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Last Match Forum - 04/01 Swansea City (A) / Re: After Match Debate

« on: January 04, 2025, 05:15:04 PM »

Just shocking as far as I am concerned, coupled with Oxford one of the worst results of the season, probably worse. We looked so comfortable in both games, had plenty of opportunities to get 3 or 4 today against such an average Swansea team that we usually have a lot of trouble with. We should have cantered to a win before we had our usual effort to withdraw all attacking threat and save energy.

The subs were the usual, it’s been said previously and so is the mindset, the goal was probably the worst thing to happen to us, our approach just drastically changed, they didn’t look remotely like scoring but were always going to get one chance and the smallest player on the pitch pops up with a header! It’s hard to say our approach doesn’t deserve that, we are not learning our lesson, we have been fortunate in a few but Oxford and today really show what can happen. The game is never over at 1-0 regardless of what may look like superiority on the pitch.

I didn’t realise the back to back winning record until today, I was confident with the team and more so what we were up against following their Pompey humiliation that the opportunity was there to score a few today, we should have done and made it a comfortable day. Then if they want to rest the core attacking players - that i would be surprised feature at Bournemouth anyway. I haven’t brought myself to look back at the goal on who to target but you just had that feeling despite no threat we may just shoot ourself in the foot.

Feels such a defeat today. And feels like a long wait to rectify going forward as I’m pretty sure there will be no ambition in the cup game. A managerial appointment before then is what we need.

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Albion Matchday Forum / Re: After Match Debate

« on: September 02, 2024, 07:01:23 PM »

Thankfully crowning off a bit a of a feel good factor about the club going into the game, I think it's fairly regularly we can have a good 10-15 minutes in a game, I felt like we came out absolutely scintillating, moving the ball so quick and there looked a few levels between the teams. If I can pinpoint what stunted the momentum, it was the Molumby yellow which was a bit of a cruncher, but we were playing such an aggressive game at that point so I can't be too mad at him and he more than made up for it after. He was very good, aside from the goal.

Beautiful goal which I wasn't sure was going to come, it would have been a travesty if we didn't take a lead into the second half. 

Credit to them I feel, they really had a strong start to the second half and they can consider themselves unlucky that didn't produce more. We had the much clearer chances though and should have ultimately eased through, on top of the first half performance. They didn't create anything too clear at all though, ultimately it was a deserved win with of course a bit of tension to see it out.

Nothing truly exceptional off the bench but the squad is looking strong, there's being glimpses in Racic and Dobbin, I'm looking forward to seeing how the team really starts to shape up and feel very happy and almost comfortable with our options.

What a start!

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Albion Matchday Forum / Re: Ticket Info & Requests

« on: August 21, 2024, 08:38:51 PM »

Very surprised they're still on sale, not pleasant at all but a rare 3pm game at a close distance. In line with the ticket comments I called and asked the ticket office and they had said that it must have got lost in the post and I would need to collect from Stoke which just adds a bit of hassle to the day.

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Albion Matchday Forum / Re: After Match Debate

« on: August 21, 2024, 08:32:49 PM »

Fairly happy with that, thought it was a composed and patient performance, perhaps you can add with too much caution. I'd prefer to stick with the first two adjectives though, we moved the ball around well, Molumby's performance rightly commended, on the flip side Mowatt was technically very good and I thought Swift was always seeking to get involved and link play himself. Just that bit of extra drive and creativity ultimately needed.

We didn't look under much threat at all, the midfielders as I've said did a good job collectively and a few of the defence also had minimum 7/10 performances, Heggem and Ajayi - which is pleasing to see.

They were a threat from a few set pieces and thats about it, there was a slight tinge of what could have been, clear frustration from their support as they also displayed an amount of caution you wouldn't usually expect from Leeds, I would say we just edged the game but didn't probably do enough to seal it.

Think Grant could have done better but with a game with a lack of fluid attacks in, I can't be too mad at the miss. I think the Grant/Fellows switch ultimately had a detrimental impact on our creativity, particularly Fellows who really does feel the key for us, there was a few times he didn't take his opportunity to be more direct and opt for a safer option. He always seems to be naturally involved on the right and I feel just a couple of the negative points from the game come from when we got a bit desperate with a few long balls towards him that were overhit.

Overall, pleasantly surprised with the return from the two opening fixtures, could have been more. There is a good opportunity over the next couple of games, hopefully we can maintain our performance level and be a bit braver as starting with Stoke the openings should be there.

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Albion Matchday Forum / Re: Pre Match Chat

« on: August 04, 2024, 07:06:51 PM »

Not going to lie I'm dreading this given the current state of our squad.

