The Connolly debate

[Jeffro]

I will be the first to say MC played very well yesterday.
I think playing him at left back actually helps the team, as being a right footer, he will cut inside and tend to pass and keep possession rather than a lefty who will invariabley hit a channel ball.

Also he isn't being backed into and bullied like he is at centre back.

So well done MC and unless we sign a specialist left back I would like to see him start against Wigan.

Hall and Gabbidon showed why they are 1st choice CB's and didn't miss a header apart from Cahill one.

Connolly needs to be Less rash though, a def penalty not given, he flew in and took out Barkley for their FK that hit the bar.

All in all a good defensive performance.
Well done all

[Mellowhoop]

A good point about cutting inside. I thought he was quality at Watford last season. If he is not to start then he should be 1st name on the bench.

[BennyBoyRs]

Good summary, mate. Although I felt Hall was an accident waiting to happen. Even on the highlights, he mistimed tackles and lost his man. I think Gabbidon is our first choice, and that Hall will be dropped if we get Onouha in.

Connolly made a silly challenge for the Bains free kick, but his passing was outstanding. Him and Buzz seemed to link up well.

Good to meet you as well, Jeff.

[Jeffro]

Yes mate, was good to meet ya, will be a few more of these along the way I think.
Be interesting to see who Neil signs.

[BennyBoyRs]

It was a good day, made better by the cheap booze in that club.

2 Carling, a Strongbow, Kopperberg and my Guiness for £11.90. And that gravy from the chippy next door was amazing. The little things in life, eh?

[West Acton]

We looked a decent and solid unit yesterday. Tempo was higher then against Bolton.

Back four looked good we now need to teach Orr to keep the ball on the pitch when he passes it

[PedalR]

I think Clint may have a problem wresting the LB position off Matt if Matt performs like he did yesterday in upcoming games.. good to have competition for places to gee everyone up!

[EYR]

We looked a decent and solid unit yesterday. Tempo was higher then against Bolton.

Back four looked good we now need to teach Orr to keep the ball on the pitch when he passes it

Orr decision making when he has the ball is shocking,it either goes out or he lumps it 50 yeards into open space.

[Yousef]

Connolly was really good and should start against Wigan, but for bigger games we need to sign expreinced full back.

[Olly]

Orr decision making when he has the ball is shocking,it either goes out or he lumps it 50 yeards into open space.

Yes, but you have to bear in mind PR had the same problem at RB. There are times when they get the ball, and Hall too, when the rest of the team are NOT making themselves available for an easy pass. Take another look sometimes at team positioning around them when these hoofballs occur. And the balls that go out of play sometimes are caused by BO being closed down as he gets the ball.

[HammersmithR]

As I said the only defender we have who can play in any position across the back. This is so vital in the Premiership with all the injuries and suspensions we're going to get. I agree with Benny in that Hall is an accident waiting to happen. I just don't feel confident watching him in our defence. Gabbidon was far better yesterday. The one who did worry me a little bit again yesterday was Orr. Kept giving the ball away on so many occasions. Great spirit from people like Connolly who from what I heard hardly slept at all the night before the game as he had been throwing up all night with this bug. Warnock has instilled some great spirit into the camp and long may it continue whatever we think of the team selection. If the team plays like it did yesterday, the team will pick itself like it did last year with the best back 4 in the land!

[Stanley]

I think playing him at left back actually helps the team, as being a right footer, he will cut inside and tend to pass and keep possession rather than a lefty who will invariabley hit a channel ball.

He actually pinged a few good crosses in with his left peg, so he doesn't always need to cut in to his right. He seems quite two-footed to me.

The one who did worry me a little bit again yesterday was Orr. Kept giving the ball away on so many occasions.

No change there.