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West Bromwich Albion v Reading
Wednesday 21st August 2019 20.00pm
Please use this board for all your After Match Debate. Away fans are reminded to abide by the site rules.
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West Bromwich Albion v Reading
Wednesday 21st August 2019 20.00pm
Please use this board for all your In Game Chat. Opposition fans are reminded to abide by the site rules.
Please keep this board Albion related, there are boards elsewhere in General Sports to discuss other games
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West Bromwich Albion v Reading
Wednesday 21st August 2019 20.00pm
Please use this board for all your Pre Match Chat. Opposition fans are reminded to abide by the site rules.
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West Bromwich Albion v Reading
Wednesday 21st August 2019 20.00pm
PRICES
Allocation:
£20/£23 Adults, £15/£17 Senior 65, £15 U23, £10 U18, £5 U11, £10 Disabled
SALE DATES
Home Season Ticket Holders Online/ In Person/ Phone - Monday July 22
Members Online/ In Person/ Phone - Monday July 22
General Sale - Wednesday August 24
For upto date ticket info
CLICK HERE (http://www.wba.co.uk/tickets/)
MEMBERS WITH LESS THAN 25 POSTS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO OFFER TICKETS FOR SALE OR REQUEST TO BUY TICKETS ON WESTBROM.COM.
ANYONE IGNORING THAT RULING WILL HAVE THEIR POST REMOVED.
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Six days to go till kick off. Looking highly unlikely to match the Millwall league attendance and looking unlikely to match last seasons attendance for the same fixture. Given Reading only sold 900 for a Saturday 3pm kick off last season I expect a small turn out from them maybe 500 or so. Surely the home support will clear 20,000. At this stage I'd estimate a gate of 20,500 - 21,000.
Smethwick: 21
West Stand: 547
Brummie Road: 1,819
East Stand: 2,001
Remaining: 4,388
Sold: 19,100 approx.
Last Season:
Attendance: 22,865
Home: 21,958
Away: 907
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Will this game be on the red button ?
It is on the red button , says on the sky website
https://www.skysports.com/championship-fixtures
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Ref: Peter Bankes
Assistants: Adam Nunn, Nick Hopton
4th official: Darren Drysdale
Reffed our 0-3 to Palace in the Carabao Cup and our 3-2 at home to Hull.
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Saturday morning update:
Smethwick: 5
West Stand: 521
Brummie: 1,705
East Stand: 1,894
Remaining: 4,125
Sold: 19,375 approx.
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Sunday morning update:
Smethwick: 2
West Stand: 509
Brummie: 1,651
East Stand: 1,830
Remaining: 3,992
Sold: 19,500 approx.
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Early days, but Puscas looking like how you spend £8m well.
Hopefully we can get another three points though.
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Johnstone
Ferguson Ajayi Bartley Gibbs
Livermore Sawyers
Phillips Krovinovic Diangana
Austin
I’d stick Austin in personally however wouldn’t be disappointed if Zohore started after his performance against Luton
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Johnstone
Ferguson Ajayi Bartley Gibbs
Livermore Sawyers
Phillips Krovinovic Diangana
Austin
I’d stick Austin in personally however wouldn’t be disappointed if Zohore started after his performance against Luton
THIS TEAM GIVES ME A BIT OF A STONK ON :D
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Johnstone
Ferguson Ajayi Bartley Gibbs
Livermore Sawyers
Phillips Krovinovic Diangana
Austin
I’d stick Austin in personally however wouldn’t be disappointed if Zohore started after his performance against Luton
If Austin is ready. I wouldn't be against Zohore playing he was better v luton
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THIS TEAM GIVES ME A BIT OF A STONK ON :D
You probably need to keep that sort of information to yourself Kie.........
Its a good line up though, I will give you that.
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THIS TEAM GIVES ME A BIT OF A STONK ON :D
Surely you mean a bit of a Semi? ;)
Waits for Dan's contribution
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We could see a bit of rotation, maybe rest Phillips, Ferguson.
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I'd bring Furlong in for Ferguson for more of an attacking option at right back as Ferguson looks like a centre back when he is trying to cross the ball. Ferguson is perfect in away games, but the Millwall game showed what we could face throughout the season so I would want a more natural attacking right back there in the home games.
Johnstone
Furlong Ajayi Big Kyle Gibbs
Livermore Sawyers
Phillips Krov Diangana
Austin
Much dependent upon the fitness of Phillips and Austin. Pereira debut and Zohore for them if not up to it.
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I agree with the principle above of having Furlong in for Ferguson for games where we will be needing to break down a deep defence so would probably bring him in for Reading although they may have a more proactive approach than we anticipate.
I also would not play Phillips or Gibbs; both have histories of muscular injuries and I don't think we should be playing them three times a week at all unless really required in the crunch time at the end of the season. Gibbs is certainly first choice and Phillips' set-piece delivery probably gives him the edge too so both are important to us.
Finally I think Austin starts as you need to get minutes into him at some point. He seems to be preferred to Zohore by the crowd so if Zohore plays and doesn't start well, the groans could begin which I don't think would help.
Johnstone
Furlong
Ajeyi
Bartley
Townsend
Livermore
Sawyers
Edwards
Krovinovic
Diangana
Austin
Bond, O'Shea, Brunt, Harper, Periera, Phillips, Zohore
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Early days I know and the team still needs time to gel, but.... this is a game that should be winning if we want to be getting automatic promotion. Won't be our season over if we do lose but I think its important to keep the momentum going and I can't think of a better way other than to get our first home win of the season
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I think we have plenty of reasons to be optimistic about this game. However, based on their display yesterday, Reading look a much better team this season. Let's go for the jugular! We ought to have enough attacking options now that Austin's match fitness is returning. I think he will still start on the bench though.
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I think we have plenty of reasons to be optimistic about this game. However, based on their display yesterday, Reading look a much better team this season. Let's go for the jugular! We ought to have enough attacking options now that Austin's match fitness is returning. I think he will still start on the bench though.
Agree, I think we will see the same 11 but with Diangana in for Edwards. I don't think any of the others really deserved to be dropped, even dropping Edwards is a bit harsh but you can't not play Diangana after Saturday.
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Latest update:
Smethwick: Sold Out
West Stand: 427
Brummie Road: 1,476
East Stand: 1,534
Remaining: 3,437
Sold: 20,050 approx.
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Shall we give them a head start?
None of our games have seen the first scorers win so far this season.. :-X
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Puscas looks a hand full, we will need to defend better than we have done so far in this game.
