Encouraging signs

[Gerryhatrick]

Firstly, we were playing the champs away, and at times they looked like they had 15 players on, movement off the ball and space they found for options was top class.

Positives. There was a few times when we kept possession really well, the inter passing was quick and slick, and so much better than our 2 previous games. When we get to know each other better this will improve. This was because our centre mid was much better, and Granero was superb, so quick with his passing, Faurlin also looked like he was getting close to full fitness. Nelson at CB was also much better, he was disciplined and quick. Zamora had another good game but sometimes drops too deep or wide for the ball.

Negatives, I just don't know why SWP gets ahead of Tarbs or Mackie, had another game of poor control, giving the ball away, and running into blind alleys. Ferdinand was so so, does some things well, but then loses concentration and gives too much space to their attackers. Very odd sub choices, Cisse should have come on for Johnson who was quiet, and Mackie should have replaced SWP on the right.

Anyway, spine of the team looked much better, Nelson - Granny & Faulin - Zammo. We should build on this.

[hoops1969]

i agree ferdy is the weak link, nelson mbia should b the centre backs , chris samba in jan?

[MattyRangers]

Quite optimistic after the game tbh. It was argueably the toughest game we'll have all season and, IMO, we done OK in a few spells and held our own - always expected to lose.
Very encouraging signs, Grenado looks class, with Faurlin coming back, Nelson looking a very astute signing, Mbia to come in, I'm pretty positive tbh and really think we will hit some form after the Spuds game.

[West Acton]

I also thought Nelson looked solid but I am surprised at the negative feedback Anton is getting for the game as it was Nelson then Dzeko came acorss to put them ahead, I thought Nelson should have been clearing that out all day long

[hoops1969]

nelson makes 1 mistake, how many has ferdy made.not being negative being honest we all cant b wrong about him

[West Acton]

Well one mistake which ended in a goal and shanked one wide when he should have hit the target. I would defo have Nelson in the starting 11 with one other beside him but its ironic people digging out Anton for mistakes when the one which put us out the game was Nelsons who is being bigged up

For the record I am not digging out Nelson as I think he is an improvement and has a calming influence just making a point