Il Pirata

Firstly, the best 'restricted view' ticket I've ever purchased! Bar Chris Kamara cheesy grin in my peripheral vison, the view was unblemished! In all a thoroughly hard fought and well deserved point. We needed to stop the run of defeats and we did that. We could have won, and were in the ascendency for a good 20 minute spell in the second half. But chances were at a premium and in all honesty I'd have taken a draw if presented at any point during the game, even when on top. The positives; well for me, I thought we defended much better as a unit. Godfrey had Callum Wilson in his pocket up until his injury, at which point Tettey took over and impressively carried on where Godfrey left off. Amadou was very good too, and read the game very well. I also thought Trybull made a big difference when he came on and I'm delighted to see him back. With all the clamour for Leitner to play (myself included) I'm starting to think Trybull maybe the better all round player. But the biggest positive for me was the return of Hernandez. Boy have we missed him. As soon as he got on the pitch he was running at defenders and causing problems. Our game improved almost instantly, he just gives the opposition much more to think about which creates time and space for others. Chapeau Onel. A mention for Buendia too, he grew into the game and clearly enjoyed the extra bit of space afforded to him by Onel's arrival. As for the negatives, I'll keep it brief as to not overshadow an ultimately positive day. Todd Cantwell wasn't at the races. He gave the ball away too often, and didn't offer any threat going forward or protection defensively. For me, he's the one to make way for Hernandez. Leitner was disappointing too. It pains me to say, as really like him. But he looked lost in the more advanced role. Too slow to press, and just looked unsure of what he was being asked to do. He made very little impact on the game. I think his only position is CDM next to a Tettey or Amadou. I'm not sure he works next to Trybull as both tend to want to play similar balls and be the 'quarter back' player. Anyway just thought I'd add some further views on the game. It was a thoroughly enjoyable day out with a positive outcome to boot. Also a special mention for the Onel Hernandez song. I think its to the tune of Heartbeat? Yesterday was my first game this season and I can't recall hearing it before. Sounded fantastic though! OTBC.

Interesting observation. I like Leitner, but sometimes quality technique and a touch of class can overshadow the players actual impact on a teams dynamic. This is an argument I've had with regard to Cantwell. Looks great, and clearly a talented footballer. But overall impact on the side and ultimate result, I feel can be questioned. Especially if you compare this against a player such as Hernandez. Not as pretty on the ball, but really direct and gives defenders problems. This creates a dynamic that improves other players games and the team as a whole. I think Vrancic is similar in this regard, and to some extent Steipermann. Of course this is a hard argument to have. Especially if said player scores a goal or two or has assist, like Cantwell. But I do understand your point and think there is something in it. Even if I'd be disappointed to see Leitner dropped.

Yes true. But how long does it take to get these players up to fitness? Vrancic for example, seems to be taking an age - not helped by a further niggle, granted. But I don't think we'll see Hernandez before Christmas, and others possibly. By that time it could be too late, in terms of the winnable games that have passed. We'll see. Home games are vital, and we're getting points at the Carra so lets keep that up. Our style of play certainly suits being the home side.

I want to disagree, but its hard. Having said that our injury list is terrible, so its hard to criticise anyone. I feel a fit Vrancic would be a big help right now.

Its all depressingly predictable. The ironic thing is that three points today or last week at Burney, would have been of more value than beating Manchester City.

Its all about balance. Away from home especially, we lack the right kind of players.

Its not physical in the terms of brute force and toughness. It's the pace and power that we can't match.

We are too naïve, despite Farke saying different. We're playing ok, but should be winning? I'm not sure. Seems to me Palace are comfortable and have us at arms length, ditto Burnley and West Ham. We lack raw speed and directness. Hernandez, essentially.

Disappointment, yet again. If anyone has a spare ticket I'm prepared to pay more than face value. I'm in Southampton visiting family for the weekend so really wanted to go!

