Preston away, less drama please!

[mkowl]

2 minutes ago, DirtyOwl said:

See I think this is all well and good but today we’ve seen not having a defender that can pass a ball kills our momentum 

But the three at the back for Preston were the foundations for them. Ultimately if you keep conceding first and then have to open up the game you aren't going to get out of jail everytime. 

Then it was all a bit lacking in pattern attacking wise the last 20 minutes 

 

[owl4ever1867]

Bernard plays today, we don't lose this game, we looked totally out our depth without him marshalling the defence, Iorfa was once a decent centre half but he's not the player he was, he's certainly not a ball playing centre back that Rohl likes.

We were the better team today, made chances we should've really converted but we didn't & Preston did.

It's not been a bad 2024 for us Wednesday fans, at the end of the day if Rohl can guide us to a top 10 finish this season, we would've bitten our hands off for that

Get rested up, go again on New Years Day.

All the best to all fellow Wednesday fans & Owlsonliners & A Happy New Year to you all.

[Andyben]

Amazing how Bernard has gone from Dudley Moore to Bobby Moore since he's been unavailable.

He makes Iorfa look consistent 

[mkowl]

2 minutes ago, KrolMong said:

They’ve done a very good job of defending in front of them. They pretty much play a back five and they sit very very deep so the three centre backs don’t have to move about too much, and they also force you to cross from 20 yards, which if you ask any centre half, is a lot easier to defend.

They way we play, our three defenders play the width of the pitch which does open us up.

But… we are short at centre half without Bernard and Famewo. We don’t need much in Jan, two defenders, a wing back and a striker and to keep Shea Charles.

Just on today. We created a lot, but we got punished for bad defending for the first, a brainless moment from Gassama and Iorfa and you could blame pretty much three players for the third.

Not disappointed because we are so threatening, but we need to tighten up and learn the choke games a bit. Which is what we did in the first half.

By the way. Bannan and Windass were excellent today.

We are certainly struggling to get the balance between attack and defence. If we choke the game nothing much happens, but look vulnerable to crosses. If we go too open then the defence is not strong enough to cope.

 

 

[Andyben]

Captain Hindsight says the half time sub should have been Pol V off for Gassama.

[mkowl]

I probably disagree that we were the better side, it was very even but the stats show they had more shots on target, Beadle made more saves etc.

It certainly raises questions about where strengthening is most required, particularly if Famewo is out another 3 months perhaps 

[TheExile]

Frustrating given how we started and got ourselves back into it. We have a habit of spoiling it for ourselves with 6 conceded in two games. Makeshift defence or not, some were very soft.

That physical spine synonymous with PNE was a problem for us in both boxes. Iorfa has done well recently but not a good game today, conceding the pen and gave them the ball in dangerous areas. Thought Bambo was back 

[Harry Lime]

To be honest I wasn't expecting much today. We never seem to be able to get the better of Preston even though they seldom look much cop.

Chalobah substitution- was it injury, lack of fitness or tactical. Iorfa gone from hero to zero in the space of a couple of games, where TF is Ihiekwe, Johnson looks disinterested. Don't mind me, just a rant.

Year end now, January is upon us shortly, who we gonna get. 

HNY all.

[Harry Lime]

6 hours ago, holmesfield_owl said:

Feel free to start the next one when we finally lose a game 😁

You've all been doing a perfectly adequate job this season even though you skirted with disaster last. So you don't need my help. But I would request you pencil me in for the first one back in the Premier League.

[TheExile]

Rohl said it was a tactical change but I do think we’d have avoided 1 or 2 goals over Xmas if Ihiekwe was playing. He has a calming influence on the defence off the ball and is tenacious in getting in front of second balls. It’s the passing around the back he struggles with. Not sure if he’s injured still 

[HappyOwl]

Onto the next one get me home Preston is a shit ole 😩😩😩

[cheat]

I think Ihiekwe was one of the ones mentioned as being ill wasn’t he?

[Owling_Wolf]

Once things really started to go wrong in the second half, (the penalty, what a kick in the nuts that was.) Chasing the ridiculous defecit for what felt like ages, only to hand it straight back to them.  Gassamas puppy impression.  

