We've now drawn as many games under Markus Schopp as we did Valerien Ismael. Big Val's team last season had that knack of turning a tight game into a narrow victory. Whilst we're not quite doing that again now, at least we're not turning those tight games into narrow defeats, like we often did under Lee Johnson and Paul Heckinbottom.
Drawing games because the defence is top drawer. But unfortunately we’re wanting to pass the ball 150 times before shooting. Averaging 2.2 shots a game on target isn’t good enough.
I think a lot of that is down to having to play a makeshift team though, particularly in midfield. Halme certainly isn't the most creative. Brittain and Oduor being played out of position. Hondermarck probably being used more than Schopp might have wanted at this stage of the season. I think when Morris, Vita, Benson and probably Oulare are available, we'll be able to get a better idea of how good this side actually is.
Think one of the key differences is Val also had Dike and Morris at his disposal. Our 1-0 victory against Brum was a lot duller than many of our draws this season. However, Dike scored an absolute screamer out of nothing. Can also remember a very fortunate win against Huddersfield in which dike and some last ditch defending was the key difference. In my eyes the draws are a positive sign of how we are able to compete against most clubs, despite having two-three of our most influential players out and a further 5 or 6 out who would also improve our matchday squad.
Absolutely. Even before Dike and Morris signed last season, I felt we had that ability to edge out a close game. Forest and Wycombe at home, and Rotherham and Birmingham away come to mind. Its encouraging that we're not really losing many games even though we've a depleted squad, and many players still finding their feet at this level. Being able to name a settled midfield will help us too.
Yeah I think midfield is perhaps more integral to how we play this season too. Been impressed by Benson so far so looking forward to seeing him and Gomes line up together.
Just got to keep chipping away until players are fit. It feels like it did last season under Murray before Val took over. Just keeping ticking over. We need that win soon though.
If you draw all your games, you probably get relegated. Didn’t Parkin have a long unbeaten run where we drew the majority of them, only to go down. We need to start picking up wins, regardless of who’s out, and in the next three games we can’t claim to be playing teams in the top half either. (Though forest will have a new manager bounce no doubt)
Agree with most of this. For me Carlton Morris has been our biggest miss this season so far. true leader of the line. think he'll make a massive difference when fit and ready.
