saintant

Added to the fact that we were set up properly, played as a well-drilled unit and entertained with some sparkling football. About as far removed from the current dross as you could get.

Some good points. A system should only be a frame-work because if you insist players stick rigidly to it you run the risk of stifling creativity and off-the-cuff play. Also the team becomes too predictable and the opponents know what to expect. We are far too invested in this possession approach so we see players get the ball with the chance to spring an attack but they play it safe. It's not working and is horrible to watch.

A manager who picks Rice and Philips in the same midfield and leaves out Madison is not one I'd put much faith in.

Never heard of players seeing and slotting into space - there's enough of it on a football pitch, pass and move or getting between the lines or some long balls over the top? Those are what draw opponents out, cause them to make errors and break down low blocks - you won't do it with lazy walking, tippy-tappy crab football.

I don't see any signs that he knows what he's doing. Every game is littered with mistakes most of which are caused by playing in panic because we have no shape or proper movement. He's not taking us to a higher level at the current rate.

It's where we are at the moment. It baffles me that we are meant to be playing possession football but see none of its traits like moving off the ball, creating good angles, pass and move, getting between the lines and fizzing passes around. It's all walking, lazy, lethargic passing and zero intelligent movement. The coaches at this club including RM are trying to implement a style they don't know how to play. Nuts.

Depends whether the Baz header was on target.

Not the way we played tonight it's a lucky point gained.

He can pass, he can head it - what the fuck is he doing in goal!

Just wow! Out of jail.

True this. Two very poor performances.

Not one player has had the nous to look to get between the lines - it's part and parcel of possession football. RM and his coaches clearly don't understand how it works.

A totally disjointed 90 minutes of football. Explanations needed from RM.

RM, one step forward, two steps back.

Mara is a fraud.

Exactly this so what are the coaches doing?

It's all very poor when you think we should be pushing for an equaliser and haven't tested their keeper.

I think if Mara was playing charades and the word was footballer no one would ever get the answer.

Maybe one of his team mates should fill that space?

If you want to play passing football you need to be fizzing the ball around - our passes are all slow and that reflects how we play.

Absolute shambles this half - the tone was set by Bazunu and Holgate making clowns of themselves. 3 subs please RM.

He's probably been our best player.

I couldn't believe it but Wikepedia has Manning taller than Bree.

Dunno but at least she spotted that we should have been moving the ball much quicker.

Bit lucky to be in front. Little quality apart from KWPs goal. Che not involved and needs to be dropping off to receive the ball. Too much walking football and not enough angles being made. PNE look dangerous from corners and VAR would have given them a penalty for Charles handball. Need a big improvement in the second half if we are to take all 3 points.