Combination of things. They came with a game plan and system we, apparently, hadn't foreseen. They played to that plan very well. We failed to react, again, and found ourselves 2 down. Deservedly so. There was that bit of luck with their first but the second was down to very good play by Mendes-Gomes and Hourihane stopping rather than trying to keep up with him and Davies covering too slowly, IMO.

Warne put us in the position with the way he set us up. He has been accused of reacting too late and now he made changes on 44 minutes and more at HT.

Curt, as much as I love the guy, has to be cover for the rest of the season. Time, it appears, has caught up with him. Hourihane has dropped off of late and possibly needs a rest. Springett was off it, lack of control. Sibs put a shift in, unfortunately, to no avail. Collo put himself about and was inviting the ref to card him. He has been roundly criticised on Social media but, in all fairness, he got little to no even half decent ball. Both Didzy and NML had issues with ball control. Most of the outfield players had difficulty finding a teammate with passes.

Thoroughly bad day all round. PW shoulders responsibility for the initial setup. The players for the performance. PW rang the changes and we played better 2nd half. Looking forward, I'd play Rooney at RB at Posh, Foz and Cash centrally. Unfortunately for Sibs, I'd play him at LB. Smith and Bird as the 2. Dobbin, Knight and Barks as the 3 and Didzy up top if fit.

I don't think PW will choose my XI. I just hope he doesn't pick players and formation that play into Posh's hands.