I didn't quite hear the name of the Nix Superfan that passed away, but it was a nice tribute from the club honour them during the game. RIP.
Neil Duncan I believe, his son carried the match ball out. Pretty sure I also heard the Phoenix jersey the son was wearing was a gift from his father, very sad.
Funny you should say that. Im not like others in hating on Piper at such an early stage of his Phoenix career let the lad develop. Was talking to someone last nite and they said something which was interesting and i agree with them, he reminds us of the rough edges on Siggy when he first started to get games. Piper is getting the same criticism about his touch as Siggy used to get. Love his not prepared to take a backward step approach and not afraid to front experienced guys. Phoenix fans love to write off guys who then come back show them to be wrong.
I didn't quite hear the name of the Nix Superfan that passed away, but it was a nice tribute from the club honour them during the game. RIP.
Neil Duncan I believe, his son carried the match ball out. Pretty sure I also heard the Phoenix jersey the son was wearing was a gift from his father, very sad.
Funny you should say that. Im not like others in hating on Piper at such an early stage of his Phoenix career let the lad develop. Was talking to someone last nite and they said something which was interesting and i agree with them, he reminds us of the rough edges on Siggy when he first started to get games. Piper is getting the same criticism about his touch as Siggy used to get. Love his not prepared to take a backward step approach and not afraid to front experienced guys. Phoenix fans love to write off guys who then come back show them to be wrong.
Don't under estimate the value of a couple of tough, strong, uncompromising, 'hate to lose' personalities both in the dressing room, and on the field. Especially in a tough season, that could derail completely after the high of the last campaign.
The hardcore fan faithful won't give up on the team, if they show fight even if the football itself is pretty ugly at the moment. Chiefy is picking Piper, and to a lesser extent Hughes (who has made plenty of high profile errors) for good reason.
Piper seems to win just about everything in the air. Sydney had worked out that he was a big threat at corners, and Rhyan Ghrant had him in a bear hug each time. Very effective, but restraining a player, like this and by grabbing shirts, is rife, and a blight on the game. If refs started awarding penalties it would stop. Save the cuddles and shirt lifting for after the game.
Sometimes things just work. I thought last night was terrific. It was proper football match. Top drawer.
That is all.
Profile pic. Should you be interested. Lakhsen, on the right, lost touch with him. Mohammed, on the left, I'm still in touch with. He's now living in Agadez, Niger. More focused on his animals now as tourism has dried up. Is active with a co-op promoting local goods, leather work and bijouterie, into Europe. 20/5/20
I don't want to be that guy, but is Nagasawa offering much? I hardly see him touch the ball, or have any real influence on any match I've watched.
In fact, I have no idea what his play style is like because I never see him on the ball, or challenging defenders, etc, etc.
77 touches. second most before Retre (83). 8 passes into the final third. Second behind Piper. 4 intercepts more than anyone on the park. 8 recoveries. Second behind Retre with 10.
Thanks. Just forwarded that to someone who had asked the same question as Ninja. 👍🏼2ndBest
Ninja
I don't want to be that guy, but is Nagasawa offering much? I hardly see him touch the ball, or have any real influence on any match I've watched.
In fact, I have no idea what his play style is like because I never see him on the ball, or challenging defenders, etc, etc.
77 touches. second most before Retre (83). 8 passes into the final third. Second behind Piper. 4 intercepts more than anyone on the park. 8 recoveries. Second behind Retre with 10.
Profile pic. Should you be interested. Lakhsen, on the right, lost touch with him. Mohammed, on the left, I'm still in touch with. He's now living in Agadez, Niger. More focused on his animals now as tourism has dried up. Is active with a co-op promoting local goods, leather work and bijouterie, into Europe. 20/5/20
I don't want to be that guy, but is Nagasawa offering much? I hardly see him touch the ball, or have any real influence on any match I've watched.
In fact, I have no idea what his play style is like because I never see him on the ball, or challenging defenders, etc, etc.
77 touches. second most before Retre (83). 8 passes into the final third. Second behind Piper. 4 intercepts more than anyone on the park. 8 recoveries. Second behind Retre with 10.
Yet according to many him and Piper need to be sent to the scrap heap. Glad our players and coach dont give up as easily, as what some on here do with our players and coach
It’s almost as if we didn’t need to sign an import keeper?? But even more strange he was extended so early into the season
If Alby has no cover and has a couple of bad games and gets the yips or some such I’m sure he wouldn’t thank us. Chief obviously didn’t think a 1 Alby 2 Boon was a strong enough GK line up.