A clean sheet would be most welcome
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Buzzing to be able to watch this one and get my first proper look at the new lads.
Score early and then pick them off on the counter as they try and get back into it. 3-0 WBA (Austin, Zohore, Kroninovic)
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4-1, wtf i hear you cry
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4-1, wtf i hear you cry
Are you saying 4-1 Reading mate? ;D
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According to Slaven in his pre match interview we are considering changes for tomorrow night. Not sure who or how many but it might be an interesting line up.
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I'm going to have a go at predicting Slav's team:
Johnstone
Ferguson Ajayi Bartley Townsend
Sawyers Brunt
Edwards Krovinovic Diangana
Austin
Subs: Bond, Gibbs, O'Shea, Livermore, Zohore, Pereira, Robson - Kanu.
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I'm going to have a go at predicting Slav's team:
Johnstone
Ferguson Ajayi Bartley Townsend
Sawyers Brunt
Edwards Krovinovic Diangana
Austin
Subs: Bond, Gibbs, O'Shea, Livermore, Zohore, Pereira, Robson - Kanu.
change Livermore for Brunt and Phillips for Edwards and you may well have it.
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change Livermore for Brunt and Phillips for Edwards and you may well have it.
Johnstone
Ferguson
Ajayi
Bartley
Gibbs
Livermore
Sawyers
Phillips
Krovinovic
Diangana
Austin
Is what I reckon. Think if Gibbs fit he plays and, injuries aside, i don't expect much of a change to the back 4 until Hegazi is fit, unless Ferguson has a drop in form then Furlong will step in.
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Expecting changes ahead of Saturday and not sure several of the team can cope with three games in several days. Therefore I'd go with something like:
Johnstone
Furlong Ajayi Bartley Gibbs
Livermore Sawyers
Pereria Krov Diangana
Austin
I'd then look to use both Edwards, Zohore and Phillips on Sunday against Derby.
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I do think the signings we made were geared towards having the ability to rotate due to the demands of this league and its ridiculous fixture list. I expect to see a lot of team flexibility this season
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Update:
Smethwick: Sold Out
West Stand: 369
Brummie Road: 1,336
East Stand: 1,399
Remaining: 3,104
Sold: 20,400 approx.
Reading sold: 831
Estimated attendance: 21,500
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I do think the signings we made were geared towards having the ability to rotate due to the demands of this league and its ridiculous fixture list. I expect to see a lot of team flexibility this season
Having now read Bilic's comment about squad size and fairness to players, we may well see a few changes tonight. If Brunt plays as well as he did against Millwall in the cup then I have no problem with him in for either Sawyers or Livermore. I'd expect Diangana to replace Edwards and possibly Pereira for Phillips.
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Having now read Bilic's comment about squad size and fairness to players, we may well see a few changes tonight. If Brunt plays as well as he did against Millwall in the cup then I have no problem with him in for either Sawyers or Livermore. I'd expect Diangana to replace Edwards and possibly Pereira for Phillips.
Changing the central midfield pair no reason is asking for problems. Sawyers is running games and Livermore is playing his best football for us. Why swap either of them for a player who is not suited to a central role? major disruption for no reason.
I can see the 2 wide players and Austin being the changes with possibly Furlong for Ferguson but not sure that one will happen.
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Bond
Furlong
Ajayi
O'Shea
Gibbs
Brunt
Sawyers
Pereira
Krovinovic
Diangana
Zohore
subs. Johnstone, Bartley, Townsend, Livermore, Willock, Harper, Austin.
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Bond
Furlong
Ajayi
O'Shea
Gibbs
Brunt
Sawyers
Pereira
Krovinovic
Diangana
Zohore
subs. Johnstone, Bartley, Townsend, Livermore, Willock, Harper, Austin.
I would swap Brunt for Livermore and Zohore for Austin. The rest I would go along with!
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Bartley will play I’d be prepared to wager. And so he should.
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Expecting changes ahead of Saturday and not sure several of the team can cope with three games in several days. Therefore I'd go with something like:
Johnstone
Furlong Ajayi Bartley Gibbs
Livermore Sawyers
Pereria Krov Diangana
Austin
I'd then look to use both Edwards, Zohore and Phillips on Sunday against Derby.
I would agree with most of this but would give Townsend a run out against Reading to give Gibbs a break, considering his injury record, and then bring Gibbs back for the Derby game.
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Not greedy here, settle for 1-0 or 2-0 just to keep the momentum and give us a clean sheet
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Are you saying 4-1 Reading mate? ;D
i didnt say 1-4 my friend
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Puscas looks a hand full, we will need to defend better than we have done so far in this game.
A clean sheet would be most welcome
Need to watch him closely...plays like his "namesake". Not as good yet though.
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Need to watch him closely...plays like his "namesake". Not as good yet though.
Overstatement and understatement of the year in 2 sentences. Kudos.
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Going to be a tough game, think if depends on how Reading set up against us.
Hopefully they come with a bit of confidence after their win the weekend and try to play football and leave some gaps for us to exploit.
A good test for us but one we should be looking to get 3 points in if we are looking to get the top 2 spots.
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Bond
Furlong
Ajayi
O'Shea
Gibbs
Brunt
Sawyers
Pereira
Krovinovic
Diangana
Zohore
subs. Johnstone, Bartley, Townsend, Livermore, Willock, Harper, Austin.
Just out of curiosity can I ask why Johnstone, Bartley and Livermore have all been dropped from your team.
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Just out of curiosity can I ask why Johnstone, Bartley and Livermore have all been dropped from your team.
Don't rate any of them and believe the alternatives are better.
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Just out of curiosity can I ask why Johnstone, Bartley and Livermore have all been dropped from your team.
Probably because he doesn't think they should play?! Many have wanted the three of them out for a while now. They may have improved however one swallow doesn't make a summer.
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Probably because he doesn't think they should play?! Many have wanted the three of them out for a while now. They may have improved however one swallow doesn't make a summer.
Livermore and Bartley both playing well. It would be nonsense to drop them because they didn’t play well last season.
Jury out on Johnstone but I’d still start him.
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Livermore and Bartley, both playing well so far this season. We do have a squad which can be rotated without major downgrades
but currently there are no obvious changes to those two without weakening the team presently. It looks as if Slaven is looking to make changes, which will be fine at fullback and in midfield. Please no Brunt in midfield.
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Interesting what Billic was saying about rotating the team. Its a difficult balance between keeping the squad happy, and not breaking the momentum..
