READING

Borini

Key Player
When we scored our goal Ayew was wide right on the touchline.. ( where he should be)
The next time we had someone wide right on the touchline was when our substitute WINGER was on with 10 minutes left.

Yes Ayew works hard but he runs around getting in other people's way, twice he got in front of someone trying to get a shot in. If he stayed on the wing and only cut in when he reaches the box or the 6 yard line I would have no complaints. (Nor would his full back)
 

Yankee_Jack

Key Player
If Naughton's winger had pulled towards the center it would be his job to track him unless some sort of zonal system was in play. The opposition's FBs, in our system going back to Martinez, have been the responsibility of the wide players at the head of our midfield or forward line depending on whether we're 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 or whatever. The only departure from this typically comes when we have 3-X-Y system.

There are examples throughout the game where Naughton was being pulled towards the middle leaving the RB all alone on the left corner of our box. It happened with Celina; but, Reading were not aware of the opportunity or couldn't make the play. Surely, surely, Cooper or one of his team would have spotted this even if our players were not aware and making corrections in play.
 

CroJack

Key Player
Reading didn't score the equaliser because they were particularly good but because we stopped playing football. During the first half @Mithrandir rightly praised our pressing game which totally disappeared in the second half. We retreated to our own half and stopped running and pressing. And when you stop running you get overrun. In our case we got overrun in the midfield. The goal we conceded was almost a carbon-copy of the goal we conceded against Forrest. Against Forrest Grimes failed to commit a foul, and against Reading their full-back had a free run. I agree with @ivoralljack that it was Naughton's job to close down Reading's full-back because most of our players were in the opposition half trying to build the attack, and Ayew was one of them. Naughton, on the other hand, could've done something. I am sure had Bidwell played Reading's full-back would have been blown out of the pitch. Bidwell was sent off against Bristol for not allowing a counter-attack.

By the way, we use some defending patterns and our midfielders (Fulton and Grimes) have some responsibilities on the flanks when opposition counter-attacks:

1. When opposition counter-attacks and our full-backs are in the opposition half, then it's Grimes' responsibility to protect our left, and Fulton's responsibility to protect our right side. Against Reading, Naughton was in our half but for some reason he retreated to our six yards box.

2. When we defend then it's our wingers' responsibility to help our full-backs.
 
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ivoralljack

Grizzled Veteran
Staff member
Totally agree with the above. As CJ says, Ayew was committed to an attack when we lost the ball and Reading countered. He did his best to get back and assist taking the most direct route down the middle of the pitch. Meantime Naughton had been sucked infield and must have known that he was leaving his left flank totally exposed. He had been facing the play throughout and, unless he was blind or completely oblivious, must have seen that Ayew was upfield helping to build an attack and had little chance of getting back....... although he very nearly made it.

Naughton was in the position of deciding between the option of man marking or zone covering. He made the wrong choice. The play was in the centre where there were plenty of our defenders fighting to contain the threat, including Ayew who had almost got back to put a foot in. But our left flank was an ocean of space for Reading to run into, which they did and it was Naughton who gifted them that space because he wasn't there!!!

We lost that game because our midfield lost their mojo and allowed Reading back into a game to earn a draw that never should have been. Is it a fitness issue? Is it down to character and attitude? I don't know because I don't work with the team. But if I did work with them I sure as hell would know and if, for whatever reason, I didn't, I would make it my business to find out. PRONTO!! I hope Cooper is on it. Big time.
 

Ladygargar

Fox in the Box
Staff member
Catching up with myself and meeting myself on the way back this week......I was disappointed with the result on Saturday as I felt we should’ve done the business by half time; the goal we did score was sublime, but then 🙈
Football apart it was a treat to meet @Jackflash @blobby and @Borini at long last; what smashing fellas you are! Thanks to @ivoralljack for arranging to meet up; Shame the football let the occasion down :cry:
 

Borini

Key Player
Catching up with myself and meeting myself on the way back this week......I was disappointed with the result on Saturday as I felt we should’ve done the business by half time; the goal we did score was sublime, but then 🙈
Football apart it was a treat to meet @Jackflash @blobby and @Borini at long last; what smashing fellas you are! Thanks to @ivoralljack for arranging to meet up; Shame the football let the occasion down :cry:
It was lovely to meet you as well.:)
 
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