FULL-TIME: Blackburn Rovers 3 Portsmouth 1 (From Lancashire Telegraph)

"A change of formation for the second half nearly reaped instant benefits, with Jason Roberts and Benni McCarthy entering the fray and 4-5-1 becoming 4-3-3".......This is exactly what hundreds of Rovers fans have been telling BFS (Big, Fat & Stupid) for weeks now! A great win - but Allardyces stubborness nearly cost us another defeat. I wonder if it was John Williams that told him (ordered him) to change it at half-time??

French Rover wrote:
"A change of formation for the second half nearly reaped instant benefits, with Jason Roberts and Benni McCarthy entering the fray and 4-5-1 becoming 4-3-3".......This is exactly what hundreds of Rovers fans have been telling BFS (Big, Fat & Stupid) for weeks now! A great win - but Allardyces stubborness nearly cost us another defeat. I wonder if it was John Williams that told him (ordered him) to change it at half-time??

Stupid comment. Go and support a different team if you don't like him. We cannot always play 4-3-3, anybody with a little bit of knowledge about football would know that. Good 2nd half and a good tactical victory. Good job Sam, you're the best manager we've had in years.

I couldn't believe it when I saw that Sam was persisting with his 4-5-1 formation against Pompey, especially for a HOME match that it was vital to win !!!
I have never believed that playing a lone striker is a viable proposition. We have a squad that is perfectly capable of playing attractive, attacking football which, to me, means a 4-4-2 or 4-3-3 formation whether home or away. After the second half performance today, I hope that Sam has seen the way forward. Let's go out for every match and attack teams with a positive formation rather than playing with a "damage- limitation" 4-5-1. Let's see the opposition worry about us causing them problems rather than the other way round !!

Why can BFS not realise that we do not have the right personnel in midfield to play 4-5-1 Dunn apart pederson and Diouf are a non exsistent as an attacking or a creative force. In my opinion we should get rid of them both albeit I don't think anyone would buy them. In respect of pederson we should let him leave on a free and not renew his contract and use his wages to buy a proper winger who has pace and takes on the full backs.

I think Sam had no choice but to throw everything at this poor Pompey side.
I went to the game today and almost went home at half time as the atmosphere was shocking and the football almost worse.
Second half improved unlike Pompey whom i fear may slip out of this league.
Thought Chimbonda should have walked with his poor impression of David Haye and the pluses was the fact Roberts got a few goals, Di Santo played well and Dunny never fell on his arse trying that reverse criss cross pass (very cheeky).
Poor Pompey side, long journey home for thier small but decent support.
Rovers fans need to learn a few songs and just for the record it took them 54 mins to sing thier first song!! SHOCKING!!

Discount the the last 3 games away at the best 3 teams in the country and our last 3 results are - beat Villa, beat Burnley, beat Portsmouth.
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We have lost 2 at home in 17 games and it's fair to say we should heve beaten City and Sunderland (who's luck finally ran out after the beachball incident).
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The formation, which is 4-4-1-1, not 4-5-1, has been successful time and again but today, when it wasn't working at half time, Sam changed it. What exactly has he done wrong?!
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And to suggest that the chairman made the manager change the formation is pathetic and if it happened it would be the end of my support.
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Today was a great second half and the players showed great commitment to come back from a goal down in a game we had to win, and once again we did.

A team in miserable decline manage to scrape a win and still the moaning continues (shame your moaning is louder than the singing).

Maybe you should have watched the Burnley City game for a touch of class and excitement?

Lost in Trelleborg wrote:
A team in miserable decline manage to scrape a win and still the moaning continues (shame your moaning is louder than the singing). Maybe you should have watched the Burnley City game for a touch of class and excitement?

Ha ha. We've watched them once this season and they were a bit rubbish to be honest. Thanks for the offer though :-)
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Oh, and your mis-spelled username reminds me of how we were so recently gracing the European stage and that makes me happy :-D
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Bless you x

Lost in Trelleborg wrote:
A team in miserable decline manage to scrape a win and still the moaning continues (shame your moaning is louder than the singing).

Maybe you should have watched the Burnley City game for a touch of class and excitement?

I watched the City v Burnley game on TV whilst listening to Rovers on the radio.

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Burnley were rubbish and had another fortuitous penalty decision to thank for their lead.

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City tore their defence apart time after time in the second half but failed to score enough.

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Still, a good point away from home.

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We are now three points behind with a game in hand. Enjoy it whilst it lasts Burnley.

Sam said on Radio Rovers that we need to look at playing two up in future - at least at home.

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He has seen the light!