I think for example, that Livermore, Sawyers and Krovinovic are building up a good understanding. If you chop and change too much, you break that.
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Update:
Smethwick: Sold Out
West Stand: 320
Brummie Road: 1,159
East Stand: 1,258
Remaining: 2,737
Sold: 20,750+
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Interesting what Billic was saying about rotating the team. Its a difficult balance between keeping the squad happy, and not breaking the momentum..
I think for example, that Livermore, Sawyers and Krovinovic are building up a good understanding. If you chop and change too much, you break that.
I think those three will be keeping their places, I would be pretty certain Phillips will be benched and then two other changes could be Edwards and Ferguson
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I'd go with
Bond
Gibbs
Bartley
Ajayi
Ferguson
Sawyers
Livermore
Krovinovich
Diangana
Pereira
Austin
I think SB will do the same but with Johnstone in goal.
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I think those three will be keeping their places, I would be pretty certain Phillips will be benched and then two other changes could be Edwards and Ferguson
Spot on.
I reckon tonight will see Furlong for Ferguson and Diangana for Edwards.
Can see Austin and Pereira being used after 55/60 if needed and possibly starting on Saturday.
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Got a feeling Diangana will replace Phillips and not Edwards as SB will be fearful of denting Edwards confidence.
Johnstone
Furlong Ajayi Bartley Gibbs
Sawyers Livermore
Diangana Krov Edwards
Austin
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We've sold around 21,000 now in home areas.
Attendance should be between 21,500 - 22,000
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Might need to rest Livermore and maybe Bartley but having sent Field on loan there's no one that can put their foot in. Well Brunt does, but towards the end of a game, when tired, he does so giving away fouls in dangerous positions. Would be happy to use Brunt but only for 60 mins.
Perhaps Ajayi could fulfil the defensive midfielder position and Bartley partner O'Shea but the combination is fairly untried.
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Don't rate any of them and believe the alternatives are better.
Brunts better than livermore haha some deluded fans around
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Brunts better than livermore haha some deluded fans around
Apparently you'd know ;)
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Furlong Diangana and Austin for Ferguson Edwards and Zohore.
Former drops right out of squad. Latter pair on bench.
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Our strongest available team with the possible exception of Ferguson and Furlong as we've not seen enough of either to decide.
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Oh and lads cut the personal digs please
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Furlong Diangana and Austin for Ferguson Edwards and Zohore.
Former drops right out of squad. Latter pair on bench.
Very surprised to see Phillips starting bearing in mind Bilic said about resting people
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West Brom XI: Johnstone, Furlong Bartley, Ajayi, Gibbs, Livermore, Sawyers, Phillips, Krovinovic, Diangana, Austin.
Reading XI: Rafael, Morrison, Miazga, Moore, Swift, Ejaria, Yiadom, Boye, Richards, Pele, Puscas.
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For those with Sky the Albion game is on the red button
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Hoping for a solid performance and a clean sheet today. 4 games in and we haven’t yet kept a clean sheet, so it would be great if we could prove we are solid in defence. Puscas is supposed to be a bit of a handful, with a physical style of play, so they will no doubt be a threat from set pieces.
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Glad to see Austin replace Zohore. Zohore had the first 3 league games and never really threatened so it is Austin’s turn. Also a chance to see Diangana in a more complete side.
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How was that not a pen????
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Great pressure so far, need to convert it into something
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Very neat and tidy so far with no end product.
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Good save by Johnstone to push away an edge of the area free kick
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Good save by SJ
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really struggling to find a stream
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Just like that suddenly very ragged. Livermore concedes foul on edge of box, then gives ball away 30 yards out. Bartley and Johnstone make a mess of a goal kick then Sawyers robbed in midfield. Now a corner to Reading.
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After a bright start reading easily now the better team
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Reading, under the cosh early on, are coming right back into it.
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Half chance for Phillips from 20 yards but the shot was well past the far post
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Play still fairly ragged. Neither keeper tested so far apart from the one Johnstone save
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Johnstone once again to Albion’s rescue beating away an angled drive. We are not in it at this stage
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Furlong looks very weak in the challenge so far.
None of the midfield 3 (JL naughty word and RS) are AT it, yet tonight.
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Pretty poor the last 10 minutes still no cutting edge upfront
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Phillips is beginning to cause problems on the right as Albion regain the initiative
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Improving but no fire power
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Not sure what Livermore offers other than giving the ball away or free kicks
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Not sure what Livermore offers other than giving the ball away or free kicks
Nothing.
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This Reading team are no mugs
Like the look of Swift and Ejaria in midfield for them
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Reading miss sitter from corner.
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Is it me or does Austin seem way off the pace of things
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Ref also not given us much.
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A bit wasteful when we get in good positions so far. A couple of times there has been a better pass on than the one we have made. Also finding we are giving Reading far too many chances in our box. Don’t like how much space we give them. We are like statues at times.
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We pretty at times but reading easily looking most likely to score
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This Reading team are no mugs
Like the look of Swift and Ejaria in midfield for them
They looked a very good team against Cardiff and the 4-0 reflected more on how good Reading were than Cardiff playing particularly badly. Swift, Ejario and Puscas all looked excellent in that one as well. Dark horses for a top 6 spot.
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Krovinović visually very like Koren, nowhere near as good though. Diangana being bullied at times. Hopefully a better 2nd half to come.
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2 even teams, Reading look far more threatening however in the final third. Do we have a Plan B? Didn’t against Millwall.
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That's a pretty poor first half showing on reflection. Vital we improve after the break.
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We need to be patient & the goals will come.
Like the energy being showed by the lads, the thing I dislike is how easy we go down. :-[
Lots to like from a newly assembled squad.
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Improvement needed 2nd half
Lacking a cutting edge upfront. I think thats down to match sharpness than anything else
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Neat and tidy no cutting edge. Krovonovic not involved enough.
Gibbs again for me is too weak defensively
I'd sacrifice Livermore for Edwards play diangara off Austin
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I have no idea how the ref didn’t give a penalty for the foul on Furlong, brilliant first 10 minutes then fell off badly. Sawyers not having a great game again lost of pretty passing but fairly ineffective and really should be 1-0 down. I’d give Grady 10 mins in the second half then look to get Pereira on and see what he can do.
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Reading look a decent side to be fair, But abit more awareness from Phillips and he could have slipped a couple of players in instead of wild shooting. Livermore offers nothing, Sawyers just giving the ball away at every attempt aswell. going to be a 1-0 either way i feel.
