We really have a intelligent manager at the helm.
One of Schumacher’s quotes was.
“We looked a little bit sharper than them going forward, especially in the first half, and created some really good opportunities. We just didn’t have that ruthless edge that we would like, to make one of those chances count.”
l think people can see we look reasonably solid. And there are some nice interchanges in the middle of the park. It’s just about can we be more clinical.
After watching it, and now the highlights, you can see have a number of good shooting opportunities. Whilst we didn’t trouble their keep enough we had a number of shots, which is pleasing.
Another pleasing point was Jephcott’s performance. I thought he played this deeper role well. When City countered and Edwards was out of position he tracked back and covered. There were one or two nice exchanges too. He isn’t very physical, but he seems to have an eye for a pass. Could be interesting few months seeing how he develops in that position.
My one disappointment with today is the way we still lose concentration too easily. Similar to the Swansea match.I don’t think City troubled us too much but if you watch the highlights some of their best chances, and goal, come from us just being sloppy. In the first half Martin just heads over from a corner. Argyle try to take a quick short goal kick and lose the ball on the edge of the box. Fortunately, it hits Scarr and goes out for a corner. In the second half, Cooper comes out of the box and under no pressure plays a pass into centre circle but its not getting to Randell. Then one quick pass and there in on goal. Cooper makes up for mistake.
l know this is the way we play. We take risks. But sometimes the risks need better judgement calls on whether those risks are always worth taking in our own third of the pitch. I felt sorry for the young lad who gave it away to concede the goal. l look at where he was passing it to and think is there any benefit in passing it to another Argyle player under pressure deep in the corner. Sometimes l wish we just clear our lines.
lm enjoying the fluidity of our formation. I think it allows the wing backs to get further forward. It will mean the opposition will expose us down the sides but 3ATB will always give the opposition a opportunity to exploit the space.
I just think at the moment we still very much getting use to the new system. I like the way though it’s going to allow people like Houghton & Randell more time on the ball. Butcher gives us legs in midfield. My one concern is Lewis. I’m just not sure what type of midfielder here is. Does he like to dictate the play for example? I can’t quite figure him out.
Azaz & Miller looks like decent signings. Keep Miller fit and we have some weapon on the left. Some of his crosses are delicious. I like Law in an attacking sense. Put in a great cross second half. Got on the end of the ball in behind just before the final whistle. He just needs to develop his defensive awareness.
Mumba shows one or two glimpses, got some decent forward runs, but also l think you could see he needs more time to get use to our system,as he got caught out when in possession.
l do think this next forward signing is important in the sense we need a spearhead to this formation. Not saying the others can’t do it, but l think if we going to compete at the top end of the table we need something better than we already have upfront. Otherwise, we may look a good side on the eye but not have that attacking punch.
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