 | Forum
Reply | Fans Forum 30/09/24
at 14:29 26 Sep 2024
A bit like Harry and Meghan's interview with Oprah, Nourry will take the first 30 minutes before someone finally plucks up the courage to ask "Where's Marti?". Cue the camera panning across to find Cifuentes in the coup feeding chickens. When Marti does finally join the set, Christian gently squeezes his hand to let him know which questions he can and can't answer. A fan asks whether the toilets have been finally fixed, upon which Marti 'Top Gun' Cifuentes jumps up and down for joy on the sofa.
 [Post edited 26 Sep 15:02]
|
| Forum
Reply | The spine is there, the rest is not working
at 13:43 24 Sep 2024
Great post, Hunter. Like most complex problems there are usually a number of issues at play but you've highlighted a few key ones.
Building anything to last requires solid foundations so it makes sense to focus first on the spine. This was lacking when Warnock came in but the additions of Kenny, Hill, Orr, Derry, and Mackie coupled with Helguson provided the spine that allowed the likes of Faurlin, Taarabt, Ephraim and Routledge to express themselves. Fortunately for Neil, once he'd bolstered the spine and unlocked Taarabt's potential everything just clicked into place. It isn't going to happen overnight for Marti as this time around QPR have introduced many players with little to no EFL experience and the team currently lacks the guile and know-how of their aforementioned predecessors.
In addition, for me Marti appears to be at a tactical crossroads. Last season he clearly decided to dilute his favoured progressive style for a more pragmatic approach in order to achieve safety. Despite bringing a serious upturn in form, this season he looks more keen to stick with his philosophy. Whilst I understand this, we don't quite have the personnel or experience to systematically execute this philosophy week in, week out across 90+ minutes. Hence, the inconsistent performances. In particular, the midfield remains a concern. Playing from the back through the lines requires midfielders who are comfortable receiving the ball on the turn in tight spaces and can break lines by passing forward or dribbling past players. We don't currently have that Faurlin, Francis, Taarabt or Rowlands type player. What we do have is a clutch of number 10s who are either being deployed on the flanks or in the hole behind Frey. This creates a disconnect resulting in defenders and/or goalkeeper being forced to play it long when pressed high.
This is why I think we're a better counter-attacking team and struggle at home where the onus is on us to force to issue. The goal against Millwall is a case in point. This was a counter attack that stemmed from Cook breaking up a Millwall attack and the back tracking Anderson playing a forward pass into space. On this occasion, the team was able to exploit the space because Millwall were still largely committed to their previous attack. You're not always going to be afforded that space, particularly at home where you're typically facing 2 banks, something which QPR struggle to break down.
That all being said, there are some encouraging signs that with time and confidence the team can eventually flourish. Much of top-level sport is mental and this has already been on acute display at QPR this season where the team has recovered many losing positions. Apart from fighting spirit, this demonstrates that when the players really apply themselves, believe and are brave, they are capable of executing Marti's gameplan. It remains to be seen whether they can progress to a team executing consistently week in, week out, over the full 90+ minutes, regardless of the scoreline.
In the short term, Chair's return should hopefully help with this, as he's brave on the ball and forward thinking. His inclusion could also open the door for Dembele playing more often in the 10 role where he's been more effective. In the long term, I remain glass half full, provided Cifuentes sticks around to complete the project. With that in mind, it would be nice to have Marti at the forum so fans can understand his thinking and the direction of travel. As Clive said, this would buy time and empathy from the fans. Sadly, I suspect we're going to have to make do with decoding Nourry's convoluted messages. |
| Forum
Reply | Sheffield Wednesday Reflection
at 22:10 15 Sep 2024
Struggling to see how some rate Colback as MOTM. His attitude was questionable at times, he rarely hit a forward pass, and he allowed Bannan to dictate proceedings. Whilst no one particularly covered themselves in glory, midfield was easily the weakest link (only 51% successful pass completion in the final third). Nardi takes it for me with some strong saves, closely followed by Dunne who slotted in seamlessly at CB. Honourable mention to Alfie Lloyd for his goal of the season contender. |
| Forum
Reply | Breaking down the Llyod Goal
at 21:52 15 Sep 2024
"The ball is cleared with the top shoulder 1 yard in front of the goal line (no handball and no goal, awesome defending by the Wed player)."
Disagree with this point. The frame you've captured is after contact with the ball is made. If you freeze it one frame earlier you'll see there's a bit of bicep involved.
Other than that, great breakdown. [Post edited 15 Sep 22:00]
|
| Forum
Reply | Not biased at all!
at 14:16 15 Sep 2024
My immediate reaction in real time was handball and on seeing the replay I haven't changed my mind. The defender puts his arm out and stops the ball going in with a bit of bicep. [Post edited 15 Sep 14:28]
|
| Forum
Reply | Yes, this is the Sheffield Wednesday match thread
at 17:05 14 Sep 2024
Richly undeserved but I don't care. For all its shortcomings, one thing this team does have is character. That's now 5 of our 6 points rescued from losing positions. |
| Forum
Reply | Yes, this is the Sheffield Wednesday match thread
at 15:43 14 Sep 2024
"Frey did a poor pass to him and just looked at him instead of fighting for it."
That annoyed me. Yes, the pass wasn't inch perfect but it wasn't a million miles off either and the ball was still there to be won. He just gave up on it. |
| Forum
Reply | Yes, this is the Sheffield Wednesday match thread
at 15:33 14 Sep 2024
The performance so far has been a bit like the commentary; patchy. Looking decidedly uncomfortable playing it out from the back, vulnerable on the flanks, and the midfield is non-existent. Positive is we're still level. Passing needs to be crisper and the midfield needs to step up. And FFS someone get a hold of Bannan. |
| Forum
Reply | Parking at Loftus Road advice for a quick get away after
at 12:31 10 Sep 2024
The A40 is currently undergoing major roadworks between Hangar Lane and North Acton so I would avoid it and any suggestions that depend on it. IMHO your best bets are either:
(a) Parking on one of the side roads off either the Goldhawk Road or Askew Road. Much of this area is permit parking Monday to Friday. It's a 10-15 minute walk to the ground and you can get away down the Goldhawk Road/Bath Road and navigate the side roads through Chiswick, Acton, Ealing and Scotch Common to get to Greenford.
(b) Parking near Greenford or Perivale station. The surrounding streets are permit parking Monday to Friday so you can jump on the Central Line to White City. |
| Forum
Reply | Birmingham
at 04:25 4 Sep 2024
Stansfield was Birmingham City's 17th signing of the summer and the third time the club smashed the League 1 transfer fee record in this window alone. |
| | Benny_the_Ball
|
Site Scores| Forum Votes: | 2629 | | Comment Votes: | 1 | | Prediction League: | 0 | | TOTAL: | 2630 |
|
By continuing to use the site, you agree to our use of cookies and to abide by our Terms and Conditions.