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A great performance from Rovers in the second half and proof that we can win games with some ease when we attack.

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Dunny was even more effective in his withdrawn midfield role - his cheeky, one foot behind the other pass was pure class.

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Well done Jason! You have your detractors and that is the best way to answer them.

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Up the table we go!

paladin101 wrote:

French Rover wrote: "A change of formation for the second half nearly reaped instant benefits, with Jason Roberts and Benni McCarthy entering the fray and 4-5-1 becoming 4-3-3".......This is exactly what hundreds of Rovers fans have been telling BFS (Big, Fat & Stupid) for weeks now! A great win - but Allardyces stubborness nearly cost us another defeat. I wonder if it was John Williams that told him (ordered him) to change it at half-time??

Stupid comment. Go and support a different team if you don't like him. We cannot always play 4-3-3, anybody with a little bit of knowledge about football would know that. Good 2nd half and a good tactical victory. Good job Sam, you're the best manager we've had in years.

Are you Sams secret love child..? Best manager we had in years??? I think youve been drinking mate! Great win and a great club - and I wouldnt support anyone else ever, but cant say BFS is even mediocre never mind great!

French Rover wrote:

paladin101 wrote:

French Rover wrote: "A change of formation for the second half nearly reaped instant benefits, with Jason Roberts and Benni McCarthy entering the fray and 4-5-1 becoming 4-3-3".......This is exactly what hundreds of Rovers fans have been telling BFS (Big, Fat & Stupid) for weeks now! A great win - but Allardyces stubborness nearly cost us another defeat. I wonder if it was John Williams that told him (ordered him) to change it at half-time??

Stupid comment. Go and support a different team if you don't like him. We cannot always play 4-3-3, anybody with a little bit of knowledge about football would know that. Good 2nd half and a good tactical victory. Good job Sam, you're the best manager we've had in years.

Are you Sams secret love child..? Best manager we had in years??? I think youve been drinking mate! Great win and a great club - and I wouldnt support anyone else ever, but cant say BFS is even mediocre never mind great!

Surely it remains to be seen how great Sam may or may not be as a manager?

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It is far too early to judge him as yet. He did do a great job keeping us up last season and there is a long way to go this season.

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Time will tell and let's hope that French Rover's negativity is misplaced.

Lost in Trelleborg wrote:
A team in miserable decline manage to scrape a win and still the moaning continues (shame your moaning is louder than the singing).

Maybe you should have watched the Burnley City game for a touch of class and excitement?

Still, who'd have thought a DRAW at Man City could cause the excitement equivalent to winning the league?

Scored three goals and still only managed a point? Tells you something about the state of your defence and how the only way you're going to get anything away is if your opponents are poor enough to concede three against you lot.

ANOTHER penalty? Surely that luck has to end sometime soon?

For all those rovers fans moaning about the 4-5-1 formation at home save it until we're losing.

jack01 wrote:

Lost in Trelleborg wrote: A team in miserable decline manage to scrape a win and still the moaning continues (shame your moaning is louder than the singing). Maybe you should have watched the Burnley City game for a touch of class and excitement?

Still, who'd have thought a DRAW at Man City could cause the excitement equivalent to winning the league? Scored three goals and still only managed a point? Tells you something about the state of your defence and how the only way you're going to get anything away is if your opponents are poor enough to concede three against you lot. ANOTHER penalty? Surely that luck has to end sometime soon? For all those rovers fans moaning about the 4-5-1 formation at home save it until we're losing.

Did you watch the first half? You know, the one where we were playing 4-5-1 and losing? The fans had every right to voice their displeasure after that dire performane. When Sam switched it in the 2nd half, fair play to him, it lifted the crowd, we played much better and got the much needed 3 points.

Last 3 home games we've conceeded early on and scored 3 goals in reply. Despite the obvious setback of conceeding, it's gotta be a positive and shows the spirit and desire, especially considering how much trouble we were having at the beginning of the season with converting our chances.

Mogster wrote:

Lost in Trelleborg wrote: A team in miserable decline manage to scrape a win and still the moaning continues (shame your moaning is louder than the singing). Maybe you should have watched the Burnley City game for a touch of class and excitement?

Ha ha. We've watched them once this season and they were a bit rubbish to be honest. Thanks for the offer though :-) . Oh, and your mis-spelled username reminds me of how we were so recently gracing the European stage and that makes me happy :-D . Bless you x

Trelleborgs FF, or simply Trelleborg, is a Swedish football club located in Trelleborg. Tipped for demotion at the start of most seasons, the team scrambled through the late nineties with not very attractive, defensive long ball tactics. Trelleborg's stadium, Vångavallen, was even called "Tjongavallen" (from Swedish "Tjonga" - kicking a football far away without direction). The team was demoted in 2001, finishing last after a disappointing season.

