BTW did anyone else think that boxall was going to be played as a target man when he came on?
No. Doyle was running low on batteries.
R7 vs Perth Glory | Friday 21st Nov | 11:45pm | SS2
Oh well. It will hurt in the morning, but not as much as after Adelaide game. Then we were close, this time we were not. I still reckon Perth are a better team than a number of people here would grant. They overran us in the first half, and took the foot of the pedal late in the game.
Pretty abject performance really. Not a whole lot we can really take from the game moving forward. I actually thought Lia was one of the better players. Sure he gave the ball away every now and then but they all were.
The last few games have seemed to show a disconnect between the midfield three and the attacking three. I'm guessing that's why Merrick played Brockie and dropped Roly into the midfield three thinking he'd have more of an influence than A-Rod. While Roly had some good moments, it didn't really work overall.
Back to the drawing board I guess. Let's hope being back at home & having weemac in the team can inspire the guys next week.
Oh well. It will hurt in the morning, but not as much as after Adelaide game. Then we were close, this time we were not. I still reckon Perth are a better team than a number of people here would grant. They overran us in the first half, and took the foot of the pedal late in the game.
Yeah when you consider their lineup, I think a few of them would probably make it into our team:
Risdon, Thwaite, Jamieson, Hersi & Keogh..
Although Hersi would break the no c*nts policy
We have to pick ourselves up and thrash Melbourne City at the RoF next week.
New thread? Please.
Sometimes I don't feel like we have a plan for what we want to do with the ball other than just keep possession, there aren't obvious patterns of play you can see for when we try and attack
Sometimes I don't feel like we have a plan for what we want to do with the ball other than just keep possession, there aren't obvious patterns of play you can see for when we try and attack
You are right but as these guys are seasoned professionals, one would think that should all else fail, that they would sort something out on the pitch and do something themselves. Surely, they must have some idea from all their experience?
That was the first nix game I haven't watched in ages - sounds like I didnt miss much :(
Bring on heart/city next week!
We slow the game down too much, last year when we had our winning streak it was built on quickly getting the ball forwards. It was one touch for control and pass. I remember Merick screaming at Lia to never ever pass the ball backwards or sideways again and keep moving it forwards.
This year it seems like we are happy to go back to the keeper to reset, but the problem is that the team is to slow and the other team has time to get back and pack the box.
Perth actually looked quite bad, and we had some nice phases of buildup (only to try and cut in past four or five Perth players, or wait to long before going wide and doing a low cross, or going back to the keeper) and this was probably not because we had Barcelona tendencies but because Perth gave us the space.
We slow the game down too much, last year when we had our winning streak it was built on quickly getting the ball forwards. It was one touch for control and pass. I remember Merick screaming at Lia to never ever pass the ball backwards or sideways again and keep moving it forwards.
This year it seems like we are happy to go back to the keeper to reset, but the problem is that the team is to slow and the other team has time to get back and pack the box.
Perth actually looked quite bad, and we had some nice phases of buildup (only to try and cut in past four or five Perth players, or wait to long before going wide and doing a low cross, or going back to the keeper) and this was probably not because we had Barcelona tendencies but because Perth gave us the space.
In addition we had some rather heavy first touches and then tried to squeeze out a pass (not a lemon) which invariably went straight to a Perth player.
The main problem was not our defence, but that we had ONE shot on goal in the first half (from outside the box according to the stats, but I can't even recall it) and then about 10 mins into the second half when we had the next opportunity inside the box which Krishna couldn't latch on to cleanly.
We never got close to threatening to score until Perth went down to 10 men and Boyd came on.
Ernie's subs seemed very strange, and seemed to reflect the lack of urgency that the whole team showed throughout the game. Boxall for Doyle was fair enough, but bringing on Boyd for Roly was bizarre, since Roly had been one of our best players all night. And making that sub at 76 mins was far too late. Should have been at least 15 minutes earlier than that. Plus I fail to see why he didn't drag Burns, who had an unusually woeful night, or Brockie for Cunningham. Kenny may not have the greatest touch in the world, but he's fast, and scored 7(?) goals for us last season. Surely he would have been worth a punt at the stage when our front-line has produced virtually nothing. But Ernie seemed to have totally lost faith in him, which makes you wonder why he was on the bench in the first place.