Our away form has been rank for years now and I can't see anything other than a loss here.

Would be delighted with a point and very, very surprised with three.

Yes, it's hard to oppose this pessimistic view, the away form more than anything is just lingering in my thoughts. They'll be up for it, full house, I'm a bit concerned we go under. I don't like to say I would take a draw, particularly in the championship but expectations have significantly altered. Get through the first 20 minutes, frustrate them, might need a horrible performance to be honest.

I'm going, still have a tinge of hope, but really I think goal in first 10 and 3 goals conceded.   

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West Bromwich Albion FC / Re: Where will we finish this season?

« on: August 04, 2024, 06:53:17 PM »

I'm very much of the assumption between 9th to 12th at the moment but this should definitely be re looked at after the window closes and maybe some gloomy results 

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Albion Matchday Forum / Re: PRE-SEASON FRIENDLIES - 1st TEAM

« on: August 04, 2024, 06:45:38 PM »

Well a day to recover, I don't think I've ever seen defeats in consecutive days before, that's a new one for me. I was a bit disappointed at Cambridge it wasn't more of a mixture of a team and the two players who could be potentially be more prominent were both off at half time. Nice to tick a new ground. I felt like the right back was our most competent player, I believe it would be Nelson based off the team sheet.

Blues, I think the result was a lot worse than the performance. It wasn't too much difference from last year in terms of a general performance, started quick, looked pretty dominant early on and than then fell off a bit. I think the 2nd goal was against the run of play and we were slightly on top at that point, I always felt it would be a difficult game and maybe actually expected Blues to be better. We ultimately gifted them 3 goals, basically providing assists.

Last minute decision to go so was in the home end, maybe I avoided a bit more of the vocal negativity but then saw it flooding in through socials after. I think ultimately the position we're in with releasing players has a very good chance of scuppering a play off push and possibly a top half finish. I'm not exactly optimistic but don't think it's going to be as bad as some make out. I think It's going to be brutally painful to watch Maja and Grant this season if that's what we opt for, Grant was extremely predictable and easy to defend against when he was involved, the play did tend to come down his side, a couple of times he was very slow to shoot, one was a excellent tackle admittedly. Maja still looks unfit and I'm not sure what he is really going to bring, for his flaws I am much more at ease with BTA up front and genuinely thinks he gives defenders a lot more to think about, if not always a goal threat.

What else stands out, Ajayi always concerns me in a back 4, I would have to see the first goal back but it was horrific for the 4th goal and pretty fitting of his performance and unfortunately follows suit what I heard from those that watched the Mallorca game. Palmer should have done better for the 3rd - may have got the two mixed up. But I put that down to basically protecting himself, he is more than a solid option, unfortunate that the Kipre/Bartley partnership is broken.

Heggem looks a bit unorthodox down the left, in ilk of Dan Burn at left back but at times can make it work for him, he seemed a bit more up for the battle than others, has his marauding runs and I wouldn't be surprised to see him crop up with a few goals. Of course very early to judge any newbies based off one game that I've seen, which may makes my next comment sound very harsh, I thought Diakite had looked like he won a competition to play that game. Technically awful, his shot from Fellows work down the left was truly horrendous and actually gave me something to laugh at, his work rate was there and I won't judge him completely but it didn't look promising.

I think that covers most of the new things we had seen, I will re emphasise I don't think we were as awful as the scoreline suggests, we didn't create much but there was a few half chances where if we're a bit sharper we get a shot away. It wasn't a 4-1 game but some horrific errors obviously gifted them the goals and it did start to look a bit comical and embarrassing.  In my mind avoid too much damage in the first month, get a result somewhere and see what we can bring in, the bench looked alarming as expected, a couple of newbies and regular squad players at least, Grady and Wallace missing.

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Albion Matchday Forum / Re: PRE-SEASON FRIENDLIES - 1st TEAM

« on: July 18, 2024, 09:00:34 PM »

Will do Cambridge, don’t know what’s going on with the Blues game and this behind closed doors pattern in general.

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Albion Matchday Forum / Re: Pre Match Chat

« on: February 04, 2024, 12:44:29 PM »

I'll be on the official coach so not there particularly early but any advice on pubs for away fans near the ground or even any kind of fanzone at the ground?

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Albion Matchday Forum / Re: After Match Debate

« on: February 04, 2024, 12:41:19 PM »

First of all a relief to restore a bit of pride in this fixture, being awfully embarrassing to be on the wrong end of the result I believe 5 times in a row. It was arguably one of the better performances that Blues had put in during that run of games, they looked comfortable on the ball and really pressed us well for a large portion, we looked to have a bit of a hangover from last week where we played much better. Ultimately good to immediately bounce back from last week in what was a real hard luck story and puts us in better stead in the league, this was probably the more favourable of upcoming fixtures.