True. I think its more born out of frustration though. Losing Klose and Hernandez to injuries has been a massive blow, with Zim too. I Think supporters feel we're not quite able to give a full account of ourselves currently. Pundits are already turning to criticise us, without appreciating the key early injuries we've sustained. That's incredibly irritating. Perhaps we need a reality check. We probably are a top end championship club, so perhaps treat this season as a free hit, enjoy it, and see where we end up? Lets continue our fantastic home support with all the flags and visual displays, and continue to draw plaudits that way. Ultimately, the future is still very bright. As long as Webber and Farke are committed long term then I think we'll reap more rewards in the next few seasons. We spent a lot of the last transfer window preparing for just that. OTBC.

Out of interest, maybe some one can answer this; Last season, did we win a game without either Vrancic or Hernandez in the team? If so, I bet it wasn't many.

Cantwell didn't cause Portsmouth too many problems in the cup either. Honestly, people need to move on and forget the Crawley game. Its irrelevant.

Cantwell doesn't track back well enough either. I agree, Emi needs to up his game. But on form, he's a level above Cantwell. And that's why I find it hard to argue for his exclusion. He's our only player capable of something outstanding and game changing, currently.

Good to hear Drmic looked sharp. We really need him to come good after the blow of losing Hernandez. I know primarily he's a striker, but by most accounts he can play AM too. I think that's where we need him. I don't want to come across as a Cantwell basher. My post probably suggests otherwise, but that isn't my intention. I just think we need a more direct player with pace in his position. We aren't causing the opposition enough problems when breaking forward. I'd like to see Cantwell through the middle, behind Pukki. Having said that, given the choice I'd like to see Vrancic there. Then Buendia and either Drmic or Roberts in the wider AM positions.

We'll have Hanley.

Fair enough, its all subjective. My feeling with Cantwell is that peoples opinion on him are a little skewed. He looks very good on the ball and plays nice passes. But he isn't actually that effective. Granted against Newcastle he delivered, but other than that his impact on the game as a whole isn't enough, or at least as much as what people think who are sold on his easy to watch style on the ball. He lacks pace and power, and can't beat a man. Buendia has been ineffective too, but he is more suited to the wider position than Cantwell. Cantwell is a very good player, but he's a number ten. Out wide I'd rather we went for a Drmic or Roberts who are more direct, pacier, and can beat a man. We badly miss Hernandez.

Considering Tettey for a starting spot is a major concern for me. I don't think he's anywhere near the level required, and I'd always play Trybull ahead of him when fit.

Cantwell, Steipermann and Trybull.

Did it plenty of times last season though? Also exceptional against Bournemouth in the cup last season.

Actually, I think the OP has a valid point. This isn't just anyone, its a player who scored key goals in the second half of last season (Leeds, Sheff Wed & Blackburn spring to mind). A player who hit fine form during this period, and changed games when used from the bench. Mario Vrancic is a class act and at 30 has vital experience the current starting eleven lack. IMO he needs to be in the starting line up, along with Drmic and Amadou. It's time to play our most talented players, and to add some top level experience to a very young and inexperienced side. We're in danger of developing a losing habit and denting the confidence of our young players.

So over the last three games, how many more points would his extra ability have won us? Regardless of subjective opinions, the facts state Hanley has contributed to us winning three PL points. I'm sure more than most would have taken three points from the first three games this season.

How on earth have I disrespected his achievements? That simply isn't true. I'm merely supporting Hanley and recognising that in terms of ability there is no where near the gulf some are making out. Zimm is a good player and a fans favourite, no doubt about it. But if you think we'd currently be sat in a better position in the EPL had Zimm been fit and played instead of Hanley, then I'd accuse you of being a fantasist. There is no way Zimm would have been streets ahead of Hanley in terms of dealing with the likes of Salah and Abraham. Your championing a player with no experience at this level, and one who has demonstrated weakness at the level below, whilst scapegoating a player who has helped gain 3 EPL points. Our defensive issues are caused by our collective approach, and not an individual centre half. Playing either Zimm or Hanley will make little difference to the outcome of a result over 90 minutes.

Neither could Leitner, or Vrancic for large parts of it.

Through injury?

Hanley was playing well last season before his injury. Zimm came in and took his chance and played the majority of the season. Had he got injured, Hanley would have come back in. And then you might have been singing Hanley's praises? We had issues defensively last season with Zimm playing at a lower level. So considering this, whilst baring in mind the step up in level and recent injury, you think we're suddenly going improve by dropping Hanley for Zimm? Now that is laughable.