We sent home 2000 Tranmere fans annoyed, and angry, and without any points. It is exactly what we needed to do today to shake the run of form we had been on. What are a few of the big talking points from the performance.
First 90 minute performance
It is the first game this season that has been a total 90 minute showing. Although there wasn’t a Tranmere barrage, we soaked up the pressure well and gave them very few opportunities. They rarely tested Rose, and that is pleasing to say. We also didn’t let up going forward. In previous games, we have had spells, and then dropped off, however today we looked constantly threatening.
We have all said a lot this season, that we have had good 20/30 minute spells, but never a whole half or more. Today, I thought we looked very good throughout, and I am very happy to say that.
A Solid Defence
I touched on it before, but our defence looked very good today. This settled back four, has to continue as our back line. All four impressed today, and I know some feel Jules is better in the middle, I think he played extremely well at LB today. This is the 3rd game in a row that this defence has started, and we have only conceded 3 goals, with 2 of those being mistakes. The goal against Tranmere was the first in a while that I have to just say ‘Great strike’. Yes we could have closed him down quicker, but it is a very good strike, and Rose didn’t stand a chance.
The defence has also not let us see how good Rose it, as he has not been tested much again. I would like him to continue to start in goal. He has given us no reason to think otherwise, so why change it.
A Wes Masterclass
Let’s all take a moment to think about what a great goal his was today… there we go. Wes looked energetic, and positive from the off. This wasn’t just a case of a great goal and a great assist. He was dangerous, and tricky all game. It is the type of performance that has been lacking from him, and it is no surprise to see a more lethal, and creative attack, when Wes plays like this.
Now is the challenge of consistency. We will now be expecting him to follow this up with performances alike. We all knew a performance like this was coming, and although it took a lot longer to get it, I think it exactly the confidence booster he needed. DC will now be demanding a repeat in the game ahead, as will I, and every other fan.
Bates cementing a starting role?
Bates has had a good few games recently. He has also been used in a deeper role, sitting in between the defence and midfield. He has started to really adapt to it, and grow in the role. There was a stat put out by the D3D4 podcast, that Bates picked up more 2nd balls than anyone else in the league at the weekend. He has added this to his game. He is winning balls, and reading play a lot better.
As the anchor in the midfield, it means that when he does win the ball back, or sweep up like he did on Saturday, he is has a lot of the ball, and therefore a lot of the play. He was moving the ball well, and starting attacking moves, something that can sometimes go unnoticed. His performance at the weekend shows that he should be starting over Guthrie, as he offers a lot more to the team, with his ball winning, and holding role.
Darrell Clarke
He has been a big talking point over the last few weeks, and once again we are all talking, however today, it is a bit more positive. He got the tactics, formation, personnel etc spot on. I have been a big advocate for the 4-2-3-1, however this 4-1-4-1/4-3-3, with the Bates holding, is working, and showed that it can be effective. One thing that frustrates us, is when we adapt to counter an opposition. But after that display, I want to see teams counter to play us.
Darrell will want this result to be a standard, and will want the performance to be this level at a minimum. He will also know that he can expect criticism if the side changes (Injuries aside), and the performance dips. However he has shown faith in this system recently, and with the odd tweak along the way, has kept it similar.
Let me know what you think to the points raised, and of course, feel free to share any others you think too.
