The first of a new series as we look into aspects of the previous game, and analyse the. Let’s get straight in, and look at five things we learnt during the Colchester game.
We are creating more clear-cut chances
Creativity was a big problem last season, where we were struggling to score, and often our strikers were feeding on scraps. However, against Colchester, and throughout the season so far, we have been able to create more frequent, and better chances. I think the formation helps with this, having three attacking midfielders means we have bodies going forward, and it also seems that the full-backs are better with their discipline at getting forward too.
Defensive frailties are still there
The defence makes up two of the five points, and they both contradict each other. Early on in the game, Dan Scarr made an error that led to Colchester hitting the post, and chance they will look back as one that could have helped them get underway at an early point to grow from. At the moment, we always seem to gift one or two golden opportunities to our opponents, and this is what is costing us. The goal we conceded was also avoidable, however they did move the ball well, and a good bit of skill on the ball took it past Clarke.
Defence look solid?
Now hear me out. Yes there is a mistake or two in the defence, but taking the goal and the Dan Scarr mistake aside, Roberts barely had a save to make, and after re-watching the highlights, Colchester’s only two to make it on there, were the two listed. We can keep teams at bay, and when the likes of Kinsella is on top form, we really break-up play well, before it gets near our box. Colchester are a good attacking side, and a side that will be be looking to mix it up at the top again this season, and we managed to limit them to few chances, and fewer that were threatening.
Guthrie looks determined
I thought Guthrie had a very good game on Saturday, he was calm on the ball, and his passing was everything we want it to be. He looked very fit, and very good alongside Kinsella, who also put in another solid performance. We know we won’t be seeing him every match, but when Guthrie plays like that, we look much better in the team. Many fans commented on how we looked a little disjointed after he went off, and I think that is credit to how well he played. October is going to see rotation, and I hope to see him in the first XI more than out of it. One thing that impressed me, was that he was much more Box to Box, with him also getting stuck in defensively. A sign, that he is feeling fit and sharp, and ready to commit.
A goal a game
Let’s end on a positive, after all, it was a positive performance from the lads. Barring the Carabao Cup first round match against Sheffield Wednesday, we have scored in every game, something I do not think we would expect to be saying. We all know that we must do better infront of goal, but I would rather be saying we need to score more, than saying we need to score at all. Adebayo has picked up where he left off, and is proving a handful for defenders. Gordon has been a different sort of player for us this season. His play out wide has been good, and when he is in and around the box he does look threatening. Lavery has definitely grown into the season. Pre-season I felt he looked off the pace, however his header last week was well taken, and his performance, chasing down, and hold-up play has improved game by game. The way he shielded the ball to keep hold of possession before our goal was excellent, and with Gordon taking a knock, I expect to see more of Lavery, as 4-4-2 could be an option.
So those were 5 things to talk about. Let me know in the comments what you think, and also mention other aspects of the game you feel were good or bad, or something different to the norm.