Having a thread about what we need after Xmas, then watching about 16 headless chickens for the 2nd half.  

A game too far, considering the recent number of games and the illness in house. 

[Owling_Wolf]

Danny seems to have taken a slightly longer view today. One or two of the players who've been coming on to change games started today instead - notably Chalobah - and one or two like Gassama came on to chase it today.  Obviously with illness around we don't know who is trying to play through it.  I've not seen thr likes of Marv's performance today before.  I'll generally not criticise their efforts today, but on an off day, annoyingly, it's just as hard to do a job badly as it is to do it well.  It seemed today that, the harder they tried for us, the worse they ended up making it. So frustrating.

Have a good New Year, folks.  Let's hope our next game is more satisfying, and I especially wish our players good health and freedom from injury & pain.  UTO! 🦉

[JBO]

I thought we were the better side for long periods but gave away 3 horrific goals. Windass has to take that chance for 2-2.

But we will be absolutely rock solid mid table and that's good progress for me

I've been drinking since about 10am btw

[Harry Lime]

I wonder who he's on about.

 

[HoylandOwl]

Proper frustrating that today.   

We were stroking the ball around nicely, largely controlling possession/territory in midfield. And I thought we were looking easily the more likely to score…. They  scored the first against the run of play which was highly avoidable. I even thought positionally, the defence had been very good before that too. I distinctly recall Us holding firm that much that they passed one ball out for a GK to us from about 18 yards.

Chalobah being hooked was a little harsh I thought, he broke a lot up but we weren’t so penetrative in the final third. So ok then. Maybe mix it up. Smith wasn’t having the best of games but his turn that led to the goal, was quality. The hit too From Windass, was excellent. I thought he’d been playing well, again. 

Yes, people can say Windass could have done better to put us potentially 2-1 up, but also. It’s a good save from Woodman. 

But the decision making for their second goal from Gassama was just ridiculous. Why, EVER, would you dribble, or try to, go past two or three players across the face of your own box and then across face of your own goal (albeit 18 yards out). They’d got their tails up as they’d just hit that howitzer at Beadle who saved well. Their fans were baying for blood and Then Iorfa has similar headloss, diving in for a challenge he didn’t have to, STAND THE MAN UP force him wide.. there’s Max Lowe (IIRC) there behind you. It’s not last ditch! Although I’ve since seen a picture which suggests it could have been outside the box anyway and not a pen. 

And the third. On our heels. Not anticipating a rebound, then seemingly (but I’ve not seen it back yet) waiting for someone to clear it left their lad to score. 

There was plenty I thought to be pleased about. I thought for large spells we controlled the game. But crucially, our play in both boxes wasn’t good enough. Our defensive fragility bore its head, again. Which I didn’t think it would after that first 20 mins.

BUT…. Ending the year in the top half, is easily something I’d have snatched at back in August. Onwards and upwards.

[Tank_Owl2,0]

We were better box to box they were better in each box, which is where it matters.

As MK said they don’t concede many and that’s their foundation. We rely on scoring more than the opposition, with the occasional clean sheet which is usually down to the opposition missing chances or Beadle saving us. We need a centre half.

[Emre]

1 hour ago, JBO said:

I thought we were the better side for long periods but gave away 3 horrific goals. Windass has to take that chance for 2-2.

But we will be absolutely rock solid mid table and that's good progress for me

I've been drinking since about 10am btw

Absolutely bang on.I could be proved wrong but most reasonable (sane) Wednesdayites would've accepted this at the beginning of the season. 

 

Edited December 29, 2024 by Emre

[owl4ever1867]

1 hour ago, Harry Lime said:

I wonder who he's on about.

 

Iorfa is definitely one.

[80s Owl]

5 minutes ago, Emre said:

Absolutely bang on.I could be proved wrong but most reasonable (sane) Wednesdayites would accept this.

 

The drinking since 10am bit? 😃

[Harry Lime]

1 hour ago, owl4ever1867 said:

Iorfa is definitely one.