It’s almost as if we didn’t need to sign an import keeper?? But even more strange he was extended so early into the season
If Alby has no cover and has a couple of bad games and gets the yips or some such I’m sure he wouldn’t thank us. Chief obviously didn’t think a 1 Alby 2 Boon was a strong enough GK line up.
We could've resigned Duncan, he's been in great form for Victory..
about 1 year ago· edited about 1 year ago· History
martinb
mykey
It’s almost as if we didn’t need to sign an import keeper?? But even more strange he was extended so early into the season
If Alby has no cover and has a couple of bad games and gets the yips or some such I’m sure he wouldn’t thank us. Chief obviously didn’t think a 1 Alby 2 Boon was a strong enough GK line up.
May have been other Kiwi goalkeepers that could've been pursued if we were looking for someone who could compete with AKH to start rather than a 3rd choice like Boon, didn't have to use an import slot on the GK necessarily.
That said, I don't think anyone could have expected AKH to play as well as he did straight away, and 90 minutes does not a goalkeeper make. It's a promising performance, but far too early to say signing Oluwayemi was a mistake and very easy to say with the context hindsight.
Piper seems to win just about everything in the air. Sydney had worked out that he was a big threat at corners, and Rhyan Ghrant had him in a bear hug each time. Very effective, but restraining a player, like this and by grabbing shirts, is rife, and a blight on the game. If refs started awarding penalties it would stop. Save the cuddles and shirt lifting for after the game.
It’s almost as if we didn’t need to sign an import keeper?? But even more strange he was extended so early into the season
If Alby has no cover and has a couple of bad games and gets the yips or some such I’m sure he wouldn’t thank us. Chief obviously didn’t think a 1 Alby 2 Boon was a strong enough GK line up.
May have been other Kiwi goalkeepers that could've been pursued if we were looking for someone who could compete with AKH to start rather than a 3rd choice like Boon, didn't have to use an import slot on the GK necessarily.
That said, I don't think anyone could have expected AKH to play as well as he did straight away, and 90 minutes does not a goalkeeper make. It's a promising performance, but far too early to say signing Oluwayemi was a mistake.
Chief had a long good look it seems and didn’t see anyone. And I think Boon came in perhaps a bit less ready than he had thought?
It’s almost as if we didn’t need to sign an import keeper?? But even more strange he was extended so early into the season
If Alby has no cover and has a couple of bad games and gets the yips or some such I’m sure he wouldn’t thank us. Chief obviously didn’t think a 1 Alby 2 Boon was a strong enough GK line up.
We could've resigned Duncan, he's been in great form for Victory..
Think we did want to but he had the number one slot at Victory lined up.
It’s awesome to see how upbeat this thread is. For a moment I was worried we were turning into a bunch of emos. Must have been a decent game!
Think that’s it, it was a decent game, a number of players played well. I’m glad those nagasawa stats prove his worth last night. There were plenty of positives to take from it all. Just don’t agree about piper being anywhere other than up front actually. Loose touches won’t go punished or be as frustrating. He definitely can win a duel too. But this is all about opinions. Just a shame Kosta couldn’t quite lift the ball over the keeper.
I don't want to be that guy, but is Nagasawa offering much? I hardly see him touch the ball, or have any real influence on any match I've watched.
In fact, I have no idea what his play style is like because I never see him on the ball, or challenging defenders, etc, etc.
77 touches. second most before Retre (83). 8 passes into the final third. Second behind Piper. 4 intercepts more than anyone on the park. 8 recoveries. Second behind Retre with 10.
Yet according to many him and Piper need to be sent to the scrap heap. Glad our players and coach dont give up as easily, as what some on here do with our players and coach
It was not a decent game by us. If we saw that appearance in isolation last season we'd have been appalled. Forget winning 1 game in 6 as we have just done, I will be genuinely surprised if we get more than 1 win in our next 9. We just might get two as we just happen to be hosting two of the bottom 4 back-to-back after Macarthur away, but I cannot see us winning even one of our following 6 games. Feel free to screenshot this and clown on me if I am proven completely wrong, I'd love it, but I just can't see it.
It was not a decent game by us. If we saw that appearance in isolation last season we'd have been appalled. Forget winning 1 game in 6 as we have just done, I will be genuinely surprised if we get more than 1 win in our next 9. We just might get two as we just happen to be hosting two of the bottom 4 back-to-back after Macarthur away, but I cannot see us winning even one of our following 6 games. Feel free to screenshot this and clown on me if I am proven completely wrong, I'd love it, but I just can't see it.