Yes - you disgraced the nation by losing in TRELLEBORG!! Still you picked up a few footballing tips which fat sam still uses today.

If these memories makes you happy good on yer.

When your down in the gutter look up to the stars.

P

Sam saw that 4 3 1 wasn't working and took Pedersen and Diouf off,they were very poor.I'm not a fan of Benni or Roberts but they did bring some life into the team,I thought Dunn and Emerton looked more comfortable and a much better balance all round.Finally I feel Nzonzi deserves a mention his composure on the ball at his age goes to suggest he could be one hell of a player.

kevin e wrote:

Lost in Trelleborg wrote: A team in miserable decline manage to scrape a win and still the moaning continues (shame your moaning is louder than the singing). Maybe you should have watched the Burnley City game for a touch of class and excitement?

I watched the City v Burnley game on TV whilst listening to Rovers on the radio. . Burnley were rubbish and had another fortuitous penalty decision to thank for their lead. . City tore their defence apart time after time in the second half but failed to score enough. . Still, a good point away from home. . We are now three points behind with a game in hand. Enjoy it whilst it lasts Burnley.

I suggest you listen to Burnley game and watch the B/burn game since your eyesight is not good.

Burnley were all over them the the first half.

Man City spent £41M on their two front players so defending was never going to be easy.

Their first goal took a lucky deflection.

You have a game in hand but it counts for nothing. ps you are the only team in the premiership not to win a point away from home. Burnley are back on form and their away performances are getting better!

Lost in Trelleborg wrote:

Mogster wrote:

Lost in Trelleborg wrote: A team in miserable decline manage to scrape a win and still the moaning continues (shame your moaning is louder than the singing). Maybe you should have watched the Burnley City game for a touch of class and excitement?

Ha ha. We've watched them once this season and they were a bit rubbish to be honest. Thanks for the offer though :-) . Oh, and your mis-spelled username reminds me of how we were so recently gracing the European stage and that makes me happy :-D . Bless you x

Trelleborgs FF, or simply Trelleborg, is a Swedish football club located in Trelleborg. Tipped for demotion at the start of most seasons, the team scrambled through the late nineties with not very attractive, defensive long ball tactics. Trelleborg's stadium, Vångavallen, was even called "Tjongavallen" (from Swedish "Tjonga" - kicking a football far away without direction). The team was demoted in 2001, finishing last after a disappointing season. Yes - you disgraced the nation by losing in TRELLEBORG!! Still you picked up a few footballing tips which fat sam still uses today. If these memories makes you happy good on yer. When your down in the gutter look up to the stars. P

Wow, priceless! Thanks for the geography lesson - but we were playing the team not the town so I'm glad you eventually found your 's'. :-D
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How did you do last time you watched your team in Europe? That's right, all memories, good or bad of a time in our recent history where little old Rovers played European football are remembered fondly. I wonder if you could beat some Swedish part-timers... we'll never know but at least you've always got the fond memories of.... ..... ..... I'm struggling here.... .... oh, staying in the football league!

kevin e wrote:

French Rover wrote:

paladin101 wrote:

French Rover wrote: "A change of formation for the second half nearly reaped instant benefits, with Jason Roberts and Benni McCarthy entering the fray and 4-5-1 becoming 4-3-3".......This is exactly what hundreds of Rovers fans have been telling BFS (Big, Fat & Stupid) for weeks now! A great win - but Allardyces stubborness nearly cost us another defeat. I wonder if it was John Williams that told him (ordered him) to change it at half-time??

Stupid comment. Go and support a different team if you don't like him. We cannot always play 4-3-3, anybody with a little bit of knowledge about football would know that. Good 2nd half and a good tactical victory. Good job Sam, you're the best manager we've had in years.

Are you Sams secret love child..? Best manager we had in years??? I think youve been drinking mate! Great win and a great club - and I wouldnt support anyone else ever, but cant say BFS is even mediocre never mind great!

Surely it remains to be seen how great Sam may or may not be as a manager? . It is far too early to judge him as yet. He did do a great job keeping us up last season and there is a long way to go this season. . Time will tell and let's hope that French Rover's negativity is misplaced.