(---)
The main problem was not our defence, but that we had ONE shot on goal in the first half (from outside the box according to the stats, but I can't even recall it) and then about 10 mins into the second half when we had the next opportunity inside the box which Krishna couldn't latch on to cleanly.
We never got close to threatening to score until Perth went down to 10 men and Boyd came on.
You're quite right on that. One would say that our attack was a bit one-dimensional, and the occasional attempt from the edge of the box would not hurt. Even if it is a hopeful one, it may be more likely to "get lucky" than just losing the ball to the defence.
My own thoughts are that Ernie has now the team that he will have for the whole season - we recruited, we had time together, Riera has recovered, etc. So I would like to see what he does with them, knowing that we severely lack pace and that we tend to have less than ideal ball control skills. It is this season that will show me if he is worth his money, not the previous one.
I agree to a point with some comments that Perth were at times awful. What did you expect, Barcelona? They were not awful when it mattered, that is they ensured they would not lose at home, and decided against expending any more energy or risk injuries. If we had equalised I am sure they would have ratched up a gear, unless it was in the last minute (... no, do not remind me....).
To win you have to attack and put the ball in the box. We were all too slow and predictable and tried to walk it in through the middle for the best part. Brockie waste of space. Burns didn't get in it until the last minute. Muscat passed back all night whenever we got any width. Just frustrating to watch. Put Greenacre up front and try to attach occasionally, that would be my idea. Krishna did well.
Have we ever won a game when a member of the team as hit a milestone???
Have we ever won a game when a member of the team as hit a milestone???
We beat Newcastle 1-0 in Daniel's 100th game, albeit Daniel only play 2 minutes at the end of that match.
The main problem was not our defence, but that we had ONE shot on goal in the first half (from outside the box according to the stats, but I can't even recall it)
That was when roly got some space outside the box and had a crack. Looked pretty close. Had some power and missed by about half a foot. Our only real highlight in the first half.
Ah yes. Thanks for reminding me!
Cant wait for Welnix to start moaning about attendances.Keep serving this rubbish up and i doubt if even the novelty of the Hutt Rec will get a sell out.
Common theme running through this thread is a lack of urgency,we have seen this know a number of times this season.Our inability to attack at pace really does get shown up.
The switch back to 4-3-3 really hurt us - just couldn't get a foothold in the middle of the park until it was much too late (and even then only because Perth decided to sit back on the lead with only 10 men).
They also identified Boooo-urns as the key attacking threat, and pretty much didn't let him breathe the whole game. Really need to develop another potent attacking (and goal-scoring option) if that pattern is not going to repeat over the coming weeks.
On a positive note, I thought we looked fantastic knocking the ball around the back 4 between the 92nd and 94th minute, Riera came back nicely to knock it back to them again a few times. It certainly got our possession stats well up, great to watch lads.
Certainly bringing Boxall and Doyle on must have made Perth extremely nervous.
Great to stay up til 2am though, I only had sleep scheduled after 12.
Have we ever won a game when a member of the team as hit a milestone???
Have we ever won a game wearing black shorts with white socks?
This team is only 3/4 players from being one of the topsides.
Our problem has always been the defence. Apart from two seasons ( and we ended up 4th both times) we have conceded more than we have scored.
Three of our back four plus Brockie should be replaced ( don't know with who) but it is the old story--if you don't concede you can't lose.
Well that was pedestrian. Our first touch was consistently poor... and Perth were little, if any, better. That was an opportunity missed.
We definitely lack teeth up front and need to move the ball with more pace. And though Lia played ok, Albert didn't have his best game and I think we missed A-Rod's work rate off the ball, particularly in stretching/creating space for people with the ball.
Tyler looked good when he came on, Roy had a few moments though nowhere near enough - and Burns was played out of the game. Oh, and Brockie was apparently there as well.