After the City and WSW games it definitely makes this one look a lot better but this was also a side without Payne, Rufer and even LBS would've added more to our attack. Plus you add the import 10 we're getting, its definitely a performance we can build on when we have more of a full strength team.
It was not a decent game by us. If we saw that appearance in isolation last season we'd have been appalled. Forget winning 1 game in 6 as we have just done, I will be genuinely surprised if we get more than 1 win in our next 9. We just might get two as we just happen to be hosting two of the bottom 4 back-to-back after Macarthur away, but I cannot see us winning even one of our following 6 games. Feel free to screenshot this and clown on me if I am proven completely wrong, I'd love it, but I just can't see it.
After the City and WSW games it definitely makes this one look a lot better but this was also a side without Payne, Rufer and even LBS would've added more to our attack. Plus you add the import 10 we're getting, its definitely a performance we can build on when we have more of a full strength team.
everyone is talking about this mystery 10 were getting as some sort of messiah i feel, judging by the Chiefy's imports so far, I wont hold my breath just yet.
It’s awesome to see how upbeat this thread is. For a moment I was worried we were turning into a bunch of emos. Must have been a decent game!
Think that’s it, it was a decent game, a number of players played well. I’m glad those nagasawa stats prove his worth last night. There were plenty of positives to take from it all. Just don’t agree about piper being anywhere other than up front actually. Loose touches won’t go punished or be as frustrating. He definitely can win a duel too. But this is all about opinions. Just a shame Kosta couldn’t quite lift the ball over the keeper.
I'm pretty sure that Kosta chance was flagged offside by the lino, but the ref just didn't see it and played on. Happy to be corrected on that though.
Agreed on Piper. I know he'll do a job in midfield or further up, and his physical prowess and aerial ability is there for all to see. That and he'll run himself into the ground for the cause. In saying that though, his minutes will very likely drop back to a bench role as players return and any new incomings come in and change things up. Love the physicality and the presence he gives us, and I think his running battle with Joel King was bloody good last night! Just hope that heavy touch can be coached out of his game, as even some improvement on that side of his game will make him a helluva lot more of a player, especially if he can maintain the hunger and drive to get around the pitch as well.
As I said in the Adelaide match thread though, I just don't see him as a defender.
about 1 year ago· edited about 1 year ago· History
Feverish
ballane
2ndBest
Ninja
I don't want to be that guy, but is Nagasawa offering much? I hardly see him touch the ball, or have any real influence on any match I've watched.
In fact, I have no idea what his play style is like because I never see him on the ball, or challenging defenders, etc, etc.
77 touches. second most before Retre (83). 8 passes into the final third. Second behind Piper. 4 intercepts more than anyone on the park. 8 recoveries. Second behind Retre with 10.
Yet according to many him and Piper need to be sent to the scrap heap. Glad our players and coach dont give up as easily, as what some on here do with our players and coach
Well those stats mean f all
… day one of waiting for Feverish to explain the Phoenix midfield without Rufer.
Neither Retre or Nagasawa is as physical or strong on the tackle as either Rufer or Pennington were as a combo. Sydney got through the defense, particularly on Sydney’s left and particularly in the first half, though Sutton and LBK kept Lolley really well marshaled I thought, on the other flank. And the defense behind them were alert and did a lot of stepping out to cover.
Second half I did notice Nagasawa being effective on the press high up, intercepting, keeping us on attack. Presumably after a formation change?
We’ve still got nobody doing the Kraev/Old/Rojas role of dribbling out of the press in the wide midfield and finding a forward pass or retaining the ball. Or receiving that forward pass and creating a chance.
It was not a decent game by us. If we saw that appearance in isolation last season we'd have been appalled. Forget winning 1 game in 6 as we have just done, I will be genuinely surprised if we get more than 1 win in our next 9. We just might get two as we just happen to be hosting two of the bottom 4 back-to-back after Macarthur away, but I cannot see us winning even one of our following 6 games. Feel free to screenshot this and clown on me if I am proven completely wrong, I'd love it, but I just can't see it.
Our standards are low now. We didn’t pass it to the opposition in our box and lose because of that. And David Ball was in the zone!
about 1 year ago· edited about 1 year ago· History
Feverish
ballane
2ndBest
Ninja
I don't want to be that guy, but is Nagasawa offering much? I hardly see him touch the ball, or have any real influence on any match I've watched.
