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That was a match that really encapsulated the passion of the Championship. I thought the Sheffield Wednesday supporters were absolutely superb and contributed towards an electric atmosphere. It reminded me of why, in many ways, I prefer this division to the Premiership. You wouldn't see the likes of plastic Fulham and Arsenal fans jumping up and down like the travelling Wednesday contingent did. I loved the physicality and aggression of the football as well - some of those tackles would have been immediate yellow cards in the Premiership. Faurlin's three successive slide tackles had me standing up applauding: that's what football is all about and you don't see it as often now in the top tier because of overzealous refereeing. A great game. In summary: proper supporters. Players who care. A proper league.
Regarding our performance, I didn't think we were great and perhaps a little fortunate to get the three points, but there were certainly positives to take away. Johnson was fantastic in the first half and was causing the opposition all sorts of problems. He could have had two goals within the opening ten minutes. He did fade during the second half, but you have to remember that he's been out of action for a long time. If he stays fit, expect him to score in excess of 20 goals this season. Hoilett seemed like a different player to the one we saw last season - tricky, pacey and a serious goal threat. Barton really showed his class as well. I've been one of his biggest critics, but today he conducted himself superbly. Gave 100%, contributed towards a goal, kept things simple and put in some dangerous crosses and set-pieces. Faurlin I thought played very well indeed and was at times taking on the work of two midfielders as Henry was very unimpressive.
The negatives were as follows: Zamora looked just as useless as he did last season. He offers nothing going forward - he is a complete donkey in every sense of the word. Austin must replace him for next week's trip to Huddersfield, as he looked a lot livelier and more likely to make things happen. Danny Simpson was caught out positionally a few times, but I get the feeling that he is still adapting to a new club and new division and am confident that he will quickly improve. Hill had a shaky first half, but seemed much more solid during the second. Lastly, I was not impressed by Karl Henry, who looked lethargic throughout and surprisingly reluctant to get stuck in. Based on that showing, I'd have Derry or Jenas in there for the Huddersfield trip.
Overall, a thoroughly entertaining match which has left me excited at the campaign ahead.
Regarding our performance, I didn't think we were great and perhaps a little fortunate to get the three points, but there were certainly positives to take away. Johnson was fantastic in the first half and was causing the opposition all sorts of problems. He could have had two goals within the opening ten minutes. He did fade during the second half, but you have to remember that he's been out of action for a long time. If he stays fit, expect him to score in excess of 20 goals this season. Hoilett seemed like a different player to the one we saw last season - tricky, pacey and a serious goal threat. Barton really showed his class as well. I've been one of his biggest critics, but today he conducted himself superbly. Gave 100%, contributed towards a goal, kept things simple and put in some dangerous crosses and set-pieces. Faurlin I thought played very well indeed and was at times taking on the work of two midfielders as Henry was very unimpressive.
The negatives were as follows: Zamora looked just as useless as he did last season. He offers nothing going forward - he is a complete donkey in every sense of the word. Austin must replace him for next week's trip to Huddersfield, as he looked a lot livelier and more likely to make things happen. Danny Simpson was caught out positionally a few times, but I get the feeling that he is still adapting to a new club and new division and am confident that he will quickly improve. Hill had a shaky first half, but seemed much more solid during the second. Lastly, I was not impressed by Karl Henry, who looked lethargic throughout and surprisingly reluctant to get stuck in. Based on that showing, I'd have Derry or Jenas in there for the Huddersfield trip.
Overall, a thoroughly entertaining match which has left me excited at the campaign ahead.
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