I don't pretend to have the tactical nouse many of you do, much less Ernie - but something needs to change. We need to be able to adapt our tactics on the fly... the last few matches we've seemed very pedestrian and lacking ideas, passing the ball around in our half/midfield but with little idea how to create opportunities in the final third... unless the opposition gift us one... which would be great if we weren't doing the same, but we are. It reminds me of watching Arsenal (ok, maybe not that extreme, or quality, but you know what I mean).
Maybe they're a little over tired? Over trained? Over travelled? Over rated?... I dunno - but something is lacking.
Looking forward to a lubed up Fever Zone next week to fire up the boys and get them going... it looks to me like they need it.
COYN!
This team is only 3/4 players from being one of the topsides.
Our problem has always been the defence. Apart from two seasons ( and we ended up 4th both times) we have conceded more than we have scored.
Three of our back four plus Brockie should be replaced ( don't know with who) but it is the old story--if you don't concede you can't lose.
I was thinking last night while watching it, do we keep the same centre back pairing until they don't want to play anymore? They may play beyond themselves sometimes but there's something lacking, mainly with the fullbacks.
yeah lets drop them both and replace them with.....
Boyd made a good contribution getting the pen. Generally we gave away too much possession and the slow pass formula is easy to read and close down. Perth had pace out wide and used it..we didn't.
...and in the final analysis:
- Mistakes from us: 5 million
- Key Players having badish games all at the same time: Reira and Burns, Doyle
- Inflexibility: Too narrow, too much short passing, all day long.
- Strange Substitutions....
- A bad mix in the starting lineup: dont play brockie and burns togther with Krishna wide, dont ever start Vince mofoing Lia.....
It may come as no surprise for @PerthGloryFC fans to hear that we have not won a game when this ref has been in charge of a Glory game.
— Jason Brewer (@PGFC_CEO) November 21, 2014
You mean in those two whole games he has refereed Perth? Knob.
....oh, and too many 140kmm/hr reverse passes
This team is only 3/4 players from being one of the topsides.
Our problem has always been the defence. Apart from two seasons ( and we ended up 4th both times) we have conceded more than we have scored.
Three of our back four plus Brockie should be replaced ( don't know with who) but it is the old story--if you don't concede you can't lose.
Reckon Cunningham is on the chopping block his off season. You'd like to think Merrick would use that foreign spot in bring in true number 9.
The switch back to 4-3-3 really hurt us - just couldn't get a foothold in the middle of the park until it was much too late (and even then only because Perth decided to sit back on the lead with only 10 men).
They also identified Boooo-urns as the key attacking threat, and pretty much didn't let him breathe the whole game. Really need to develop another potent attacking (and goal-scoring option) if that pattern is not going to repeat over the coming weeks.
Exacerbated by no McGlinchey.
This team is only 3/4 players from being one of the topsides.
Our problem has always been the defence. Apart from two seasons ( and we ended up 4th both times) we have conceded more than we have scored.
Three of our back four plus Brockie should be replaced ( don't know with who) but it is the old story--if you don't concede you can't lose.
Reckon Cunningham is on the chopping block his off season. You'd like to think Merrick would use that foreign spot in bring in true number 9.
You could be right. It is a pity about Cunningham as he showed a lot of promise earlier on.
I was a big defender of him last year. But from what I have seen of him this year (few HAL appearances, half dozen pre-season games, couple of ressie games) he's looked pretty ordinary.
Ernie's press conference
The ball was in play for just 9.2 seconds before Zadkovic got sent off.
The ball was in play for just 9.2 seconds before Zadkovic got sent off.
Griffiths would be even more pissed off at getting subbed after that bit of idiocy.
We seemed really unable to hold possession huh? And then we took off our player with strength on the ball.
The ball was in play for just 9.2 seconds before Zadkovic got sent off.
Watching it again, although he nearly ruined Vinnies season, I kinda laughed. What did he expect to go in with your first challenge with a foot up that high? Hardly worth the warm up on the sideline.
Unfortunately missed the game; but that is hilarious. Row Z is an idiot.
They also identified Boooo-urns as the key attacking threat, and pretty much didn't let him breathe the whole game. Really need to develop another potent attacking (and goal-scoring option) if that pattern is not going to repeat over the coming weeks.
As we have no width, its pretty easy to put the clampers down on our guys receiving the ball outside the penalty area. And that's what they did.