In fact, I have no idea what his play style is like because I never see him on the ball, or challenging defenders, etc, etc.
77 touches. second most before Retre (83). 8 passes into the final third. Second behind Piper. 4 intercepts more than anyone on the park. 8 recoveries. Second behind Retre with 10.
Yet according to many him and Piper need to be sent to the scrap heap. Glad our players and coach dont give up as easily, as what some on here do with our players and coach
Well those stats mean f all
Well, I do agree that stats are of very,very limited value. Apart from goals of course. Why the hell do we produce so many stats, and why???
I don't want to be that guy, but is Nagasawa offering much? I hardly see him touch the ball, or have any real influence on any match I've watched.
In fact, I have no idea what his play style is like because I never see him on the ball, or challenging defenders, etc, etc.
77 touches. second most before Retre (83). 8 passes into the final third. Second behind Piper. 4 intercepts more than anyone on the park. 8 recoveries. Second behind Retre with 10.
Yet according to many him and Piper need to be sent to the scrap heap. Glad our players and coach dont give up as easily, as what some on here do with our players and coach
Well those stats mean f all
Well, I do agree that stats are of very,very limited value. Apart from goals of course. Why the hell do we produce so many stats, and why???
So we have something to talk about in between transfer rumours
It was not a decent game by us. If we saw that appearance in isolation last season we'd have been appalled. Forget winning 1 game in 6 as we have just done, I will be genuinely surprised if we get more than 1 win in our next 9. We just might get two as we just happen to be hosting two of the bottom 4 back-to-back after Macarthur away, but I cannot see us winning even one of our following 6 games. Feel free to screenshot this and clown on me if I am proven completely wrong, I'd love it, but I just can't see it.
Profile pic. Should you be interested. Lakhsen, on the right, lost touch with him. Mohammed, on the left, I'm still in touch with. He's now living in Agadez, Niger. More focused on his animals now as tourism has dried up. Is active with a co-op promoting local goods, leather work and bijouterie, into Europe. 20/5/20
A couple of points. Shots on goals, yee all forget kosta's shot inside the first few minutes that bent away at the last second? It was heading towards the top right corner.
Second point. Our left side defended so well we hardly even saw Lolly in the game. I mean that guy is a scoring for fun, but he hadn't even shown up.
2 Kelly-Heald's there's only 2 Kelly-Heald's....... - A brilliant chant in the zone.
I, too, want to acknowledge the fantastic send off all the fans gave David Ball. 4858 made it sound like 14,000. Brilliant move by Bally coming into the Zone. & half time was great. Truely deserved. And yes, he does deserve "Legend" status, his 110% commitment to the team, club and fans. If they can replace him with a 25 year old version of him, then the club will have done well.
Proud to have attended the first 175 Consecutive "Home" Wellington Phoenix "A League" Games !!
I don't want to be that guy, but is Nagasawa offering much? I hardly see him touch the ball, or have any real influence on any match I've watched.
In fact, I have no idea what his play style is like because I never see him on the ball, or challenging defenders, etc, etc.
77 touches. second most before Retre (83). 8 passes into the final third. Second behind Piper. 4 intercepts more than anyone on the park. 8 recoveries. Second behind Retre with 10.
Yet according to many him and Piper need to be sent to the scrap heap. Glad our players and coach dont give up as easily, as what some on here do with our players and coach
Well those stats mean f all
Well, I do agree that stats are of very,very limited value. Apart from goals of course. Why the hell do we produce so many stats, and why???
Those stats could be meaningful, but could also be completely meaningless.
If you're a CM, you're likely to get a lot of touches by default, as the ball is going to come to you frequently. You could have 100 touches and just labour on the ball, miss your passes, pass sideways/backwards, and have a negative influence on the match.
I'm not saying this was/is the case with Nagasawa. Just to say that I'm not sure those stats really tell you much without looking at the bigger picture.
Were there any key forward passes played that set up an attacking opportunity? Any dribbles past an opponent to create space and set up an attack? Any shots on target? It matters more what you do with the ball than how often the ball comes to you.
For what it's worth, I thought Nagasawa had a better second half, made some good plays, and had a positive influence. But didn't see much in the first half, and haven't seen much all season apart from the improvement in the second half. But that is just my opinion and 2 cents.
Centre backs often have the most passes completed and most touches under certain playing styles.
