Unofficial Reading v Norwich match thread with all the news

[Jim Smith 2,314]

Proper contest this. Could go either way. If playing this formation (and I like having Gibbs back in) we need to be more direct out wide. Onel on for Ramsey for me and Sargent wide still doesn’t work. 

[Virtual reality 706]

1 minute ago, Ian said:

FFS

An opinion shared by a poster who is apparently quite respected for their opinions on here. 

 

[ricardo 7,348]

Feels like watching in slow motion when we are in possession. 

[Bovril 219]

We can all see that Sargent needs to be played centrally or not at all. 
 

We can also see nearly a full year into Smith’s tenure, there’s no clear style. It’s been turgid stuff masked by the fact this league is god awful and we keep snatching wins from other awful teams. 
 

Krul’s recent form the only positive.

[Nuff Said 5,090]

2 minutes ago, littleyellowbirdie said:

That actually is positive, because Reading have looked good to me. A point from this would be fine.

 

It’s away to the team one place below us. A point would in no way be a disaster, but I doubt it will be seen that way on here. Unless we’re liquid football and win by at least three with a clean sheet, it’s rubbish.

[vos 155]

I can sum up this dreadful first half performance in a nutshell. Kenny is far and away our best player so far !!!!!

 

[king canary 7,580]

Anyone else seeing an unexpected amount of adverts for Barbie?

[ricardo 7,348]

One shot.

[Virtual reality 706]

 

3 minutes ago, percy varco said:

Still dont know what Smith’s style is. 
Cannot see any progression under him. 
Smith out. 

Turgidball

[The Real Buh 3,423]

I didn’t even want to speak it hut

Yeah

Cooper

I would 

he blatantly hasn’t bought that team and deserves better

let the crying commence lol

[Ken Hairy 3,760]

Hoggy won't be happy, we're 1-0 down according to xG..... 😏

[king canary 7,580]

Just now, Nuff Said said:

It’s away to the team one place below us. A point would in no way be a disaster, but I doubt it will be seen that way on here. Unless we’re liquid football and win by at least three with a clean sheet, it’s rubbish.

I'm generally more positive about Smith than others but come on, did you actually watch it? It was crap. 

[Ian 1,129]

1 minute ago, Virtual reality said:

An opinion shared by a poster who is apparently quite respected for their opinions on here. 

 

Seems so. What's your point exactly?

[pete 318]

6 games in Champs 5 0-0 draws

[ricardo 7,348]

1 minute ago, Nuff Said said:

It’s away to the team one place below us. A point would in no way be a disaster, but I doubt it will be seen that way on here. Unless we’re liquid football and win by at least three with a clean sheet, it’s rubbish.

Be honest it was rubbish.

[littleyellowbirdie 2,511]

The commentary on here is actually really insulting to Reading. They're playing well and they have a tall striker who's deadly in the air against our defense of relative pygmies. We can't afford to be gung ho tonight.

[Midlands Yellow 3,942]

11/8 to win this match still, those who think we’re that poor can fill their boots at nearly 4/1 and back Reading. I’m going in on the 11/8. 

[Norfolk Dan 308]

We will win this... 0-2. 

Lots to fix 2nd half, but quite like the movement of the rest of the team as soon as Gibbs is on the ball. 

[Clint 221]

Ramsey, Sargent and Nunez may as well not be on the pitch. 

[Christoph Stiepermann 1,131]

Passing football is great if you play quickly and look forward. This is it at it's absolute worst and when you play it too slowly and too cautiously it's in my opinion in the worst and most boring of any style of play. 

If it's not happening for us like tonight there's no shame in getting Hernandez on, sticking Sarge up front with Pukki and going more direct

[CDMullins 436]

2 minutes ago, Nuff Said said:

It’s away to the team one place below us. A point would in no way be a disaster, but I doubt it will be seen that way on here. Unless we’re liquid football and win by at least three with a clean sheet, it’s rubbish.

I'd settle for trying to win.

[Robert N. LiM 4,244]

midfield seems all wrong but I'm not sure why. Kenny constantly pulling out to LB. Gibbs looks understandably rusty. Núñez seems caught between sitting deep and pushing forward. Bit of a mess. As others have said, passing way too slow and only real positive is that it's 0-0.

Feel for Byram. We really miss a left-footed LB. And feel for Sargent. Did nothing wrong at CF and is now isolated on the right where his strengths are less important and his weaknesses exposed. 

Meh.

[Captain Holt 520]

[Ian 1,129]

Just now, ricardo said:

Be honest it was rubbish.

It was very poor after the first 10 minutes. I will reserve judgement until the end of the match though, football is a game of two halves after all...

[Dean Coneys boots 1,398]

Sargent out wide is a waste of time as others have said. I wonder if Pukki could play a SS role? 

[wcorkcanary 4,329]

3 minutes ago, ricardo said:

Feels like watching in slow motion when we are in possession. 

Pedestrian  is how j described it to my cloggy friend currently suffering at the hands, well feet i suppose,  of Napoli. 

[Satriales 630]

Blades 1 nil down.

[GJL Mid-Norfolk Canary 1,735]

This is a result of what happens when a manager tries to shoehorn all his favourites into the same front 6 as opposed to picking the best players in their best positions

Once again we'll need Hernandez to come on and dig us out.

[Robert N. LiM 4,244]

2 minutes ago, littleyellowbirdie said:

 They're playing well and they have a tall striker who's deadly in the air against our defense of relative pygmies. We can't afford to be gung ho tonight.

Agree with that. They've played well, have a clear plan, and Hoillet and Carroll look dangerous.  But I think it's also ok to comment on our weaknesses. We need to be using the ball a lot better.

[Branston Pickle 3,638]

11 minutes ago, Captain Holt said:

Turgid is the best word to describe Smith. No matter where we are in the league he is not who I want managing my team. We are better than this. I'd go all out to get Cooper the second he's sacked. 

Yes, because we’ve never ever struggled against physical sides in the past, have we?!