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Also Sawyers 98 percent pass completion from Saturday must be down near 70 percent tonight. Not been impressed.
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Furlong was probably our best player that half. Austin looks shot and past it, slow lump trying to drag himself around the pitch. Reading more decisive with the ball. We were lucky not to concede another cheap goal from a corner. Thought Furlong should have won that penalty early on, he was clattered. Livermore fairly useless, to fat to run around. Sawyers was sloppy in some of his passing by his own high standards. When out of possession we failed to press them and are playing too deep. We need a higher block.
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I dont normally moan about refs but Reading are quite physical closing us down quickly and have committed a lot more fouls then he's given...a few 50 - 50's and he's given a free kick against us...that really interrupts your flow as a team....Readings midfield looks good though and they seem to be doubling up on Diangana. Would like to see Periera get more than 15 mins.
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Feel like we should be pressing a bit higher when out of possession.
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Just have to keep patient much like the Luton game.
The good news is we've been here before twice this season (Milwall and Luton) and scored early in the second half so we have that going for us.
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We haven't had a shot on target. They have had 4.
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We have a ton of great ball players and we saw what Diangana could do on Sunday, plus what Phillips has done in the past. Krovinovic had a good spell pre injury at Benfica and Sawyers has proved his class at Brentford. On paper we should have enough to be a threat in this division (where Leko is having fun for Charlton now given game time), yet we are struggling to break teams down at home yet again.
Is it Bilic? Could he do more on the training ground or in how he sets up and prepares the team? Sheffield Utd are being praised for how Wilder is doing things there, with innovative attacking play. Does Bilic maybe need to show he is more than a talking head?
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We haven't had a shot on target. They have had 4.
It's hard to hit the target when they have 10 men in the box
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It's hard to hit the target when they have 10 men in the box
True.
They are crowding us out.
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It's hard to hit the target when they have 10 men in the box
10 men of theirs in both boxes, fitter than us
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Reading totally dominant in the early minutes of the second half. This is poor by Albion
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Poor from Austin 8 yards out. Decent spell there though.
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Austin so close from close range. Keeper smothers
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We have a bit of a dilemna at RB....but a good one for a change!
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If we don't score by the hour mark it's time for Brunt, Pereira and Edwards imo.
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If we don't score by the hour mark it's time for Brunt, Pereira and Edwards imo.
Pereira and Edwards for sure, I don't think you can take Livermore or Sawyers off.
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Commentator , refs having a good game
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Well I thought we had 2 calls for a penalty
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Well I thought we had 2 calls for a penalty
Ref had it right.
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Still think we will win this game.
1_0 :D
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Ref had it right.
Hard to tell on the tv
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Shot from outside box goes in at near post, Johnstone doesn't move. Same old story.
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Bad goal to give away that is
Lacking energy tonight we are
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Still think we will win this game.
1_0 :D
I'm afraid we won't
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Hard to tell on the tv
Not really, Krov has been diving around all night.
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I could see it coming. We have been disappointing against a poor Reading team
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We can't keep a clean sheet and don't create many chances.
Not a good combination
Johnstone didn't move again
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Johnstone doesn't like shots from distance. He never moved again.
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I could see it coming. We have been disappointing against a poor Reading team
Reading are not a poor side at all
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Shot from outside box goes in at near post, Johnstone doesn't move. Same old story.
Seen subtitle keepers move better. Glued to the spot didn't so much as f!inch.
Passing has been awful. Midfield and front three listless.
Why are we so poor at home?
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I could see it coming. We have been disappointing against a poor Reading team
A poor Reading side??
Are you sure about that?
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Still need a striker.
This team won't go up
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Reading can easily score agin. We are static at the back and the forwards don't know where the goal is.
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A yard off tonight very worrying with Austin on we still lack a cutting edge up top
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A poor Reading side??
Are you sure about that?
Think they've been there for the taking tbf. This is a very poor result in a game we should be winning if we have any real aspirations.
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Shot from outside box goes in at near post, Johnstone doesn't move. Same old story.
Sorry, but blaming Johnstone for that is way off the mark, no one goes to the man, he strolls forward 10 yards and smashes it in, useless defending.
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Not been impressed tonight with us
Some neat and tidy stuff but really rubbish around the box
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We are too slow. By the time we get it forward, they have got their 11 back.
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Sitter Zohore.
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What a block that is from the Reading player
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Don't get the change....were 1 down, he's changed nothing,vstriker for a striker..have a go, keep them both on.
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Sorry, but blaming Johnstone for that is way off the mark, no one goes to the man, he strolls forward 10 yards and smashes it in, useless defending.
Once I'd agree, twice maybe but 10 times since start of last season? Pattern.
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They will just retain the ball now, which they've done well all evening. Tough ask.
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Mid table team we are
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Nice pretty sidewards passing whilst they get their 11 players back.
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Cardiff, Leeds, Fulham and Swanseaall won, we are the big loser tonight as it stands
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Mid table team we are
Away form top - home form relegation = mid-table. We will hopefully sort out why we can't get results at home!
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Slightly conflicted about tonight. Feel we've actually created some chances. teams can't keep coming up with last ditch blocks etc.
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Penalty. Good play.
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Zohore to take.
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Scores. Let's get it won.
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Zohore makes it 1-1
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A yard off tonight very worrying with Austin on we still lack a cutting edge up top
Austin is two steps off the pace and the pace is not exactly staggering.
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Glad he’s off the mark
Good play to get the penalty
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4 mins.
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No right foot - Pereira.
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No right foot - Pereira.
Looks tidy though, he's finding his feet (...foot)
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1-1
We were poor against a poor side.
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A poor side? :D
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Pereira and Krov linked up great in ten minutes. Zohore also looked miles better than Austin who looked incredibly slow and immobile. Livermore I think most at fault for their goal, decided not to bother closing them down and then crisp packet hands in goal doesn’t even bother to dive. Furlong MOM.
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Different manager, different players.
Same old stlye.
Too much pretty sidewards passing which lets the opposition get back to defend.
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Another uninspiring home performance. Seemingly unable to trouble the keeper from open play anywhere near enough. Reading found that way too easy for too long. Lots of tippy tally football in the midfield without ever creating any real chances.
It is still early days in the season, but that’s 3 home games now without a win. Bilic should know now he needs to tweak things tactically. Up to him to prove he has the necessary managerial ability.