An import centre back might be the priority. Imagine an injury to Wootton. Stocks are low.Nixieboys222
wilbaker
imanixsupporter
It was not a decent game by us. If we saw that appearance in isolation last season we'd have been appalled. Forget winning 1 game in 6 as we have just done, I will be genuinely surprised if we get more than 1 win in our next 9. We just might get two as we just happen to be hosting two of the bottom 4 back-to-back after Macarthur away, but I cannot see us winning even one of our following 6 games. Feel free to screenshot this and clown on me if I am proven completely wrong, I'd love it, but I just can't see it.
After the City and WSW games it definitely makes this one look a lot better but this was also a side without Payne, Rufer and even LBS would've added more to our attack. Plus you add the import 10 we're getting, its definitely a performance we can build on when we have more of a full strength team.
everyone is talking about this mystery 10 were getting as some sort of messiah i feel, judging by the Chiefy's imports so far, I wont hold my breath just yet.
@Ninja In your opinion is Roa Conchie better than Nagasawa? How about Al-Taay?
If you’re guna move forward it helps if you have Old and Kraev (or Bally) to find as well as Kosta.
You’re right that he doesn’t seem to dribble much, but also it seems like he gets frustrated with the ball speed too.
It does feel like a Retre/Nagasawa midfield partner struggles to assert itself and cover a lot of ground.
I feel like maybe he’s a bit like Lewis, in that he’d do better with an energizer bunny like Devlin next to him, buzzing around pressing like mad and he can disrupt passing lanes and distribute.
I don’t think you’re completely wrong in criticising his play, but also not completely right in writing him off either.
Part of the problem is Payne and Sutton, with Rufer out are the only ones who carry the ball out of the midfield. And now everyone is injured…? We had 6-8 players who could dribble or carry the ball confidently last season. I think we’re down to Kosta now and no one out of midfield. LKH made one run from the last game. And perhaps Walker kinda. Piper can barrel onto a pass! But compared to the riches we had, basically no one with the injuries we’ve got.
Man that is very poor recruiting then. and then to offer that extension without knowing enough about the player.Ryan
Chief said in the press conference that josh lost confidence in playing out and he needs to work on it in training, he said the club will invest in his development.
Just a question for some you i know Walker has shown something and i like what he could become, but how come he dosnt get the grief from some of you Piper does. Because his touch and distribution are just as hit and miss as Pipers. Just wondering.
A couple of points. Shots on goals, yee all forget kosta's shot inside the first few minutes that bent away at the last second? It was heading towards the top right corner.
Second point. Our left side defended so well we hardly even saw Lolly in the game. I mean that guy is a scoring for fun, but he hadn't even shown up.
2 Kelly-Heald's there's only 2 Kelly-Heald's....... - A brilliant chant in the zone.
I, too, want to acknowledge the fantastic send off all the fans gave David Ball. 4858 made it sound like 14,000. Brilliant move by Bally coming into the Zone. & half time was great. Truely deserved. And yes, he does deserve "Legend" status, his 110% commitment to the team, club and fans. If they can replace him with a 25 year old version of him, then the club will have done well.
How much transparency is there with the crowd size, it's largely semantics but I'd much prefer they added 150 to that number to bring it up over the 5k
"You can never get a bloody tradesman at Easter, it's a wonder Jesus got crucified" - Karl Pilkington
about 1 year ago· edited about 1 year ago· History
I reckon the age difference. Walker is young and learning his craft whereas Piper you'd expect has less room for development at his age. The u18s tend to get more leeway, but I think Piper has been the more impactful of the 2 this season.
That said, I can see being in a pro environment doing a lot for Piper's technical ability and i think he's shown good progress this year already, some of the criticism is warranted but far too early to be writing him off, especially given he offers something entirely different from our other forward/wing options.
We're playing four kids that normally would be getting a few minutes at most.
Criticising them trying to play A League standard for 90 minutes when they are clearly not ready is shooting fish in a barrel.
Admittedly one or two of those fish seem to be taking most of the shots. But maybe because they are being more influential than we should expect and we're judging them by full starting pro standards.
Just a question for some you i know Walker has shown something and i like what he could become, but how come he dosnt get the grief from some of you Piper does. Because his touch and distribution are just as hit and miss as Pipers. Just wondering.
Expectations of a 22 footballer over an 18 year old academy grad. Then you've actually got the on field evidence. Besides the last two games Piper had been average (and for mine that's being nice). Walker has had limited minutes to demonstrate anything. I've changed my tune a little on Piper since being used in the last two games as a right winger.