It seems clear we can't really expect to stay up now, but there were some promising signs in today's performance. Apart from the 2 great strikes from Watford we made them look pretty ordinary. They're xG was low and we mostly defended well. But we did fail to convincingly close down the 2 goals, Dykes and Colback making half hearted efforts to block the shots. Begovic has had some criticism but I don't think he could have done anything for the first goal.

Of course we don't capitalise on our chances. We had 16 shots, 7 on target some of which really should have found the back of the net. Two thoughts on this. Firstly we don't often give the ball a real welly which gives the keeper a chance. The one player with a really powerful shot is Dykes, but his couple of longer range efforts were poor. Secondly, Dykes in particular, but most of our players when they get in the box are often caught flat footed. They don't anticipate and are on their heels. Dykes goal was the exception. I know you can't manufacture a Lineker or Haaland, but surely you can coach forwards to be more alert and find the right position.

I think it's interesting that Marti took off Chair and Field although the latter very near the end. He's not afraid of subbing our better players if he thinks it's the right thing to do. I think he may also be aware that Field's limitations going forward are becoming more apparent.

Armstrong undoubtedly our MotM and Smyth was a breath of fresh air and should have come on earlier. His crossing was good today. I think it was a mistake by Marti not to freshen things up sooner.

0

Another half way decent performance

Another defeat

0

Surely the low player marks are more a reflection of the result than their actual performance? I understand it’s an incredibly frustrating result but with the exception of Willock couldn’t fault the performance individually, largely outplayed a team with a far superior squad and pushing for the playoffs.

0