Yep, I'd go Johnson as well and one other who I shan't name.

[HoylandOwl]

 

[mkowl]

The response Rohl gave about communication to date, or lack thereof, with Chansiri about potential transfer dealings in January suggests he may be stuck with the players making errors for a tad longer.

And I think Rohl is being realistic in seeking out Premier League loans to do that.

The outcome of the transfer window could be pivotal in many ways, I don't think any of us believe Rohl will hang around if lip service is only played to his thoughts 

[Andyben]

Gassama played well when he came in, not only  for his attacking impetus but he was consistently tracking back and making interceptions.

When he was tackled there were 10 Wednesday players behind him and nobody ahead so what should he do- he'd already broke up their play in our box  and advanced 20yards with the ball.

Don't single him out, look over his shoulder at the entire team behind him who did fuck all after he was tackled.

Edited December 30, 2024 by Andyben

[Andyben]

Bet you all had Peter Atherton shirts and slagged off Di Canio

[Andyben]

30 minutes ago, mkowl said:

The response Rohl gave about communication to date, or lack thereof, with Chansiri about potential transfer dealings in January suggests he may be stuck with the players making errors for a tad longer.

And I think Rohl is being realistic in seeking out Premier League loans to do that.

The outcome of the transfer window could be pivotal in many ways, I don't think any of us believe Rohl will hang around if lip service is only played to his thoughts 

One for your wank bank.

[mkowl]

1 hour ago, Andyben said:

One for your wank bank.

I mean you must have an RSI with all the wanking off of Chansiri 

[HoylandOwl]

2 hours ago, Andyben said:

Gassama played well when he came in, not only  for his attacking impetus but he was consistently tracking back and making interceptions.

When he was tackled there were 10 Wednesday players behind him and nobody ahead so what should he do- he'd already broke up their play in our box  and advanced 20yards with the ball.

Don't single him out, look over his shoulder at the entire team behind him who did fuck all after he was tackled.

Granted, I hadn’t seen it back when I posted. It was based on what happened ‘in the moment’ at the game. 
After seeing it back, maybe I was a little harsh, he was further forward than I originally thought. But,

i still think he’s got some culpability for the pen. Not as much as I thought originally though by some way. Iorfa challenge on review is daft; that is certain. 

FWIW I like Gassama, I think he does offer us something different and he’s got better than last season. 

[holmesfield_owl]

2 hours ago, HoylandOwl said:

Granted, I hadn’t seen it back when I posted. It was based on what happened ‘in the moment’ at the game. 
After seeing it back, maybe I was a little harsh, he was further forward than I originally thought. But,

i still think he’s got some culpability for the pen. Not as much as I thought originally though by some way. Iorfa challenge on review is daft; that is certain. 

FWIW I like Gassama, I think he does offer us something different and he’s got better than last season. 

Gassama was at fault, he needed someone to back him up once he'd lost the ball though. Still thought overall he was good and has been better and better as the season has progressed.

[holmesfield_owl]

Oh and we need a newbie for Derby match thread 😩

[Teddy Nickelarse]

I suspect that Gassama is encouraged to use his speed and skill to carry the ball upfield to relieve pressure. He had just tracked back and actually won the ball himself on the edge of the box before carrying it 20 or so yards forward. Probably should have pushed the ball forward into space to run onto with the benefit of hindsight or knocked it wide for Johnson to run onto -  if he'd  seen him. Losing the ball there with 7 of our players behind him shouldn't have resulted in a goal/penalty though. Needless and daft challenge by Iorfa did that.

I'm  sure he'll  be encouraged to continue his bursts upfield but after analysing what happened he'll see well enough what he could have done differently.  

[Owling_Wolf]

1 hour ago, Teddy Nickelarse said:

I suspect that Gassama is encouraged to use his speed and skill to carry the ball upfield to relieve pressure. He had just tracked back and actually won the ball himself on the edge of the box before carrying it 20 or so yards forward. Probably should have pushed the ball forward into space to run onto with the benefit of hindsight or knocked it wide for Johnson to run onto -  if he'd  seen him. Losing the ball there with 7 of our players behind him shouldn't have resulted in a goal/penalty though. Needless and daft challenge by Iorfa did that.

