06 Oct 2025 00:57:34
How many games this year have we said that we were terrible in the first half and then improved in the second half. We start off backing off the ball, playing defensively, looking as if the players have no energy and booting the ball upfield to lose the ball repeatedly. Then we come out reenergized in the second half, maybe Doris the tea-lady is spicing the tea at half-time. Yes the subs introduced at half-time today made a big difference but surely the tactics have to change, we will not be so lucky again if we continue playing like this, Let's show the urgency and passion shown at the end of todays game from the first minute from now on.
06 Oct 2025 06:53:15
That’s very sensible Mike and I completely agree. If we continue in this vein we will be found out as our halftime play will be expected and countered.
But on the other hand we have to applaud Moyes use of Dibling and Barry to start the game on the basis of suspensions and the need to mix it up given the recent results. We shout from the rooftops when we lose and don’t change (rinse repeat) . So it’s hard to criticise when he changes things up a little. And we also need these youngsters to get valuable game time and show us why we paid so highly for them.
This one worked out and in my heart I’d say we were rewarded for the bold selection. But my head says - as you do - we got away with one there. And that 90 minutes of the last 45 would’ve seen us winning that one comfortably.
06 Oct 2025 07:22:46
It is also 11 v 11 and the way the other side doesn't 'roll over' perhaps! Watched that yesterday and not so much we were poor as Palace are very very good. Moyes made the right subs at the right time but still needed a penalty (stupid challenge) and Grealish foot stuck out. Incidentally the reason Grealish doesn't shoot looks to me like timing in the shot, looks very weak at this level.
06 Oct 2025 10:38:27
Yes agree about Palace, they are a very good and well organized side. It's just that it happens too often to be anything about the opposition but rather our tactics or the mental attitude of our players. We start off very timidly, maybe a bit worried about conceding and then we start to click in the second half. I think that the more confidence the players get playing together we will see more second half performance from the get go. OK it's just an old man's opinion, just very happy we won. Also I would like to see Alcaraz given an extended run, he gets me of my seat which can only be a good thing.
06 Oct 2025 10:44:09
For some reason we allow teams to dictate the play, exact same thing happened against Liverpool. We sit back and allow teams to come on to us, then in the second half we press. Yes we won yesterday but that was a combination of Palace’s poor finishing and us getting a little luck for once.