01-12-2019, 06:23 PM
Given your historical criticism of our midfield, Malta Red, I'd say that controlling the midfield against Cardiff would be progress in the context of the last few years. But that midfield isn't the final solution. Not without Yates. Or Samba. Or even another winger. And it was that midfield guile that Forest didn't provide to unlock that Cardiff defence. It suggests that Forest may need to bring in that kind of player or we'll drop more points ala Wigan, Hull, Cardiff and struggle against physical sides.
However, having seen the highlights on Quest and elsewhere it seemed Watson was somewhat isolated. eg. Tomlin won a free kick against him...and Tomlin (wins free kicks, has guile, wins those niggly decisions, makes a nuisance of himself) also provided an assist for the goal. Tomlin was the one they had to watch. And the guy that scored the goal for them? He seemed to have acres of space in the midfield area and wasn't closed down. This is where losing Ryan Yates has been costly. That's where not having Sow available has been costly. The latter has been massive miss. Sure, managed without him vs QPR. But that 'bit of pressure' where I felt a soft goal was coming, it seemed to. Could have done with Yates with the aerial bombardment or helping to rough up Tomlin. A game where Bostock, was again, on the bench.
As for Figs', in the build up to their goal or that period of pressure, it was the 1st game in a whilst where Forest weren't coping as imperiously with an opposition. I'd noted that. And it's another part of the period of pressure where Cardiff build their confidence. A shame because Forest had a good initial spell before Cardiff seized the initiative, got the goal and Forest seemed to lose their way for a while. Figs, another player, like Car' who scored a goal on Wed' and deserved to start.
And the shot. Samba has done well since he came in. No doubt about his class. But I bet if he could attempt that save again? He'd get there.
And Car? As soon as his name was on the starting 11 for Forest. I was somewhat apprehensive. I'd rather Semedo had started than him. And Car' to come on against a tiring Cardiff. No one can say he's not had his chance under 'The Coach.' A great goal vs QPR. But that chance in the penno area? He's got to bury that if he's worth £13 m. As simple as that. If he isn't doing that vs Cardiff, then what is he doing? Lee Tomlin provided the assist for a Cardiff goal. Car' didn't provide the assist for a Forest goal. And it's against these teams we want more 'match winning' character. Is Car getting singled out more? If he has an off game he'll get criticised. That applies to any player. Eg. Fig' had a tough time against Mad'. Last season, Watson used to get hammered for sub par performances. No player escapes criticism. But if you have a £13 price tag expectations of your performances rise accordingly.
Yates getting booked has proven costly. Whilst Forest may not have got the win yesterday. Not having Yates or Sow available is a problem. They lack the save 'next level' central midfield dimension. Not quite as robust or dynamic. They'd have come away with a draw with either in.
31 attempts on 'goal' then Forest need extra shooting practice.
SA.
However, having seen the highlights on Quest and elsewhere it seemed Watson was somewhat isolated. eg. Tomlin won a free kick against him...and Tomlin (wins free kicks, has guile, wins those niggly decisions, makes a nuisance of himself) also provided an assist for the goal. Tomlin was the one they had to watch. And the guy that scored the goal for them? He seemed to have acres of space in the midfield area and wasn't closed down. This is where losing Ryan Yates has been costly. That's where not having Sow available has been costly. The latter has been massive miss. Sure, managed without him vs QPR. But that 'bit of pressure' where I felt a soft goal was coming, it seemed to. Could have done with Yates with the aerial bombardment or helping to rough up Tomlin. A game where Bostock, was again, on the bench.
As for Figs', in the build up to their goal or that period of pressure, it was the 1st game in a whilst where Forest weren't coping as imperiously with an opposition. I'd noted that. And it's another part of the period of pressure where Cardiff build their confidence. A shame because Forest had a good initial spell before Cardiff seized the initiative, got the goal and Forest seemed to lose their way for a while. Figs, another player, like Car' who scored a goal on Wed' and deserved to start.
And the shot. Samba has done well since he came in. No doubt about his class. But I bet if he could attempt that save again? He'd get there.
And Car? As soon as his name was on the starting 11 for Forest. I was somewhat apprehensive. I'd rather Semedo had started than him. And Car' to come on against a tiring Cardiff. No one can say he's not had his chance under 'The Coach.' A great goal vs QPR. But that chance in the penno area? He's got to bury that if he's worth £13 m. As simple as that. If he isn't doing that vs Cardiff, then what is he doing? Lee Tomlin provided the assist for a Cardiff goal. Car' didn't provide the assist for a Forest goal. And it's against these teams we want more 'match winning' character. Is Car getting singled out more? If he has an off game he'll get criticised. That applies to any player. Eg. Fig' had a tough time against Mad'. Last season, Watson used to get hammered for sub par performances. No player escapes criticism. But if you have a £13 price tag expectations of your performances rise accordingly.
Yates getting booked has proven costly. Whilst Forest may not have got the win yesterday. Not having Yates or Sow available is a problem. They lack the save 'next level' central midfield dimension. Not quite as robust or dynamic. They'd have come away with a draw with either in.
31 attempts on 'goal' then Forest need extra shooting practice.
SA.