I have seen absolutely nothing to justify signing this goalkeeper whatsoever - aside Jackson Smith’s rumoured attitude issue. He doesn’t look any better at all to me as an overall package. Ok with the ball at his feet yes - but a very average shot stopper, no command of his area at all, and errors galore.
The tactical changes from Reading when their goalie went down ‘injured’ have improved them, certainly in midfield. You have to credit the oppo sometimes.
Most improved performance. The commentator. Fair play to him. He's fixed everything we complained about.
Just shows how brittle the team still are. There’s at least 1 howler every game, and heads seem to just go when it inevitably comes. Cooper needs some serious coaching.
Reading came into the game after that gift of a goal but have been second best overall. We should be 3 or 4-0 up yet it’s incredibly 1-1
Utterly frustrating first half. We started with real intent and made them look ordinary in the opening ten minutes. Took the lead through an Earl header from a set piece, but we’d already passed up several good chances before that. After the goal we looked composed, yet kept wasting opportunities in the final third. They were passive and slow, only threatening now and again on the break—until we gifted them an equaliser out of nothing. Since then, they’ve looked a completely different side. We still have enough to win this, but the tempo needs to go back up and the second half has to start the way the first did. Got a feeling Cleary could come on and make the difference.
Their 33, Centre Half, is running the game after that 'injury'. Winning every header, putting a foot on it, distributing it, organising.