The game looked set for a draw despite what I said about Blues performance, their best chances were a couple of threats from near post set piece deliveries. We did step up the intensity second half, Mowatt missed a sitter and for some reason can't place the BTA chance although know he had one. Before the game the bench looked extremely advantageous for us, the best it had looked in a while particularly on rotating on an attacking front which was needed. It was nice to see those subs made with I think varying success but it did ultimately make the difference.

In terms of general performances, and the subs, I though Yokuslu looked a class above at times, like last week. Dispelling a few pacy Blues attacks with good positioning, strength and composure. Furlong was consistent at marauding, good aerially as he usually is and an excellent assist. Weimann did nothing apart from the important bit, very instinctive, will come in handy. Johnstone looked lively and from early impressions will be the best addition. I thought Marshall looked particularly out of his depth, very much looked like the young man playing in an age category and physical ability beyond his level, it was quite alarming to see him get outpaced by one of the slow Blues CB'S after coming on. Although he did a have a nice involvement in the build up to the goal.

I vote Fellows for MOTM, I believe I forgot to mention last week how much I was hoping he would start that game with his building momentum and he looked very good when coming on, I was pleased to see him start yesterday as I feared he would be drifted to the back of the queue with the incomings. He was direct as ever, comfortable with going either side and using both feet. He picked up as the game progressed, drawing plenty of fouls and they were really struggling with him. As the subs transpired I was hoping each time he would survive the hook as he looked our liveliest threat. He survived the first few and then to be fair perhaps fatigue was a fair enough reason for him to come off at the end. One of our most exciting players at the moment and he looks relatively composed whilst doing that, taking the fouls and then going again.

 

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Albion Matchday Forum / Re: After Match Debate

« on: January 29, 2024, 09:53:44 PM »

It's been a fair few years since I've posted on here, of course this was a monumental occasion and it had me gripped and have been closely following the forum with the build up and the reaction. Thought I'd post my reflection, mostly from on the pitch - the football.

There was initial fears going into this, of course the record but I had to brace myself the time would be up eventually and the picture going into the game displayed a major gulf between the teams, as with the two divisions, proved in a few recent games. The reality was that they had significant investment and real star quality in the squad of a very good standard of premier league level, with a strong chance this would showcase itself possibly in a very embarrassing and damaging manner. Just maybe the saving grace would be our impressive home record. 

Result aside I was pleasantly surprised with the outcome and general nature of competitiveness of the match, in many areas we may have just shaded it and more than held our own, there was not much in that game at all. We looked composed, defended well, maintained a solid shape, comfortable possession and I would say for a good portion of the game looked the more threatening team. I find it hard to fault any of our players performances and I would say as a collective unit did a very good job, arguably better on that front, Wolves didn't look great.

I mentioned the word star quality, that was the difference, as expected. Neto, Cunha and I think Kilman were the difference in the match with some exceptional performances or decisive moments. I would say Decisive is another word you really highlight when you look at a few of our moments, not consistently glorious chances but one of the Thomas-Asante chances goes in and you're looking at a completely different game. That's the levels of the two teams at the end of the day and I'm very proud with what the lads put into that and deserved their round of applause at the end.

I was alarmed by the goalkeeper decision going in, I have since read the comments by CC but again I think its on of those what if's that he got wrong on this occasion. I wouldn't say glaringly obvious errors, I'm not a goalkeeper but sometimes you have the simple perspective that a goal doesn't look right going in, both have a case for that but more strongly the second goal. Made a good save after that, and Grittiths looked composed on the ball, seemed to be a calm head but that one was a worry from the point of teams being released and I believe proved right.

That's about it on the match, I really hope it comes round again sooner rather than later, with fans, up until the obvious it gave me everything that is so appetising about the fixture, even if I thought the Wolves fans were very quiet.

The rest, I guess we have to wait but it doesn't look good, I don't know how deep the punishment goes. The Wolves fan would most likely deserve everything he got from those around him if he did provoke and from what I've seen that wasn't too excessive. It's very much the assumption that an Albion fan provided the ticket so there's definitely shared blame. I await the punishments. Real shame though, that includes the other bits, more so than what happened on the pitch.

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West Bromwich Albion FC / Re: Fanzone is back

« on: October 02, 2022, 05:37:45 PM »

Any improvements this time round, went for the Hull game and it seemed pretty bare in refreshment choices. Is Burger Boi in there, or just in the East Stand? One of the main things I’ve been looking forward to this season.

