BackRoomRummermill
Well-Known Member
We could definitely do with some back up at the back but I think the Oxford goals especially the first goal were lucky - do you think Mark is actively looking to shore up the defence ?
Match Thread Were the Oxford goals Lucky or calamitous Defending ? (4 Viewers)
- Thread starter BackRoomRummermill
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Terry_dactyl
Well-Known Member
I reckon he wants another CB, which i don’t understand.
BackRoomRummermill
Well-Known Member
We do have plenty of defenders- when Sheaf is back he helps out as well - I was just shocked every time they went up I felt they could score feels like something missing and I think it is Sheaf factor - only a thought
Mucca Mad Boys
Well-Known Member
Why? None of our defenders would be considered among the leagues best with the exception of MVE. It makes complete sense to sign an experienced CB to guide our young and mistake prone defence. Perhaps it’s a coincidence only, but our defence struggled to keep clean sheets after McFadz left the club. It’s probably unrelated because he’d been out the team during our run in Nov and Dec.
We haven’t improved the defence from last season and so far all 3 goals we’ve conceded have been avoidable and when we’ve been in control of the match. Even Stoke’s goal against us was against the run of play at the time.
It will cost us if we don’t improve that area because I can’t see us winning every game 2-1, 3-2 or 4-3. We need to be able to scrape through those 1-0 wins at times.
JohnWH
Well-Known Member
Aside from Oxford doing what they should have been doing in harassing and pressing the defenders into mistakes, I honestly thought both of Oxford's goals were really resulting from some sort of astrological/astronomical alignments that only occur once every one thousand years and also the Moon was in retrograde or something, just all improbable things falling into place at the right moment for them.. twice
Terry_dactyl
Well-Known Member
Well, we’ve spent a lot of money on central defenders, presumably with the expectation that they would improve and weren’t the finished article. We have 4 CBs for 2 positions, which meets the generally accepted amount of cover.
I think they’re all decent…and likely to improve.
Obviously we want to have better players in every position. I just don’t think it makes sense to spend more money at CB. I reckon we’re fine there. *
Now LB is a different thing altogether…
* unless we’ve got a shit ton of money. In which case fuck it, were massive and should spend away!
Our defence is by far the weakest part of our team. There generally is a basic mistake in all our centre backs most matches.
Terry_dactyl
Well-Known Member
Hobo
Well-Known Member
The first Oxford goal we were a bit hesitant and they got a fortuitous bounce off Simm's shine, but their centre half reacted to it so quickly and it was a very good finish.
The second one we got pulled out of shape with a man left free at the far post. It is easy to blame Bidwell for that, butin the context of the play we had plenty of people in a good defensive line. The problem was everyone was sucked into watching the ball and not what was behind them? I don't know who the last man was but it is their responsibility to know who is coming around the back and react to the threat.
Once the ball is headed across the goal Dovin is unsighted and they scored a scruffy goal.
Now let's rewind, when the ball is headed across goal the goal scorer is off side. I also thinking the original crosser who is running off the pitch still has a foot on the pitch and technically off side? But the goalscorer definitely was and I am not talking toenails!
The second one we got pulled out of shape with a man left free at the far post. It is easy to blame Bidwell for that, butin the context of the play we had plenty of people in a good defensive line. The problem was everyone was sucked into watching the ball and not what was behind them? I don't know who the last man was but it is their responsibility to know who is coming around the back and react to the threat.
Once the ball is headed across the goal Dovin is unsighted and they scored a scruffy goal.
Now let's rewind, when the ball is headed across goal the goal scorer is off side. I also thinking the original crosser who is running off the pitch still has a foot on the pitch and technically off side? But the goalscorer definitely was and I am not talking toenails!
Mucca Mad Boys
Well-Known Member
I get that because all the CBs we have on the books have a lot of positives. However, they’re all quite inexperienced and given the naivety of our defending at times, it’s calling out for an experienced head. They’re not always available at the right price so if we can’t get anyone, so be it. I don’t see the point in bringing in another 19-24 year old in.
Lati is covering two positions because he’s the deputy for MVE too. Which will be all well and good presuming Thomas and MVE stay fit and available. MVE is a player we need to keep as fresh as possible this season.
I agree that RB and LB is needed, they’re not a higher priority than CM or CB. They will be looked at in more detail in 2025/26 when Bidwell’s contract ends.
SleepyGinger
Well-Known Member
It’s not Unlucky when we are regularly conceding stupid goals
BackRoomRummermill
Well-Known Member
I think a bit more leadership needed - maybe the Keeper needs to be a bit more vocal-
BackRoomRummermill
Well-Known Member
True - needs steady experienced player
Alkhen
Well-Known Member
Bit of both.