I hope it is misplaced too kevin! Nothing would give me greater pleasure than being wrong about Allardyce, as it would mean that we have done well during the season. I dont mean to be negative about the Rovers, just concerned about us.

how does David James get in England Squad plays like a bottom of league goalkeeper,

Rovers fans have the cheek to call Burnley fortunate with decisions?
Chimbonda should have been sent off simple as that, and it was his run and deflected cross that won the corner that Nelsen scored off so dont go complaining.
A BIG win for Rovers as they are and will be in a huge relegation scrap

I would say Sam got his tactics spot on. One of the best managers in the division. Keep up the good work Sam.

TheRealist1977 wrote:
Rovers fans have the cheek to call Burnley fortunate with decisions? Chimbonda should have been sent off simple as that, and it was his run and deflected cross that won the corner that Nelsen scored off so dont go complaining. A BIG win for Rovers as they are and will be in a huge relegation scrap

What has somebody done to upset you so much?
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You hate Rovers...but you go and watch them.
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You tell us how good a footballing side Pompey are and that they are free-scoring...yet when they get their arses slapped, you tell us what a poor side they are.
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You hate Rovers fans and yet all you seem to do with your life is come on here and try to engage wth them...you call Rovers fans arrogant - take a look in the mirror, my friend.
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There are other numpties that come on here slagging Rovers off that are clearly just a bit thick, but I think you are disturbed.
I recommend some therapy sessions for you. Failing that one of those nice, tight, white, long sleeved jackets wth straps on and one of those rooms that feels like the inside of a duvet.
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You need to stop listening to those voices inside your head.

I am not knocking the 4-5-1 formation however the players used.
for me the difficulty seems to be playing pedersen,diouf and andrews in the same team. all 3 at their best are like a medeocre david dunn. recently we have been playing teams with about 9 or 10 men.
playing the above formation would work if we had two quick midfielders who could get up and finish Olsen looks ok on the left and maybe brett on the right.hughes played the same formation when we had bentley and nobody complained then

I haven't posted for a while as I am getting p1ssed off with the same banal comments. 4-5-1 moan, moan, moan. Let me put my point on this. When we beat Wolves, Villa and Burnley we played this system and everyone was happy. Not in a negative way, rather the formation allowed Dunny a free role and look at the rewards. This system requires all of the players to contribute. Sadly, yesterday, they did not during the first half, Pedersen and Diouf were shocking. When this happens the team cannot function properly.
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So, what do you do? You change it. That is exactly what SA did. The changes worked, we looked good going forward and were worthy of the victory. He is damned for playing the same team and formation that brought three succesive home victories and not given any credit for making the changes that gave us the win.
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I was never and advocate of SA, but I am willing to give him credit when it is deserved. Onto the players. It would be so easy to steam into Pedersen today, but I kind of felt sorry for him yesterday. His game has completely gone. He needs to be taken out of the team and given a break to find out if he can re-discover his form. He bottled it against Pompey. The incident for their goal and then the hoof into the Darwen End were so indicative of his recent form. I believe the MGP of old would have taken that ball out of the air with a deft touch of either foot and delivered a good cross. Sadly, his confidence is shot and he actually got booed for the first ever time( that I have witnessed)
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Diouf- Disgrace. This guy is an embarrasment to the profession. We need to ship him out pronto.
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Benny McCarthy. I think we need to have him in the team. He is one of the few that has that little bit of magic in him. His pass/cross for the third was sublime and his set piece delivery was first class. SA has the reputation for rehabilitating fallen stars, well Sam, we have a diamond here that needs some TLC. Get Benni firing and we save 3-4 million in the January window
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Emerton- Coming good again.
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N'Zonzi- I am more impressed with this lad every time I see him. Couple of years time and we will be trying to ward of the big four teams for his services. Bargain of the season.
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Samba- Went through his entire repertoire yesterday. When he did the sliding tackle, flicked the ball over the forwards head, took it past one more player before giving it to Dunn, someone commented " looks like Samba's playing for a move away". He was awesome yesterday.
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Robinson- Slight concern at the way he seems to get beaten easily from distance. Could the midfield and defence protect him more?
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Overall a deserved win, the manager got it right eventually. Not sure what formation is best, maybe the 4-3-3 we had yesterday was better and 4-4-2 away from home. Onwards and upwards. Let's face it, at half-time the world was looking really gloomy and 45 minutes later we were all happy again. Oh the joys of being a football supporter.
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PS Not heard much mention of Burnley's long ball style equaliser or was that the quality football they were on about?