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Albion Matchday Forum / Re: After Match Debate

« on: August 28, 2022, 02:20:03 PM »

At the ground there were plenty of us really not pleased with Button for the first goal, being at the angle behind the shot, there was absolutely only one place he was putting that ball. Everyone could read it and I honestly think just a couple of steps and he comfortably deals with that. Plus his diving style going with the opposite hand was extremely frustrating. The angle of the highlights don’t cover behind the goal which I think gives the strike more credit, you do see the very slow footwork of Button. As well as the glaring issues at the other end, I really see the goalkeeping position being a constant problem throughout the season. We’re not considering a lot of chances but the ones we do are going in!

Dara was lazy for the second goal, really cementing my frustrations at half time, he tried to be clever and he deservedly got punished in my eyes. I’ll be amazed if Huddersfield are anywhere near the top half this season, we gave ourself too much to do and even getting back level so early I was never really confident we would have the killer instinct to dispatch of them and we ultimately got lucky at the end with the header and the strike off the post.

This was a relatively kind fixture and the start gave us too much to do, we move onto Wigan on Tuesday where we really need to give ourselves belief of getting victory on the road before what you feel will be a very taxing game against Burnley and their new style.

Yes, In hindsight it was a penalty, I think performance wise we would have been quite fortunate to come away with the 3 points. Grant will always be a huge frustration to me, of course we are absolute desperate for a striker. His constant lack of effort and off the ball movement really makes me think he his fortunate to not receive the same disdain as many supporters have towards Robinson who I feel can actually be a lively presence. They of course have a history of a patch of good link up play between them, I do feel the make up of the team probably doesn’t see them both getting back in together.

I hate for my first post in quite a while to be full of negatives but despite the comeback I am left with the similar overwhelming feeling of a dislike for the team which was a general overtone of last season.

Pleased to see the efforts of Wallace pay off, really warming to him as a signing and Diangana is looking to return to his old form, it would be nice if he could become more of an actual goal threat, I’ll add Swift to that who you feel has the ability as shown by his goal against Hull.

On to the 3rd successive away games, hopefully something to cheer about at the end of it.

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Albion Matchday Forum / Re: After Match Debate

« on: September 27, 2020, 03:31:11 AM »

It’s a massive blow for me, kind of expected at half time and pretty much nailed on once they got one back. Desperate to hang on and unfortunately it triggered a reaction that sometimes Sport does for me, particularly with these guys I wish I could just accept it by now.

A 3-0 lead conceded is unacceptable for me and basically a defeat whoever we’re against, it reminded me of a 2 nil we let slip against Arsenal a few years back where people look at it as okay because of the opponent. This would have been such a boost for us whereas now I don’t see how the belief levels are much higher than rock bottom, particularly defensively.

We had a little group chat with a Chelsea friend of mine who stupidly switched over at half time, they were shocking though. At Half time it was all about getting to the checkpoints, don’t concede in the first 15 mins and then at 3-1 I thought just get to 70 minutes. Pretty much bang on everything happened as I feared and expected. Such a wounding movie to watch even though you have seen it before.

As far as I’m aware with the new rules it’s easily a handball particularly with the game killing VAR. I can’t even cling on to that though, we blew it.

Of course we have the ‘winnable’ games now, keeping out Ings next week just seems a huge feat to me.

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West Bromwich Albion FC / Re: The Liquidator podcast

« on: August 30, 2020, 01:28:23 PM »

Thanks for the heads up, always looking for a new podcast even though I rarely get round to listening to it! Looks some good episodes to reminisce on.

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General Football & Sports / Re: OFFICIAL CHAMPIONSHIP THREAD

« on: July 25, 2020, 02:30:44 PM »

Looking forward to watching them now. If Brentford can turn it around and do it I think they can do well next season. You just wouldn't want to be playing Swansea now. That's the real interesting tie. I think the winner of that one takes it.

Cardiff are the weakest and as mentioned I am sure would go straight back down.

Selfishly, Fulham is the best away day. I wouldn't particularly fancy them and Parker to have enough in the prem.

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West Bromwich Albion FC / Re: Grady Diangana

« on: July 25, 2020, 01:23:28 PM »

Always the problem with loan players, it was a lot of fun. I do think the step up to the Prem may be difficult for him but it would be great if he could at least have one go with us. A bit more hopeful than I was with Barnes, with West Ham still possibly looking elsewhere. We will see.