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Missed two really good chances tonight. One for Zohore and one for Austin. Should have had two penalties before the one we did get. Just not our night. Pereira looks a real player.
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Periera looks a very very good player, looking forward to seeing more of him. Some pretty stuff from us, but not much created until he came on and started slotting balls through.
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I'll take that - Reading have some good players and I think they'l do well this season. Important for Zohore to get off the mark - will be good for his confidence.
I am so excited by Perreira, I think he's playing way below his level - he's easily Premier League quality - what a signing this will be. His and Krovinovic's link-up play was majestic. We need Perreira starting games from now on.
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It’s too early to say if reading are a decent side or not, but a decent side would have put them to the sword tonight. We on the other hand barely troubled the keeper.
On a positive note, some of Pereira’s passing was brilliant, precise and cutting. His shooting was wayward though.
We need to improve but at least we saved a point.
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The play leading up to the pen is the way to open up packed defences.
Would like to say I think we're aren't far off a
Top 2 team. Time & patience & a good January window
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Pereira looked class. I think we need to play a 442 style for the strikers to be effective. I don't think even Gayle would thrive as a lone striker
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Relatively poor and 'tired' performance - but a few good passages of play.
I think there are definite signs of a better quality team in there than last year personally - but I will concede we're not getting it right in the final third.
We're a work in a progress, we've dug out a point despite playing quite poorly, and we are undefeated in the league. Head up and march on!
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I dont get Livermore and Sawyers both so deep at home...mind you both were poor tonight...they got round us in numbers and stifled us...let Livermore sit and Sawyers and Krov roam around, pull them out of position...they read us like a book.
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Disappointing to not win at home but we deserved the point. Early days. With the changes to the squad we were never going to be getting off to a flyer but we are in touch. There are so many solid teams in this league hopefully we can get better and really compete.
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Worrying to see Fulham hammer Millwall tonight after we struggled against them.
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I'll take that - Reading have some good players and I think they'l do well this season. Important for Zohore to get off the mark - will be good for his confidence.
I am so excited by Perreira, I think he's playing way below his level - he's easily Premier League quality - what a signing this will be. His and Krovinovic's link-up play was majestic. We need Perreira starting games from now on.
I had a feeling Perreira might turn out to be the best signing of the bunch, sure he's hardly featured so far, but when he is a regular starter we could be in for a treat.
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Krovinovic too lightweight
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Johnstone poor.
Still shaky from set pieces but better.
Sawyers had his least effective game.
Livermore needs dropping, definitely for home games
Phillips was ok. Krovonovic not in the game enough.
Diangana ok.
Austin was poor but in fairness we needed another body closer to him
Looked better with 2 wide players and perreira playing for the striker.
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Unbeaten start. Did seem to lack a cutting edge tonight. Sawyers not quite as peerless as previous matches in first half but looked better second half. Zohore looked good.
But Pereira.
Wow
Pin point accuracy with his crosses. Great close control and awareness. Couple of lovely quick passes.
And he’s the one loan player we have a chance of keeping.
He needs to start.
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Thought we could/should have had at least two or three more penalty's. The foul in the first 5 minutes and then the shove on Austin when he jumped for the ball, then the foul on Krov when he cut inside, but the ref gave nothing (I think he knew he got the first Krov foul wrong by his body language).
Still, it doesn't hide the fact we defended poorly for their opening goal (I don't know how the hell Johnstone was meant to save it...that is a bit ridiculous)
Anyway, at least we're still unbeaten and Zohore did well with the pressure etc. Regarding Perreira, yes his link up play was great with Krov but he was also a bit weak in other areas. Still lots to improve upon but at least we didn't lose.
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Some worrying trends going on with this team that needs putting right 23 - 24 shots 4 on target Saturday, tonight 19 shots 4 on target, defending for some of the goals this season has been piddle poor also the guy had the freedom of the Black Country to pick that shot out. There needs to be more cutting edge up top. Pereira looks a good player and linked up well with Krov. I think the international break will do this team well so they can learn each other’s games especially up top, thought Livermore had a superb game.
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For me we struggle in the final third because the 2 DMs are miles away from the attackers and the 4 up top are also miles away from each other...lone striker, two wingers and an attacking mid so either your cross has to be spot on or your through ball does and if they have 4 defenders and 2 DMs we are completely outnumbered...we just dont link very well and it breaks down.
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I feel more positive than some here! I thought Phillips and Krovinovic were superb, Pereira and Edwards looked great when they came on and Sawyers was much improved after the break. Still find Livermore frustrating. He'll bounce a five yard pass to somebody's knees.
Johnstone needs to actually dive more. Almost every goal this season he's rooted to the spot, happens way too often.
All in all, we're unbeaten and up there. Saturday will be a tough test.
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Before the slagging off brigade come on hear!! That was a good performance & very unlucky not to claim all 3 points. Reading we’re a much improved side & played really well. Better than previous Reading teams. Great link up play between Krovinovic& Pierrer. Unlikely baggies
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Worrying to see Fulham hammer Millwall tonight after we struggled against them.
Fulham's front 3 of Mitrovic, Knockaert and Cavaleiro is simply too good for this level, anybody finishing above them will go up, probably as champions.
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Some worrying trends going on with this team that needs putting right 23 - 24 shots 4 on target Saturday, tonight 19 shots 4 on target, defending for some of the goals this season has been piddle poor also the guy had the freedom of the Black Country to pick that shot out. There needs to be more cutting edge up top. Pereira looks a good player and linked up well with Krov. I think the international break will do this team well so they can learn each other’s games especially up top, thought Livermore had a superb game.
It's encouraging to be getting in so many shots though, if that becomes a trend for us then just a little improvement in shooting quality will see us start to net a lot more often.
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Still a work in progress. Some players need the game time to get up to speed, it doesn’t come with half an hour here and there, and it takes time for a team to gel and get to understand each other’s movement. Not too unhappy with quite a lot of what I’ve seen tonight, except some defensive issues based on poor communication and lack of organisation. Don’t see that SJ was entirely to blame for the goal but might have made some sort of effort. The main issue for me is that he just has no presence in his area. We need better. Up front maybe just a bit more confidence and a bit more coolness. We had players tonight getting on the end of passes and making goal attempts but all a bit rushed and over eager. Give it time it should come together into something quite interesting
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Have to say I was happy with Zohore's contribution today as well. He took a pressure penalty but from open play he did much better in holding it up and was very unfortunate not to score and would have if not for a great block. Hopefully he will start to develop now.