1st goal we had plenty of chances to clear it but it took a jammy bounce off Simms shin to present them with the sight of goal.
2nd we were caught well out position as the cross came in. Lord knows why the Oxford player went for a header when a volley would have been more controlled. They should have buried that. But from the point they messed the falling header (not shaming Houchens good name by calling that a diving header) there isn't much any of our players could do about the weird flight of the ball or the player being in exactly the right place to knob it over the line.
1st goal we had plenty of chances to clear it but it took a jammy bounce off Simms shin to present them with the sight of goal.
2nd we were caught well out position as the cross came in. Lord knows why the Oxford player went for a header when a volley would have been more controlled. They should have buried that. But from the point they messed the falling header (not shaming Houchens good name by calling that a diving header) there isn't much any of our players could do about the weird flight of the ball or the player being in exactly the right place to knob it over the line.
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SleepyGinger
Well-Known Member
The way we set up means we will always give up chances. Bidwell and MVE were constantly overlapping and we play without a recognised holding midfielder.
Very unexpected that, maybe a clever tactic for the surprise element?
Skyblue Bangkok
Well-Known Member
Bidwell saw the Oxford player unmarked yet strolled around like he was on his lunch break . He went towards the near post allowing their player a free header totally unmarked. First goal was poor too not sure what Simms was doing.
Being unfamiliar,look I know it's the fashion to lambast players but give it a moment please they'll work it out in the near future I'm sure.
So we don't take auto's on the showing up to now,but have we a play off winning squad, I think so, score three goals at Wembley or four, I think we'll be clever enough to beat anyone there as long as MR returns to his lucky pants!
ceetee
Well-Known Member
I agree with that.
It's all very well playing out as a strategy but sometimes the defence just have to get rid.
Johnnythespider
Well-Known Member
Bidwell is experienced but he still got drawn to the near post for the second and left the player who headed it all alone.
And it the second time in two games,hmm let's bin him off?
Boicey
Well-Known Member
Maybe need a few more games with Sheaf in to come to a final judgement.
But it may be that we bought quantity in Collins, Kitching, Thomas, Lati and DaSilva but it hasn't developed enough.
As with Collins we may need to get a better proven quality CB in and sort the quantity problem over time.
But it may be that we bought quantity in Collins, Kitching, Thomas, Lati and DaSilva but it hasn't developed enough.
As with Collins we may need to get a better proven quality CB in and sort the quantity problem over time.
Grendel
Well-Known Member
We have £6m of centre halves on the bench - I can’t see how we could spend more money on another one without moving one on first
fatso
Well-Known Member
Poor defending, Sheaf in midfield will give the back 4 a bit more protection which was missing for the second goal, but the first Oxford goal was just piss poor defending.
I like Binks, and i think hes good at bringing the ball out of defence, but I doubt if Thomas and Kitching would of conceded that first goal.
Binks needs to develop his nasty side, then he'll be a top class CH.
I like Binks, and i think hes good at bringing the ball out of defence, but I doubt if Thomas and Kitching would of conceded that first goal.
Binks needs to develop his nasty side, then he'll be a top class CH.
clint van damme
Well-Known Member
I think our centre halves are quite poor and Bidwell hasn't had a great start to the season.
We need massive improvement defensively.
Both goals Friday were shocking, as was the one conceded at Stoke.
We need massive improvement defensively.
Both goals Friday were shocking, as was the one conceded at Stoke.
Bad Boy
Well-Known Member
Coach coach coach them.
Back in the day when George Graham managed Arsenal he had his back line drilled constantly up and down for hours and hours on the training ground.
Get a specialist defensive coach in.
Practise makes perfect.
And coach the keepers to catch the ball not parry it which is the trend in football nowadays.
Back in the day when George Graham managed Arsenal he had his back line drilled constantly up and down for hours and hours on the training ground.
Get a specialist defensive coach in.
Practise makes perfect.
And coach the keepers to catch the ball not parry it which is the trend in football nowadays.
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covcity4life
Well-Known Member
Mostly just individual errors that can be ironed out.
Simms for first one. Maybe lati should shout for it? I dunno
Bidwell losing his man completely for second. Usually a dependable defender
I am not worrying too much
Simms for first one. Maybe lati should shout for it? I dunno
Bidwell losing his man completely for second. Usually a dependable defender
I am not worrying too much
robbiethemole
Well-Known Member
How do you feel about the 2 Oxford howlers? Lati having a free shot that megs two defenders first and Haji's movement to capitalise on a bad pass?
Looked on the Oxford board and obviously they're ticked off, but nothing like the over-reaction on here to two sloppy goals.
Looked on the Oxford board and obviously they're ticked off, but nothing like the over-reaction on here to two sloppy goals.