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General Football & Sports / Re: Dara O'Shea

« on: July 25, 2020, 01:12:22 PM »

I really like him, done exceptionally well at right back. Very tough for him switching sides the other night but I can see why the decision was made as he is a lot more solid than Townsend, whereas Furlong is naturally better at attacking.

It would be nice to see him given a go in his natural position but that is obviously a big risk to make that change again for a Premier league season. Maybe in a few friendlies beforehand, I would like to see him still involved next season. I think he is one of two good options at right back and perhaps a space will open up in centre back due to outgoings.

I can't remember when it was he stepped in, Millwall is standing out because of the goal but almost every time he has played he has at least been a 7/10 performance. A couple of big goals as well with those runs to the front post which I am a big fan of.   

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Albion Matchday Forum / Re: After Match Debate

« on: July 25, 2020, 12:57:51 PM »

A bit late but had to have a bit of a break, it's been exhausting. Mightily relieved that the season is now over and No Play Offs!! I, probably like the players would have really struggled with that. Of course we had to make it entertaining, the last two fixtures were extremely kind and we still had to do it that way. Brentford showed as well just what that bit of pressure can do.

We should have won the game comfortably, similar to the Blackburn game. Perhaps not quite to that extent but we were well on top before their 2nd shot got them level. It was a big call putting Robinson in but it worked, we have all had a debate and bit of a moan about the other options, he did miss a sitter but was a lot more involved and effective on the game. Nice to have a bit of movement up there and someone looking to run or at least capable of running. It can be discussed whether he has a part to play here next year but it was a good performance that created another great memory.

I am so delighted for the players and you could see the relief at the end of the game, not the same celebrations as usual without the fans but it was great to see the joy of the team. Extra pleased for Livermore and Brunt who both put in very good performances, Livermore's attitude and interview has been spoken about, very endearing. We had a struggle but it was a big achievement for the group. I am still very much in the proud/relieved mode and any concerns or talk about what we have for next season can wait for a bit.

A bit of flavour into the evening I had, watching on Sky did the heart nearly sink for anyone else when they showed the Brentford miss with about 10 minutes to go? Every time they had gone to a ground beforehand it was to show a goal so naturally when they went there with Brentford on the attack, I was just repeating 'They've scored' in pure anguish. Then thinking we are not going to score. I could not believe that they put us through that.

Finally the big Barnsley moment, a close friend messaged my sister to say Barnsley had scored and we were going up. He is a Villa fan and has been revelling the past couple of weeks at our struggles and my pain, knowing I would be avoiding my phone so this was the way I was going to get the message. I was convinced this was a wind up and there had in fact been a goal the other way, I had made the decision if he was lying he was not stepping foot in this house again. The joy when I checked the Sky sports app and then just that couple of minutes wait. What a night. 

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General Football & Sports / Re: OFFICIAL PREMIER LEAGUE THREAD

« on: July 22, 2020, 07:21:11 AM »

Well that was very typical from Arsenal and Villa. You would think they have somehow got out of it, Arsenal can’t be as bad with whatever team they put out vs Watford. Everton are horrific but it’s difficult to rely on Bournemouth. That bottom 4 is shocking and you would think whoever stays up will be deep in it next year.

Let’s just hope we don’t go the typical Albion route and struggle in the HUGE game tonight, I suppose in a way it would be fun to have the three Midlands sides up there.

Maybe it would be sweeter for me if Leeds and Villa can get relegated together next season.

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Albion Matchday Forum / Re: In Game Chat

« on: July 17, 2020, 06:41:10 PM »

Right players to bring on but Livermore, I would be absolutely furious If I was him. I hope he has strong words with Bilic to be honest.

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Albion Matchday Forum / Re: In Game Chat

« on: July 17, 2020, 06:30:23 PM »

Bordering on a disgraceful  performance, we don’t deserve to be level. A few truly terrible performances out there. They look like they want it more. Very fortunate goal.

Groisicki and Krov are the subs I can see changing the game, we did have momentum at the end and half time come at a bad time but we should be so much better.

Simply have to win, Brentford will not pass up this gift.

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Albion Matchday Forum / Re: In Game Chat

« on: July 17, 2020, 05:58:05 PM »

I think we need to be at least level for half time, not much sign of that.

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Albion Matchday Forum / Re: In Game Chat

« on: July 17, 2020, 05:38:02 PM »

Poor goalkeeping.

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Albion Matchday Forum / Re: Pre Match Chat

« on: July 17, 2020, 05:26:38 PM »

Previously mentioned about shots, I think Krov is good for that, he has a go, I think misses a lot more but it’s positive.

AJ may not be everyone but I was looking forward to his passion, is this the first game for Darren Fletcher?