Norwich City v Leeds Utd Match Thread

[Cjay]

Very poor pass after he'd done the work. He's a very busy player, lacks Geo's class and creativity but you'll get a similar work rate and he can be creative with his passing. Somebody asked me on waccoe, what would I have done when Gruev got injured (I'd posted that Rothwell shouldn't have been the replacement) and I replied Aaronson to the 8, Tanaka to the 4 (which is what happened) and Piroe on as the 10/second striker.

I don't rate Rothwell at all, what you suggest doesn't seem the worst idea.

But I don't think from watching Tanaka last night and reading about him when we signed him he is a 4 either.

I don't think we have anyone left naturally.

[Cjay]

Fairly much in agreement. He worked hard but end product was very poor. Sadly beginning to resemble the Aaronsen of 2 years ago who started the season brightly but then contributed less and less (end product wise) as the season progressed. I would have subbed him instead of Largey or Gnonto if we weren't being cautious in regards to players not getting injuries.

Only explanation for the subs last night.

I stand by my assessment of Aaronson in general, last night though imo as you say was just the Aaronson of 2 years ago and it shouldn't be like that in this league.

[Cjay]

He was industrious, covered a lot of ground and made some timely interceptions. You are right about his final poor ball, but he wasn’t the only one. They were difficult conditions to judge a pass. Hard along the floor and it skips across that surface.

I thought Rodon was unlucky on the penalty personally. Sergeant had in fact over extended cutting back inside and Rodon caught his trailing leg which Sergeant anticipated rather nicely by leaving it in place for Rodon to slide into. Very Good player Sergeant, he would be a great signing, even if we get promoted.

Quite a few players struggled in those greasy conditions. I thought Rodon was immense in defence. Willy the pick, but Rodon, Struijk and Aaronson the other standouts for me.

No mention of attacking down the left tonight ?

I think if Rodon was a kid you'd say he was unlucky, bit inexperienced, but he doesn't have that excuse he should know better.

That being said I thought penalty aside he did well, just a shame he had that mistake.

Gnonto best player on the pitch.

I just dont think running a lot is enough in the role Aaronson plays.

No not down the left we seemed to use more of the pitch which is nice.

Ironically it probably contributed to Norwich being able to get at us quite easily at times.

I don't know if anyone felt the same but Tanaka and Rothwell didn't play like holding midfielders for me, nice change for 1 but did make us very vulnerable at times.

I think they are 6s not 4s, which could be an issue going forward.

Apart from that Rothwell is s**t.

[The Subhuman]

I don't rate Rothwell at all, what you suggest doesn't seem the worst idea.

But I don't think from watching Tanaka last night and reading about him when we signed him he is a 4 either.

I don't think we have anyone left naturally.

Crew but the step up is big for him. Struijk can play there but no CB cover. Wober would likely be our #3 holding mid if fit

[Cjay]

Crew but the step up is big for him. Struijk can play there but no CB cover. Wober would likely be our #3 holding mid if fit

Is Crew a natural holding midfielder?

If he is it should be him imo, it's a big step up but needs must.

I doubt DF has that bravery in him though, Archie was a different prospect, everyone knew Gray was a special player for years so picking him was easy.

Crew hasn't got that.

But watching last night I don't think Tanaka and Rothwell works.

[1964white]

I don't rate Rothwell at all

Rothwell had a decent game last night, even though you don't rate him.

[The Subhuman]

Is Crew a natural holding midfielder?

If he is it should be him imo, it's a big step up but needs must.

I doubt DF has that bravery in him though, Archie was a different prospect, everyone knew Gray was a special player for years so picking him was easy.

Crew hasn't got that.

But watching last night I don't think Tanaka and Rothwell works.

It's his best position for me.. should still be starting there for the 21's

[Cjay]

Rothwell had a decent game last night, even though you don't rate him.

I thought he was poor

Constantly out of position.

No coincidence Ĝruev going off and Rothwell coming on made us much more vulnerable defensively

Even Farke mentioned it

[1964white]

Will Meslier ever save a penalty.

That was such a soft spot-kick from Sargent, about two feet to Meslier's left.

[1964white]

I thought he was poor

Constantly out of position.

No coincidence Ĝruev going off and Rothwell coming on made us much more vulnerable defensively

Even Farke mentioned it

Rothwell needed to grow into the game, once again you've get something in your head that he is poor so you crucify him, even when he had a decent game. Gruev did nothing in the 15 minutes he was on the park.

I'll post up Rothwell's numbers later today, when I have a bit more time.

Have a look at Piroe's display when he came on, running around at snail's pace & gave the ball away four times, producing nothing of note.

[Broad Ford]

We were on a win streak? Thought we lost to Burnley. Bogle and Rothwell had the cleanest chances outside of the goal

You don't seem pleased with a point away from home?

A win streak of 2-0 then 3-0 closing the gap on the leaders to just 2 points. Gnonto hit the post with a fine solo effort, but before that he was played through wide on the right and could have chipped the keeper early. He took an extra touch forcing a good save from their keeper. Not knocking Gnonto at all, he had a very good game.

Away to Sunderland next where another hard fought draw wouldn't be a bad result.

