J7, presence and grit

[toonviking]

Made the 3 points today. For me.

(AND luck, we were mostly just as shoite in the other games this season).

[Jammy89]

Aye - he does add something in the middle we've lack.

[toptoon]

The subs worked today. We were terrible for the first half hour of the second half, then showed some semblance of being a football team for the rest of the game.

[toptoon]

Aye - he does add something in the middle we've lack.

Were missing BDB in the same way, too.

[OwdBillCook]

Were missing BDB in the same way, too.

Absolutely agree. Immense at CB. Never first choice on the wing, but still a hell of a presence.

[toonviking]

Maybe, but weve lost many games with BDB in there as well. But after Joelinton was dropped, (and maybe rightly because his bad form) we sunk into an even lower level.

Some of our good midfield dynamics seem to be back today. I know it was Burnley, and its just one game, so I wouldnt expect everything to be back to normal. But it could be a step into the right direction.

Apart from his ball winning attributes, J7 also makes those runs into the box. And it seems to me that he creates more space for Bruno to operate in.

For me Joelinton can do everything Ramsey can do, but there is many things in Jolintons game that Ramsey dont do.

Regarding the subs I agree that they worked out, but they came way too late. It was a miracle it wasnt 2-2 when the first sub came, and they could easily have been up 3-2 when the others came on. That was pure luck for me, but they did a good job.

If intensity is our identity, those late subs dont make sense - think about that one...

...well, if you play with high intensity - you need to make changes earlier than 65-70 min - espesially when you see that the wheels is about to come off.

There is a logical flaw there, between our identiy and the way we deploy our tactics. Those two things need to come togehter in a better way.

[Jammy89]

My issue with subs is that its become very predictable.

At half-time I would have put money on those 3 subs and at 60ish mins.

We seem very stuck in the rut of timing for subs - regardless of ongoing events.

I understand why the 60mins but sometimes that is to late.

[toonviking]

My issue with subs is that its become very predictable.

At half-time I would have put money on those 3 subs and at 60ish mins.

We seem very stuck in the rut of timing for subs - regardless of ongoing events.

I understand why the 60mins but sometimes that is to late.

I totally agree. But it could have been a very dangerous time to try out Wissa and Woltemade together. If thats what you are thinking.

If you play with high intesity, I think its essential to spread the workload on as many players as possible. Also during the games. Why wait until the 70 min mark then? Especially, when its just down to pure luck that you are still ahead.

For me its the timing thats wrong, more than the actual subs.

(You can also make it more unpredictable by making subs early)

[Ragatino]

Joelinton came back in was good to see. I can't say that it was a brilliant performance from the big man, because it wasn't.

However, it was a stand out performance that exposed a few things in the current team/squad.

There are some in the team that have got too big for their hair bands or yellow boots.

Joelinton as limited as he is technically always plays with heart and passion. He leaves it all on the field.

The simple reason the team is easy to beat this season, late goals conceded, not a single point clawed back from losing positions, winning positions fall away surrendering 15 points, wins become draws or loses is solely down to attitude, desire, determination and down right bloody mindedness.

Where are the warriors for whom the travelling faithful cheered for every swashbuckling tackle and ever full back put into the stands whilst smashing the ball out for a throw in?

Regardless of what the manager's instruction, the desire comes from within. You can't teach heart. It's either there or not.

So, a lot of this team need to have a look at themselves and get back to repaying hard working fans for their constant support.

[ex_pat_magpie]

One big thing about him is that he puts the fear of death into the opposition when he comes on as sub.