Some good thoughts, Rover The Hill. If Franco's knock down to Dunny in the opening minutes had been a yard to the right, I think Dunny would have scored a carbon copy of his goal against the dingles, and all would have been different. But after that Dunny couldn't get in the game because he was having to cover up for Diouf and Pedersen's mistakes and not wanting the ball. So good comment that the 4-5-1 (or 4-4-1-1) needs everyone to be contributing.
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I think Pedersen gets strongly influenced by the crowd and the Riverside was on his back from his first kick. He has plenty of time to listen when he is getting ready for his long throws. But that should not be an excuse for a highly paid professional and he has had 3 seasons of not living up to expectations and this season is at his worst ever. So imho sell him asap.
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I agree with you about the other players. I'm a bit concerned about Jacobsen. He had been playing well but wasn't even in the squad yesterday. I haven't heard of him being injured and it must be a blow to his confidence. He is just as good as Chimbonda at right back. I hope Sam can keep them both happy and confident.
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I think we'll get crucified playing 4-3-3 against some teams so 4-4-2 or 4-3-1-2 would be my choice. Dunny didn't have a great game yesterday, partly I'm sure because of Peds and Diouf but also maybe he reads this sometimes and even though he's been man of the match for lots of games, several commenters were saying he should be dropped in a 4-4-2 formation. Players should be selected if they are playing well, imho, and dropped if they're not.

Rover the Hill wrote:
I haven't posted for a while as I am getting p1ssed off with the same banal comments. 4-5-1 moan, moan, moan. Let me put my point on this. When we beat Wolves, Villa and Burnley we played this system and everyone was happy. Not in a negative way, rather the formation allowed Dunny a free role and look at the rewards. This system requires all of the players to contribute. Sadly, yesterday, they did not during the first half, Pedersen and Diouf were shocking. When this happens the team cannot function properly.
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So, what do you do? You change it. That is exactly what SA did. The changes worked, we looked good going forward and were worthy of the victory. He is damned for playing the same team and formation that brought three succesive home victories and not given any credit for making the changes that gave us the win.
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I was never and advocate of SA, but I am willing to give him credit when it is deserved. Onto the players. It would be so easy to steam into Pedersen today, but I kind of felt sorry for him yesterday. His game has completely gone. He needs to be taken out of the team and given a break to find out if he can re-discover his form. He bottled it against Pompey. The incident for their goal and then the hoof into the Darwen End were so indicative of his recent form. I believe the MGP of old would have taken that ball out of the air with a deft touch of either foot and delivered a good cross. Sadly, his confidence is shot and he actually got booed for the first ever time( that I have witnessed)
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Diouf- Disgrace. This guy is an embarrasment to the profession. We need to ship him out pronto.
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Benny McCarthy. I think we need to have him in the team. He is one of the few that has that little bit of magic in him. His pass/cross for the third was sublime and his set piece delivery was first class. SA has the reputation for rehabilitating fallen stars, well Sam, we have a diamond here that needs some TLC. Get Benni firing and we save 3-4 million in the January window
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Emerton- Coming good again.
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N'Zonzi- I am more impressed with this lad every time I see him. Couple of years time and we will be trying to ward of the big four teams for his services. Bargain of the season.
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Samba- Went through his entire repertoire yesterday. When he did the sliding tackle, flicked the ball over the forwards head, took it past one more player before giving it to Dunn, someone commented " looks like Samba's playing for a move away". He was awesome yesterday.
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Robinson- Slight concern at the way he seems to get beaten easily from distance. Could the midfield and defence protect him more?
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Overall a deserved win, the manager got it right eventually. Not sure what formation is best, maybe the 4-3-3 we had yesterday was better and 4-4-2 away from home. Onwards and upwards. Let's face it, at half-time the world was looking really gloomy and 45 minutes later we were all happy again. Oh the joys of being a football supporter.
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PS Not heard much mention of Burnley's long ball style equaliser or was that the quality football they were on about?

Quality RTH - the debate is on the other page though today if you want to re-post it?
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31st.......

Hasslem il post what i want, when i want because i pay my taxes and have the right to.
If i dislike Big Sam then so be it, i can name fifty fans that hate him.
If i know how things are run and sometimes want to voice what iv noticed with the club then i will, because i can.
This tight jacket fits fine but im not sharing this lovely room with a view with Jack Nickleson and a 7ft indian chief.

£200 and worth every penny ha ha ha

TheRealist1977 wrote:
Hasslem il post what i want, when i want because i pay my taxes and have the right to. If i dislike Big Sam then so be it, i can name fifty fans that hate him. If i know how things are run and sometimes want to voice what iv noticed with the club then i will, because i can. This tight jacket fits fine but im not sharing this lovely room with a view with Jack Nickleson and a 7ft indian chief. £200 and worth every penny ha ha ha

Life
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