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Johnstone needs to actually dive more. Almost every goal this season he's rooted to the spot, happens way too often.
I was always told that a keeper should pretty much always dive. It gets them into the habit and even though it can be in vain a lot of the time there's times you'll make the save when you think you couldn't. All too often Johnstone watches the ball hit the back if the net.
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Could have gone either way, as both we and Reading fluffed decent chances. Some of our approach work was excellent, especially from Phillips and Furlong. Austin gets in good positions and I'm sure will score a fair few. He tries to find the ball rather than waiting for it to find him. Last 10 minutes good link up between Krov and Perreira though Perreira's shooting a bit wild. Dianga bright early on, but faded. Good that Zohora has the confidence to take pen. Again sloppy in defence for their goal. But Reading are a decent side and should finish top half.
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Johnstone poor.
Still shaky from set pieces but better.
Sawyers had his least effective game.
Livermore needs dropping, definitely for home games
Phillips was ok. Krovonovic not in the game enough.
Diangana ok.
Austin was poor but in fairness we needed another body closer to him
Looked better with 2 wide players and perreira playing for the striker.
This constant bashing of Johnstone isn't even funny. He didn't put a foot wrong tonight really yet he still gets rated poor.
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This constant bashing of Johnstone isn't even funny. He didn't put a foot wrong tonight really yet he still gets rated poor.
Same with Livermore, he's had a good start to the season yet constant criticism.
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Same with Livermore, he's had a good start to the season yet constant criticism.
The criticism is largely well placed. Both Johnson and Livermore aren’t good enough. Johnson has next to nothing to do tonight and couldn’t keep a clean sheet. Livermore doesn’t create anything or offer any protection to the back four. Just look at him watching and not closing down for the reading goal tonight. No point him really playing. Just another over paid Pulis signing that we’re stuck with.
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I thought the game mirrored the other home games this season, very pretty at times but lacking in the final third. That said it would've been really harsh on us had we lost that game. I thought we should've had more than one penalty, ref was really poor.
I'd still like to see us go 4-3-3 instead of playing in front of teams. The lone striker is going to find it very difficult with packed defences at home.
We started well, ended well and some of the stuff in the middle was OK although also a bit sloppy at times particularly Sawyers and Diangana who I thought was poor tonight.
Pereira looked good when he came on except his shooting was awful, Zohore looked a handful too, I maintain there's a player in him .
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Good point from the position we were in but need to be more clinical in front of goal. Ref had a mare tonight as we should of had penalty in first few minutes but hey that's the standard of ref's in Championship league. Attacking wise I thought player's had one touch too many and some tried to beat player after player which Slaven will cut out. My only concern is how easily Reading got at our back four from middle of park.
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Austin and Zohore both still to get into their groove, give it a few games lads and we will start demolishing teams. This squad we have is frightening. Hopefully we go in for another striker in January hopefully in the shape of Gayle or similar. He would thrive in this team.
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Austin and Zohore both still to get into their groove, give it a few games lads and we will start demolishing teams. This squad we have is frightening. Hopefully we go in for another striker in January hopefully in the shape of Gayle or similar. He would thrive in this team.
Plus hopefully Hegazi after the international break might see us put a corner straight in
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The criticism is largely well placed. Both Johnson and Livermore aren’t good enough. Johnson has next to nothing to do tonight and couldn’t keep a clean sheet. Livermore doesn’t create anything or offer any protection to the back four. Just look at him watching and not closing down for the reading goal tonight. No point him really playing. Just another over paid Pulis signing that we’re stuck with.
I think you are doing the quality of the shot a disservice here. No goalkeeper would have stopped that as the reaction time was just not there. Sam did nothing wrong last night.
Are you seriously saying that goal was his fault??
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Ejaria had so much space and time for the goal, poor defending again.
Perreira played lively and Zohore looked better than last few games.
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Again, I saw promising signs last night from a team bedding in a number of new players and a system that is new to the players, particularly the players still remaining from last season where we had no discernible system.
Pereira looks like he will be a very handy addition, the interplay between him and Krov was sublime and a couple of the through balls he made, including the one for the penalty, were fairly outrageous, the vision was sensational. I don't think it will be long before we see him in the #10 position and Krov dropping in alongside Sawyers as Livermore continues to offer very little going forward comparitive to the rest of the midfield.
Austin didn't look fit to me and I was impressed by Zohore when he came on. With any luck the goal will have done him the power of good and we will start the see the striker we felt worth splashing £8m on.
I thought Reading looked very good and it was a good football match on the whole. The goalscorer for them was seriously impressive all night and looks like he will be a steal when they sign him permanently for around £3m.
Big shout out to Furlong also who had a very good debut. I said earlier in the week that he will give us far more going forward than Ferguson and so it proved, his delivery was spot on and it is clear he is more of a natural right back in the modern age of full backs whereas Ferguson is more of a defender. I think it will be a case of using Ferguson primarily away from home where we need to keep it tight and unleashing Furlong at home to get us up the pitch.
Unbeaten and promising signs once all starts to click as far as I am concerned.
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Johnstone poor.
Still shaky from set pieces but better.
Sawyers had his least effective game.
Livermore needs dropping, definitely for home games
Phillips was ok. Krovonovic not in the game enough.
Diangana ok.
Austin was poor but in fairness we needed another body closer to him
Looked better with 2 wide players and perreira playing for the striker.
Can you expand on your comments on Johnstone and Livermore for me please.
Would love to know what Johnstone did that was poor last night. The blame for their goal lies on the outfield players not even attempting to close down the Reading player.
Livermore yesterday put in one of his better performances I thought and has had a solid start to the season.
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I must be going mad in my old age, the point felt like a win in the end, beat the team i hate most Derby and i will be well chuffed
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The criticism is largely well placed. Both Johnson and Livermore aren’t good enough. Johnson has next to nothing to do tonight and couldn’t keep a clean sheet. Livermore doesn’t create anything or offer any protection to the back four. Just look at him watching and not closing down for the reading goal tonight. No point him really playing. Just another over paid Pulis signing that we’re stuck with.
It isn't well placed if you've watched him this season - he's been pretty good and has linked up well with the other midfield players.
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Bit of doom and gloom on here! I thought Livermore played well, its obvious that he feels far more comfortable with the current midfield. Sawyers played ok, not quite as well as previous games but I don't think he was any better than Livermore last night.
Johnstone can't be blamed for that goal, only Mr. Tickle would have gotten to that. He also made a decent save for the freekick in the first half, although I would have been disappointed if it had gone in as it was at a good height for him.
