it was just a 'bad day at the office' as even Foster and Evans were below par.

[holmleighchris]

It's only my opinion, but I don't think that we can continue to go into games with three defensive mid-fielders. For all but the last 15-20 minutes we were very poor. We showed little inclination to push forward and to my mind were completely outplayed by Brighton. As soon as Morrison, Burke and Gibbs came on we looked far more threatening. If Nyom is in the side he must play right back, where he is far more effective, with Gibbs at left back. Sadly, Rondon is a shadow of the player he was when he first arrived and has to make way. I would also find a place for Brunt in the side as we missed his delivery. Hopefully, it was just a 'bad day at the office' as even Foster and Evans were below par.

Pretty much spot on. Maybe TP felt it was too soon for Gibbs, well then play Brunt there as in previous matches, not Nyom who is decent enough at right back but can be catastrophic at left back. The lad gives his all but you can see why Watford didn't use him regularly.
We hat let in one goal in 3 league games. Evans should not have been given a recall, captain or not.
Phillips is better on the right, putting him on the left nullified him yesterday. Brunt, McClean, Morrison would all do better.
Rodriguez is a striker. If we want to play him as a midfielder then it has to be as an attacking central midfielder not a winger. Wasted out there and we have better for the job (Phillips, Burke).
Rondon hasn't been much cop but no striker could have coped yesterday with no decent crosses arriving, no support from central midfield when the ball has been hoofed to him, no chance.
Look how better it got when the substitutions were made and the team became balanced.
All the problems yesterday were down to TP's tactics and team selection, nothing else. Will he learn from it?
Let me add, we got away with it in the first 3 games. Undoubtedly defended well, but hardly created anything. In all 4 games I feel if we had gone for it more, played in the opposing half, then we would quite possibly have 12 points now.
However, as I'm sure Al will point out, I don't go to the games so I know nothing.
One more thing, I don't expect us to play like Barcelona. I expect us to go out and try to win games, create chances and score goals. Rather like Brighton did yesterday, though I doubt opposition will allow us run the game like we let them do so.

[baggieal]

Pretty much spot on. Maybe TP felt it was too soon for Gibbs, well then play Brunt there as in previous matches, not Nyom who is decent enough at right back but can be catastrophic at left back. The lad gives his all but you can see why Watford didn't use him regularly.
We hat let in one goal in 3 league games. Evans should not have been given a recall, captain or not.
Phillips is better on the right, putting him on the left nullified him yesterday. Brunt, McClean, Morrison would all do better.
Rodriguez is a striker. If we want to play him as a midfielder then it has to be as an attacking central midfielder not a winger. Wasted out there and we have better for the job (Phillips, Burke).
Rondon hasn't been much cop but no striker could have coped yesterday with no decent crosses arriving, no support from central midfield when the ball has been hoofed to him, no chance.
Look how better it got when the substitutions were made and the team became balanced.
All the problems yesterday were down to TP's tactics and team selection, nothing else. Will he learn from it?
Let me add, we got away with it in the first 3 games. Undoubtedly defended well, but hardly created anything. In all 4 games I feel if we had gone for it more, played in the opposing half, then we would quite possibly have 12 points now.
However, as I'm sure Al will point out, I don't go to the games so I know nothing.
One more thing, I don't expect us to play like Barcelona. I expect us to go out and try to win games, create chances and score goals. Rather like Brighton did yesterday, though I doubt opposition will allow us run the game like we let them do so.

Never said you know nothing as quite the opposite - your posts are very constructive and points very valid, even though at times you are harsh on TP. As for never going to the games - well from time to time, I have a spare ticket so do you want me to offer one to you when I have one? It would only cost you a pint!

[holmleighchris]

Never said you know nothing as quite the opposite - your posts are very constructive and points very valid, even though at times you are harsh on TP. As for never going to the games - well from time to time, I have a spare ticket so do you want me to offer one to you when I have one? It would only cost you a pint!

I'll tell you what Al, I'll take you up on that. It will have to be a Saturday afternoon game though.

[baggieal]

I'll tell you what Al, I'll take you up on that. It will have to be a Saturday afternoon game though.

Will make a mental note!

