Various threads that discussed the merits of different strikers past and present led me to have a look at our starting 11s in recent games. And was surprised to see how poor we've been with Norwood and Cole starting together, since the Sheffield Wednesday game. Since that game, these two have started 5 games together, in which we've scored 2 goals. Both by defenders, and both in games we've lost (Exeter and Burton). We've drawn a blank when we've started them against Peterborough, Ipswich, Lincoln. Of course, there are plenty of other factors, such as the quality of opposition, and form of the rest of the team. But would this be enough to warrant giving Tedic or Watters a start? Thankfully, the play offs will be over soon and I can get on with my life and maybe get some work done!
Our best two strikers are Norwood and Cole , Tedic is a good option coming off the bench , Watters …. err
It is https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/teams/barnsley/top-scorers Best shot accuracy as well. Albeit smaller sample size for both stats. They might be. But we've not done particularly well when they've started games recently. Admittedly, they have also been the most difficult games. Tedic has scored 3 in his last 3 starts. Only scored 1 in however many appearances off the bench. Watters has scored 3 off the bench.
Got to start with Cole and Norwood for me - Tedic looked sharp so would bring him on in second half at some point
I'm of the exact opposite opinion. I think both Tedic and Watters will go on to have careers playing at a higher level than both Cole and Norwood have ever managed or ever will. Not that I have any problem with how Cole and Norwood have played this season, they've both done very well and given their all, they've been great. But imho Tedic and Watters are much better players.
I think there is definitely something in it and I'm not surprised at those stats. Suppose you would then have to look at the midfield, have they been to blame with been less creative etc. Same as been said in other posts, can't fault the goal returns over the season from both strikers. What about a front 3 of cole, Tedic, Norwood......
I just checked that link and realized that I had some anomalies in my tracking spreadsheet. I had one more for Phillips and one less for Andersen. After a bit of cross-referencing, it appears a goal I had for Phillips against Forest Green Rovers on 15/04, was later assigned to Andersen. Question: According to the BBC website, the EFL Trophy goals do not count in the overall total; do Play-Off goals count?
Hadn't realised a goal at Forest Green had been given to Andersen. Highlights below. And if anyone is confused after watching it (I was), Andersen's goal is our second, the one Phillips thumps in from about 25 yards.
Agreed. People on here really should know better than writing off young strikers who have been in and out of the side. Jon Walters, Ivan Toney and Chris Wood all come to mind. They all looked considerably worse than Tedic and Watters. As an aside, for me it's hard to understand why Norwood has never played at a higher level. He's strong, skillful, very quick and a superb finisher. Obviously there are a lot of things I don't know, but if he was a few years younger we'd all be discussing how many millions he was going to get sold for in the summer.
Agree with your last point. I've read a little bit about Norwood and the impression I've got is that he wasn't as dedicated and professional when he was in his 20s as he is now. Apologies to him if I'm off the mark.
I've decided to claim our third. If Andersen is getting the second then I reckon I deserve the third. I did watch Norwood score it.
I think they do bud - I believe the reason they don't count in the pizza cup is due to the U21's playing in the competition
I really don't like that chant. Hope he gets the hat trick, hope we find a better chant (especially as there's been two mass shootings in Serbia recently).
Thanks. I checked a random team in the PL on the BBC website and they get to include the Community Shield.
I also get the impression he's not afraid to speak his mind, with probably didn't sit well with a lot of people who make decisions in football.
I’d start Norwood with Watters. Just feel that Bolton are a very physical side and Cole is too lightweight. He might be better off the bench when the game could be more stretched late on.