[Jaydog]

Will Meslier ever save a penalty.

That was such a soft spot-kick from Sargent, about two feet to Meslier's left.

Strange really as his reaction save after that was lightning fast.

[The Subhuman]

You don't seem pleased with a point away from home?

A win streak of 2-0 then 3-0 closing the gap on the leaders to just 2 points. Gnonto hit the post with a fine solo effort, but before that he was played through wide on the right and could have chipped the keeper early. He took an extra touch forcing a good save from their keeper. Not knocking Gnonto at all, he had a very good game.

Away to Sunderland next where another hard fought draw wouldn't be a bad result.

I'm ok with the result, the performance less so. I know there's a school of thought the performance doesn't matter only the result but it's not one I subscribe to, play poorly often enough and those close wins will turn to draws and the draws to losses..

[Cjay]

Rothwell needed to grow into the game, once again you've get something in your head that he is poor so you crucify him, even when he had a decent game. Gruev did nothing in the 15 minutes he was on the park.

I'll post up Rothwell's numbers later today, when I have a bit more time.

Have a look at Piroe's display when he came on, running around at snail's pace & gave the ball away four times, producing nothing of note.

It's funny you think it's in my head but those who did the player ratings gave him an average score of about 5.

Perhaps it is your good self who is mistaken

And the numbers you do can be manipulated depending on your pov.

Gruev took up the holding midfield position he usually takes up, Rothwell and Tanaka to a lesser degree often found themselves too far forward in this system and Norwich got in behind at our defence with 1 or 2 passes.

That isnt meant to happen, Sunderland will batter us if we let that happen.

Don't entirely blame them because they are imo 2 number 6s not 4s so they naturally drift forward, but it's a problem DF needs to fix.

He had an easy ride last season with injuries now he earns his money.

Piroe was crap but he isnt a 10 and Bamford was as much use a nymphomaniac is to a nun.

The subs once again made us worse (a remarkable managerial skill)

[whiteswan]

Haven’t you ever seen one Swanny

Just not impressed that's all.....

[Jaydog]

Just not impressed that's all.....

Not everyones taste admittedly

[Chilli D]

Rothwell had a decent game last night, even though you don't rate him.

I thought he did alright as well 64

[Chilli D]

Will Meslier ever save a penalty.

That was such a soft spot-kick from Sargent, about two feet to Meslier's left.

The way he dived was bizarre.

[DDB220]

I think if Rodon was a kid you'd say he was unlucky, bit inexperienced, but he doesn't have that excuse he should know better.

That being said I thought penalty aside he did well, just a shame he had that mistake.

Gnonto best player on the pitch.

I just dont think running a lot is enough in the role Aaronson plays.

No not down the left we seemed to use more of the pitch which is nice.

Ironically it probably contributed to Norwich being able to get at us quite easily at times.

I don't know if anyone felt the same but Tanaka and Rothwell didn't play like holding midfielders for me, nice change for 1 but did make us very vulnerable at times.

I think they are 6s not 4s, which could be an issue going forward.

Apart from that Rothwell is s**t.

I do not think Rothwell is great, as he wouldn’t be loaned out so much by his parent club. But at this level he is a good experienced pro. I liked his distribution on occasions last night. He doesn’t hide, wants the ball and not only keeps it simple but switches play to the flanks (both) quite regularly.

Certain people jumping all over his set pieces. He tried varying his corners for Rodon’s position. The free kick was too close for his skill set - it is not an easy task getting it up and over the wall and on target from the edge of the D. Low and hard is the best option for me from that position, as a deflection creates chaos for the defence and keeper.

We will see a lot more of him against Sunderland. - small sample size so far, yet people are kick to write him off because he is on loan. Personally, I think he is better than Gruev who looks far better than he is with Amps alongside him.

Same applies to Firpo who needs a sitting midfielder to cover his limitations.

[1964white]

It's funny you think it's in my head but those who did the player ratings gave him an average score of about 5.

Perhaps it is your good self who is mistaken

And the numbers you do can be manipulated depending on your pov.

Gruev took up the holding midfield position he usually takes up, Rothwell and Tanaka to a lesser degree often found themselves too far forward in this system and Norwich got in behind at our defence with 1 or 2 passes.

That isnt meant to happen, Sunderland will batter us if we let that happen.

Don't entirely blame them because they are imo 2 number 6s not 4s so they naturally drift forward, but it's a problem DF needs to fix.

He had an easy ride last season with injuries now he earns his money.

Piroe was crap but he isnt a 10 and Bamford was as much use a nymphomaniac is to a nun.

The subs once again made us worse (a remarkable managerial skill)

I scrutinize every game as I did today with no interferences from lost & broken streams.

Rothwell's numbers

12 good forward passes (2 excellent) - not backwards, I rarely rate a negative pass.

3 forward runs towards the Norwich box.

3 three decent corner-kick crosses.

3 interceptions (he was in the right place come the second-half)

1 one run & shot saved

1 defensive clearance.

All these actions were positive, not tippy-tappy stuff or meaningless, so my point of view on these matters are generally accurate.

4 only negative pieces of play.

No way Joe deserved a rating of less than 7, fours & five are ridiculous.