SWLondon Saint

Tbh it wasn't just him tonight, we didn't pass well at all because we were outnumbered in midfield and had no presence up front at all. Our pass stats were 300 successful out of 390 which is about 76% aka shit all round. The 'passes' that bothered me the most were the front 3 trying a bunch of 1-touch layoffs which pretty much all went wrong and gave the ball away. Just take another f***ing touch!

I mean, if you're going point the finger at anyone, it has to be our front 3 who were bloody awful, couldn't hold the ball, no threat - the only one who gets a sort of pass is Downs as he's new and looks nervous. BBD and Archer have no excuse.

Seriously, this is getting ridiculous, I don't want to defend the guy as I don't rate him for the PL but what is with the Sugawara hate? He didn't really do much wrong at all today and yes, I endured watching the entire game.

I thought he had absolutely no problem tonight - which isn't exactly tough considering it's league 1 opposition, there was 1 decent cross from their left all game when Fraser was out there on their winger.

I think Archer forgot Archer, he's been invisible 🫥

We can't play this 3-4-3 formation with these forwards, none of these is a winger type. Simple as. But part of the problem is only having 2 in the central area, they're too stretched up against 3, one of the CBs has to step into midfield more but none look confident enough to do it.

Honestly, it feels at times like Still is trying some kind of passive-aggressive 'buy-me-a-number-10' routine as the side is crying out for someone in that spot to get on the ball.

We desperately need a 3rd man in midfield. Can also see why AA started up front on Saturday now, these 3 look absolutely hopeless. What is going on with them? Downs just looks a bag of nerves right now but at least he's trying.

BBD looks awful every time it goes near him. Need an extra man in midfield, not at the back.

https://shorturl.at/aBMCU Bookmark the site after, it's decent, though recommend you use an ad-blocking browser

Looks like Will is all out of chewing gum... Like it! 🥾🍑 Edit - also hope we see Matsuki, Downes, Taylor. BBD too I guess if we want to sell him could do with some goals...

Just watched the whole of this, and it's completely unacceptable - not a single mention of 'Being Braver', 'Trust the Process' or 'Playing our way'??? Actually giving answers like 'Too static across the front 3' or 'Need to play more skip passes and be more fluid with our passing' is never gonna catch on. Games gone.

My predicted starting 11: Whoever needs match fitness. I'm generally optimistic for the season, but 100% expecting a sloppy loss here. Post-match tagline bingo: 'Wake-up call' 'Not what we're about' 'Reality check'

Bloody hell, all 3 relegated sides went behind in first game of the new season, wonder how often that's happened?

Not sure he's come back to the table so much as put the table out front, turned on a red light and stuck up a giant neon sign saying 'Come and get me big boys.'

Fair enough, I know there are a couple who seem to have it in for him, just like others did for Baz and probably myself criticizing Cap'n Jack in the past! On the defensive front in general though, that 1v1 Jack got back for which I think he did do well on was an interesting demo of why I think this is his level. At this level players are often not as rock solid technically and tactically - if that was most PL midfielders, it ends in either a goal or a pen and a red card as they just position better. You can get away with Jack's kind of grabby / borderline play in the Champ, you can't in the PL.

You've got to be joking right? Wrexham were offering very little going forward when Sugawara and Welington went off and they were pulled for fresh attacking players. And for the Windass shot, when Windass picks the ball up, Quarshie is nearest him but retreats to get to his LCB position and probably either he should have stayed close to him or Stephens has to step up since Edwards sticks to Moore who peels more into a central position. The fullback makes a completely untracked run on the outside which Sugawara gets pulled towards as well, so in the end Suga dives towards the shot from too far away because no-one else is near him. He's not great but this is totally one-eyed criticism where you're determined to scapegoat the player you can't stand.

One thing I thought watching today was that he's not really a holding midfielder, he's actually pretty decent going forward, good touch, some great runs, can take the ball on the half turn or in his stride. Should have had a pen when his shot was blocked by an arm. Ideal I think is Downes sitting in front of the defence with Charles and Fernandes ahead of him, then if we get up need to upgrade in the holding MF position.

Well, I didn't think RB was a particular weakness today tbh. I watched the entire game and honestly Sugawara didn't stand out to me in any particular way, other than when Windass hit the bar, which was bad defensive coordination as Sugawara had to cover the left back running outside. Sugawara and Bree are perfectly adequate for this level, would rather spend the money elsewhere on the pitch.

There was a through ball at some point and Quarshie just overtook the guy and took the ball easily, looked totally dominant. Something we've lacked the last however long. Worried about who gets the assignment to fight with Hirst next week at Ipswich. Probably shouldn't be Edwards on today's evidence.

Absolutely agree, sometimes playing shit and winning is all that matters. For anyone wishing we were someone else, the supercomputer's choice for champions Sheffield Utd currently 4-1 down AT HOME.

Agree, clear push and ref would definitely not have given it, he was completely crap all game.

Few random non goal/Baz thoughts: Charles was class, probably our best player Edwards so poor. Wood would've been better on Moore as he's more of a unit. Should probably have left Suga on as we needed someone to cross it when the forwards came on. We need a target man up front, one of Downs or Stewart has to play. Armstrong should never be played there again. Also he just is not clinical enough as we all know, he had several good chances. Fraser and Robinson did OK, both had their moments. Really impressed with Robinson but we can't expect that every game from a teenager. I thought Suga and Welington were both OK, but there's no point playing with them as wingbacks if we have a midget front line when they both want to get forward and cross.

Hollywood on our side, Baz and Cap'n Jack redemption arc stories. Unbelievable 🎬📽️

FUCK YEAH ALL CAPS TIME!!!!