Diang needs to speed his decision making up a little and sometimes release the ball a little quicker but it is nice to see a winger taking on players.
Pereira looked excellent when he came on, really looking forward to a season of him and Krovinovic dismantling defences.
Austin looked isolated which is always the danger when playing a lone striker against 3 CB's, I actually think Zohore may have been a better choice to start as it looks like he has more legs on him to run in behind.
Reading played very well though, they had a good game plan to sit deep and man mark in open play. It was clear they wanted to bog down the pitch in front of the 18 yard box and make it difficult to play through.
Overall though I was relatively happy with the performance, deserved at least 1 or 2 more pens! If we get that pen in the first 10 minutes its a game changer, the first goal was always going to be very important. We score early on and Reading have to open up more to try and get an equaliser which would have left gaps that could have been exploited by our attacking options. It would have been a robbery for us not to at least get a point out of the game and we probably on the balance of play deserved to win it. Still undefeated in the league though with a lot of our summer signings only just starting to get some game time. A few more matches under the belt and we will destroy some teams in this league (any idea when we play Stoke :P)
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My outlook is more positive than some of the comments on here. My viewpoint is that we are gradually improving and expect us to get better as our players get a better understanding of one another and the system.
I was pleased with Bilic's changes, I thought they were logical and well-timed, he didn't panic. I thought we controlled the game, created chances and looked dangerous whilst being fairly solid defensively. On expected goals it was WBA 2.08 v 0.64 REA which backs that up.
I feel like we are a striker away; hopefully that will be Austin when match fit (which he currently isn't) or Zohore when he is confident and familiar with those around him.
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The criticism is largely well placed. Both Johnson and Livermore aren’t good enough. Johnson has next to nothing to do tonight and couldn’t keep a clean sheet. Livermore doesn’t create anything or offer any protection to the back four. Just look at him watching and not closing down for the reading goal tonight. No point him really playing. Just another over paid Pulis signing that we’re stuck with.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PI3HA72BJic
Livermore was the one who did go towards him, Phillips was the one who showed him inside and gave him the space for the shot.
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My outlook is more positive than some of the comments on here. My viewpoint is that we are gradually improving and expect us to get better as our players get a better understanding of one another and the system.
I was pleased with Bilic's changes, I thought they were logical and well-timed, he didn't panic. I thought we controlled the game, created chances and looked dangerous whilst being fairly solid defensively. On expected goals it was WBA 2.08 v 0.64 REA which backs that up.
I feel like we are a striker away; hopefully that will be Austin when match fit (which he currently isn't) or Zohore when he is confident and familiar with those around him.
Pretty much how I see it too. Defensively we were much better last night especially at set pieces, the goal was disappointing to conceded but we rallied well afterwards and got the goal our play deserved.
Thought Sawyers was poor especially in the first half nothing he was trying worked and he seemed to be making the wrong choice with his passing or turning into a group of their players when a simple ball would have been more effective.
Livermore was once again pretty consistent with his passing and he kept us ticking over nicely.
Furlong was really good, his attacking play opened up Reading on a few occasions and defensively he looked solid making some good challenges.
Reading defended well and in numbers which was frustrating for us but Austin looked a handful and I'm sure would have put away at least one of his chances if he was fully match fit.
Really pleased that Zohore got his goal and he handled the pressure well. Hopefully that will lead to him becoming more effective in the final 3rd.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PI3HA72BJic
Livermore was the one who did go towards him, Phillips was the one who showed him inside and gave him the space for the shot.
and wasn't it Sawyers who allowed the pass to him in the first place?
No point beating ourselves up about it, that was a class goal from a very good player. If we did not have Sawyers I would be hoping our club would go in for him.
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though early doors I am getting that deja vue feeling , 3 home matches and struggling again to win at home whilst 2 good away performances both after going a goal down, on the plus side the squad itself is better balanced, lots of pace and mobility in the squad, and hopefully once they are bedded in the home wins will come, thought Perreira was great when he came on , Zohore and Edwards had good little cameo's when they came on, I think slaven needs to change things a bit earlier when he can see that it is not happening for some players on the pitch especially has he has potential game changers on the bench.
unlike some I thought Livermore had a good game last night whereas Sawyers probably put in his poorest game of the season, but that does not make him a bad player and I am sure there will be many more good performances to come from him.
Bottom line we are unbeaten, we have plenty of exciting young players in the squad who are not going to do it every time they step on the pitch, but managed wisely I can see us being there or thereabouts and the home wins will come
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Having watched the highlights back. We should have had 4 penalties and got 1. We dominated most of the game against a decent side!
Just poor standards of refereeing cost us what should have been 3 points.
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I thought it was a very enjoyable game actually - credit to Reading because they looked a good side. Ejaria was comfortably the best player on the pitch although us treating him as Pele did not help.
Bit concerned at the amount of space our midfield afforded them and it was only a matter of time because he stuck one in the top corner. Johnstone would have got nowhere near it and it is a shame to see so many laying into him. Accountability lies elsewhere.
Some of our possession was ok but again concerning that we did not create many chances. Krov and Pereria linked well when he joined the action. Zohore looked very good too, making the runs Austin didn't.
Austin looked knackered and his lack of pre-season told.
Saywers had a poor game - looked like he was over-trying.
Furlong also had a very good game at right back. We're well blessed there.
Referee was a total joker and we could have had at least three penalties - the one in the first half looked stonewall.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PI3HA72BJic
Livermore was the one who did go towards him, Phillips was the one who showed him inside and gave him the space for the shot.
Just followed your link and watched the goal again. Phillips most to blame for sure.
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very lazy from Matt Phillips, keeper not culpable
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very lazy from Matt Phillips, keeper not culpable
Yep. There were three, count them THREE players around their goalscorer, not one of them did anything to stop him. Ajayi simply has to stand directly in front of the player, that's it just block the route, so simple, yet he doesn't they all just parted like the red sea. Johnstone completely blameless.
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Here's a pic from when the Reading player had their first touch to when they took the shot.
If you were to point fingers Phillips is the one who should be closing him down. I think that's threw Sawyers off as if Phillips wasn't dealing with it, it should have been him. Livermore was the one who made the most effort to stop that, covered more ground to close down than either of the other two, but still gets the blame.
Defence did nothing wrong there, Ajayi has to go with his man.