I'm  sure he'll  be encouraged to continue his bursts upfield but after analysing what happened he'll see well enough what he could have done differently.  

Hope so.  

[Waddle93]

Johnson and Iorfa where shocking yesterday with Pol not much better.

Johnson has to deal with there 1st goal and also why is there striker stood all on his own once its headed back over?

2nd goal Gassama ran down a dead end but his options where Limited and then no idea why a challenge like that was made.

3rd Beadle just parrys straight back out in to the crowd and nobody apart from there player reacts.

All 3 are preventable just by being a little more switched on.

Feel for Rohl as options limited me Personally I'd have Ikki when fit in middle of Bernard and Famewo with Valery and Lowe as wing backs.

Midfield is trickier as playinghow we started yesterday gives them space out wide but snuffs then out in the middle so a risk either way that's why so many play 4 2 3 1 to cut both out.

Overall though what a 2024 and full faith DR with the right backing to keep improving us 🤞 for a good January.

[Reesh]

11 minutes ago, Waddle93 said:

Johnson and Iorfa where shocking yesterday with Pol not much better.

Johnson has to deal with there 1st goal and also why is there striker stood all on his own once its headed back over?

2nd goal Gassama ran down a dead end but his options where Limited and then no idea why a challenge like that was made.

3rd Beadle just parrys straight back out in to the crowd and nobody apart from there player reacts.

All 3 are preventable just by being a little more switched on.

 

True.....

[Harry Lime]

Only just seen this. Would have put it in the NYD match thread but OhmsField is late again with it.Apologies if posted previously, I haven't seen it anywhere.

 

RIP Young man.

 

@holmesfield_owl

Edited December 30, 2024 by Harry Lime

[Reesh]

2 minutes ago, Harry Lime said:

Only just seen this. Would have put it in the NYD match thread but OhmsField is late again with it.Apologies if posted previously, I haven't seen it anywhere.

 

RIP Young man.

Sad news, hopefully the club follow PNEs example and do a tribute for all Owls fans lost in the year rather than the individual ones people crave.

[Harry Lime]

1 minute ago, Reesh said:

Sad news, hopefully the club follow PNEs example and do a tribute for all Owls fans lost in the year rather than the individual ones people crave.

I agree. It's so much better and by doing it that way most will be captured and mentioned. 

[JBO]

I look forward to the round of applause in the 19th minute

[Otto_Man]

I've thought about this for over a day now and I'm convinced the injury to the lino changed the complexion of the game. We were building quite the head of steam to that point, after that we looked far too pedestrian. 

Overall our movement off the ball was poor, lost count of the number of times a player would carry the ball up the pitch and not one player in front got in any sort of space. Johnson was particularly guilty to the point where Max Lowe ended up overlapping him to try and find any sort of width.

Looked shot shy in the box, Smith seemingly looking to pass backwards every time the ball broke to him in the opposition area.

Desperately short of centre halves, hopefully at least one of them will be back fit for Derby...

Little Miss Otto's first away game mind, she loved it

Edited December 30, 2024 by Otto_Man

[80s Owl]

1 hour ago, Reesh said:

Sad news, hopefully the club follow PNEs example and do a tribute for all Owls fans lost in the year rather than the individual ones people crave.

Fully agree, I hate these calls for applause on certain minutes, if you live to be 100 you'll have to wait for a game with extra time.

[holmesfield_owl]

14 hours ago, Harry Lime said:

Only just seen this. Would have put it in the NYD match thread but OhmsField is late again with it.Apologies if posted previously, I haven't seen it anywhere.

 

RIP Young man.

 

@holmesfield_owl

Really sad. You realise it's not me to start it as we lost smart arse? 🤣

[Otto_Man]

Oh and while I think on, what a set of cheating time wasting ***** Preston were. Every goal kick, free kick and throw in.

Particularly the one where Duane Holmes got booked, then had the nerve to complain after he didn't even fucking take it...****

Edited December 31, 2024 by Otto_Man