A quick edition of the boss’s post-match thoughts, as expressed in his customary e-mail. Others may add to this introduction. Gus Poyet is right to emphasise the positives. But were two points squandered? …
Dear Colin,
If I look in terms of performance, the way we defended, the way we controlled the game, the decisions we made and how comfortable we felt on the pitch, it is a point gained.
It is a positive thing and a clean sheet in the Barclays Premier League is very important. Then, of course there were moments when we got the feeling that we could go on to win.
Dear Colin,
I am convinced that we are going to play worse than this and win a game and then also the opposite way around, because sometimes we are going to play better and get nothing, so we need to be realistic and take the point.
Kasper Schmeichel’s save on Steven Fletcher was a key moment in the game because we were growing, getting better, controlling and getting closer so that is the chance that if you score if will give you a great platform to go and play a different game.
But it was a great save and I think we were getting close at the time. The second half was tactical and both teams were trying to go forward without giving too much space. It was a good encounter.
The Barclays Premier League is very difficult and you need to be in there to feel it – the quantity of knocks, heads, elbows and things that happen. We fought for the point.
We are difficult to beat – we have not lost for three games in a row – and the team are performing very well.
Thanks for your support,
Gus Poyet
Played the new boys all away from home and althpugh 2points is a poor return we should have beat QPR and we have only conceded 1. After the Southampton game we needed to build confidence and get back in track and we appear to have at very least consolidated. It will be tough but when we get back to a full squad I think we will improve
I’m worried, very worried. A hard season lies ahead on what I’ve seen so far. Two points from nine against the promoted clubs is a very disappointing return and the next four games will see us get one, two points max. Of course form is sometimes thrown out the window, as happened at the end of last season but don’t count on it. We’ll be well entrenched down amongst the dead men by the time we play them-up-the-road. My only hope is that Billy “Boots” Jones and Little Giacci can inject some much needed oomph into our flaccid attack, if the pair of them ever sign off the sick! Woe is me, woe woe and thrice woe (copyright Up Pompeii 1969).
Well ain’t I a harbinger of doom? There’s one of those points already in the bag and thoroughly deserved too. Ha’way me bonnie lads!!
Given our self-destructive tendency – quite evident today, our hard working but goal-shy forwards and the lack of creativity in midfield I think we did well to hold Leicester.
We need a little bit of quality to strike fear in opponents and it’s not there at the moment. Giacco will do it for midfield. Who will do it up front? We need to get a striker. We are destined to struggle until we do.
I think we do have a decent striker in Fletch who, when given chances, more often than not, put them away.
It irked me a little to see him pick the ball up on the wing when he should have been in the middle.
He’s strong in the air and scored loads for Wolves there. And we’re just not feeding in the crosses.
For than I am very happy to see Alvarez coming back. He’s a possible supplier.
Giacc has not excited me last season. He’s decent and can find space and make good runs, but he’s not set the world alight. However, perhaps he just needs a run of games. He’s a little lightweight (physically) for me sometimes.
Gus’ tactics are very defensive. We should be giving AJ the ball up the pitch in the final 3rd where he is dangerous. I feel sorry for him playing defensive-minded. We’re not getting the best out of him.
I thought Fletch was decent a couple of years ago but I’m not so sure he still has it.
I thought Whickham worked his socks off yesterday, maybe he’s being played out of place. Even so I’m not convinced he’s a killer in front of goal.
Also thought AJ didn’t stop running and agree with you about him.