(https://i.imgur.com/m9RQqof.jpg)
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Yep. There were three, count them THREE players around their goalscorer, not one of them did anything to stop him. Ajayi simply has to stand directly in front of the player, that's it just block the route, so simple, yet he doesn't they all just parted like the red sea. Johnstone completely blameless.
It wasn't the first team either.
There had been a number of occasions when the midfield and defence parted like the red sea whenever Ejaria and Boye(?) received the ball.
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Here's a pic from when the Reading player had their first touch to when they took the shot.
If you were to point fingers Phillips is the one who should be closing him down. I think that's threw Sawyers off as if Phillips wasn't dealing with it, it should have been him. Livermore was the one who made the most effort to stop that, covered more ground to close down than either of the other two, but still gets the blame.
Defence did nothing wrong there, Ajayi has to go with his man.
(https://i.imgur.com/m9RQqof.jpg)
If Ajayi steps forward into the gap his man would've been left offside (first pic), (unless Bartley doesn't read it, which he should), and plays him on.
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It wasn't the first team either.
There had been a number of occasions when the midfield and defence parted like the red sea whenever Ejaria and Boye(?) received the ball.
It happened a couple of times second half against Forest as well, guy just running through our midfield. This is another issue we need to sort out.
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This is where a Yacob is invaluable, and we don’t have anyone of that type
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If Ajayi steps forward into the gap his man would've been left offside (first pic), (unless Bartley doesn't read it, which he should), and plays him on.
In the first pic you can see Furlong playing him onside. In the second when the ball is struck Bartley is playing him onside. It's a push to say Ajayi should have stepped out and left his man free and just hope there's an offside. Not when you've got two midfielders who should have been the ones screening the defence there. To be fair to Bartley he's also got his man to worry about so stepping up would leave his man as an option for the pass too.
Overall though it's a really well struck shot and more often than not it wouldn't result in a goal from there. I just thought it weird that Livermore was getting a fair chunk of the blame when he's the midfielder that actually did put the effort in and almost made up for the lack of defending from the other two.
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In the first pic you can see Furlong playing him onside. In the second when the ball is struck Bartley is playing him onside. It's a push to say Ajayi should have stepped out and left his man free and just hope there's an offside. Not when you've got two midfielders who should have been the ones screening the defence there. To be fair to Bartley he's also got his man to worry about so stepping up would leave his man as an option for the pass too.
Overall though it's a really well struck shot and more often than not it wouldn't result in a goal from there. I just thought it weird that Livermore was getting a fair chunk of the blame when he's the midfielder that actually did put the effort in and almost made up for the lack of defending from the other two.
All it needs is communication. I don't disagree with you much though to be fair, Ajayi shouldn't have had to deal with it there are enough players around the player to deal with that, they simply don't make enough effort to stop him.
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still struggle to know why there wasn't at least one more penalty given against them last night
Ref was poor
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Here's a pic from when the Reading player had their first touch to when they took the shot.
If you were to point fingers Phillips is the one who should be closing him down. I think that's threw Sawyers off as if Phillips wasn't dealing with it, it should have been him. Livermore was the one who made the most effort to stop that, covered more ground to close down than either of the other two, but still gets the blame.
Defence did nothing wrong there, Ajayi has to go with his man.
(https://i.imgur.com/m9RQqof.jpg)
From those 2 stills Sawyers is the big disappointment. Phillips has to cover the pass to the left winger which forces Ejaria inside onto his right foot. Sawyers hardly moves and Livermore tries to get across. The man Sawyers is closest to can easily be passed on to JL. Sawyers has to go to the ball.
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In reference to the debate as to who is to blame for the goal, it is Sawyers who should be closing him down. He receives the ball inside of Phillips and it is not unreasonable for Phillips to expect one of the central midfielders would be occupying and defending that space. Sawyers had the momentum and was travelling in the direction whilst Livermore was a little way off.
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From those 2 stills Sawyers is the big disappointment. Phillips has to cover the pass to the left winger which forces Ejaria inside onto his right foot. Sawyers hardly moves and Livermore tries to get across. The man Sawyers is closest to can easily be passed on to JL. Sawyers has to go to the ball.
I disagree. Sawyers was stood effectively marking someone and the left winger is part covered by Furlong. The free man is therefore Phillips. Although Sawyers and Livermore should shoulder some blame, the most culpable is Phillips and I think it is because he was knackered! He was blowing after about 30 and then at 1-0 walked, eventually slow jogged over to take a corner.
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it's a foul for us on the edge of the box, their player is all over Sawyers. Five seconds after that, we conceded.
Comments from Bilic - I thought I was the only one who saw the foul with the guy climbing all over our defender. I thought the ref had played an advantage to us and when Reading got the ball I thought he was going to bring play back. Couldn’t believe he played on
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it's a foul for us on the edge of the box, their player is all over Sawyers. Five seconds after that, we conceded.
Comments from Bilic - I thought I was the only one who saw the foul with the guy climbing all over our defender. I thought the ref had played an advantage to us and when Reading got the ball I thought he was going to bring play back. Couldn’t believe he played on
I don't recall the incident but it doesn't surprise me the ref barely gave us a thing all night. He was awful.
I thought clubs were supposed to get "homers"? Why do we never get one? All we seem to get is rubbish.
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Watching the highlights, we should have had at least 3 penalties
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Did anybody notice how wound up Gibbs was first half?
Got a yellow,went in on the same bloke twice....then went and had a go at Bartley , so Bartley went over and shoved the same reading player
Comedy
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Can't say much about the penalty calls without seeing close up replays, but it was weird that the ref didn't call at least 1 of Furlong or Krov up for diving for the 2 he didn't give, as neither were the result of the player getting the ball (that much was clear). In the Furlong case he might say Furlong has gone over his leg so doesn't necesserily want to book him for diving, but equally sees it as too soft, but the Krov 1st pen appeal looks on the face of it to be either a dive or a pen - no middle ground. Ref clearly didn't know either way on both.
As for our closing down, i'm not bothered which out of Phillips, Sawyers or Livermore was responsible - I just want one of them to close it down. One of the big things in football this decade has been hard pressing when you don't have the ball. It has been adopted by most top sides around the world, with Pep Guardiola adapting his own style from his Barca days to incorporate the German style. Liverpool and Man City both do it well and you see similar with Spurs and Leeds and Norwich and Sheff Utd.
We have to stop being so pedestrian with and without the ball. It has been the theme so far, lazy possession. Too much slow play and a lack of closing down when defending. Hope Bilic gets something done on the training ground to change the mentality a bit.