[BRE259]

I was there yesterday too, and as well as the baffling lineup and players out of position and largely negative tactics as already discussed, I do think a large contributory factor was a great many players having an off day collectively, and sorry I thought Rondon didn't look interested. Wouldn't be surprised if he ain't involved at all next week with Robson-Kanu back? I am just hoping this is an off-day and TP with the options available picks a more balanced team next week, with Brunt or Gibbs at left-back and not three defensive midfielders. I am neither a TP hater or fan, but I think next week is an already must win as we ain't played anybody of note yet so is 7 points from the first 5 games going to be a good return?

[TipperaryBaggie]

Having been able to go to my first live match for years yesterday, this is how I saw our performance.

Foster - Had a very poor game from time he fumbled first shot and probably at fault for 2 goals. I hope age is not catching up with him now.
Dawson - Did his job ok
Hegazi - Solid but scares me when he dwells on ball, nearly got caught out again yesterday.
Evans - Not his best game but maybe still got hangover from celebrating early in week
Nyom - Needs to get update to sat nav. Often caught out of position when played on both sides. Looked more effective going forward but didn't track back quick enough after losing possession.
Livermore - I only noticed he was playing when he got substituted in second half. Can't see what he brings to the table.
Barry - Another good solid performance and unlucky with great shot in first half.
Krychowiak - Looked a class act in first half. Second half not so good but maybe he tired or thought what was he doing playing with this bunch of t*****rs.
Phillips - Hugged the touch line but proved relatively ineffective. Easily shrugged off ball.
Rodriguez - Sulked having to play out the flank. Didn't get much better though when he became more central.
Rondon - Can't explain this performance because we are before the watershed. Maybe we could offer the Chinese the money to take him off our hands.
Gibbs - Team looked more balanced when he came on. Early days but if he stays injury free will be a good aquasition.
Blake - Looked very promising being prepared to run at the opposition. Maybe overdid it a bit but he excites me. Maybe won't get a game because nobody will be able to keep up with him.
Morrison - Did his job when coming on and might have had a second goal with more composure.

MOM - That award has to go the travelling support who sung their hearts out even when things were bleak. Let's hope Pulis sends them all a stick of Brighton rock for their efforts.

[Palmeras]

Having been able to go to my first live match for years yesterday, this is how I saw our performance.

Foster - Had a very poor game from time he fumbled first shot and probably at fault for 2 goals. I hope age is not catching up with him now.
Dawson - Did his job ok
Hegazi - Solid but scares me when he dwells on ball, nearly got caught out again yesterday.
Evans - Not his best game but maybe still got hangover from celebrating early in week
Nyom - Needs to get update to sat nav. Often caught out of position when played on both sides. Looked more effective going forward but didn't track back quick enough after losing possession.
Livermore - I only noticed he was playing when he got substituted in second half. Can't see what he brings to the table.
Barry - Another good solid performance and unlucky with great shot in first half.
Krychowiak - Looked a class act in first half. Second half not so good but maybe he tired or thought what was he doing playing with this bunch of t*****rs.
Phillips - Hugged the touch line but proved relatively ineffective. Easily shrugged off ball.
Rodriguez - Sulked having to play out the flank. Didn't get much better though when he became more central.
Rondon - Can't explain this performance because we are before the watershed. Maybe we could offer the Chinese the money to take him off our hands.
Gibbs - Team looked more balanced when he came on. Early days but if he stays injury free will be a good aquasition.
Blake - Looked very promising being prepared to run at the opposition. Maybe overdid it a bit but he excites me. Maybe won't get a game because nobody will be able to keep up with him.
Morrison - Did his job when coming on and might have had a second goal with more composure.

MOM - That award has to go the travelling support who sung their hearts out even when things were bleak. Let's hope Pulis sends them all a stick of Brighton rock for their efforts.

Good thread but who's Blake

[holmleighchris]

Good thread but who's Blake

Blake, Burke, it doesn't matter much. I doubt we will see much of him, he hasn't a defensive bone in his body.
Reminds me of Leko, only bigger.

[Londonbaggie1968]

Leicester, Holmleigh and Tipperary, excellent posts and therapeutic!

Fact is Pulis plays the majority of the squad out of position and he appears afraid to set the team up with any organised attacking intent and just concentrates on a defensive mode. Absolutely terrible to watch, even with the occasional set piece goal. He needs to deal head-on with creative and troubled players much better and look to get the best out of them. We could do so much better utilising the creative talent in the squad against certain opposition, without having to compromise defensively. We have had one of the kindest run of opening fixtures ever in the PL and tougher times are approaching fast.