"Good performance, poor result"

[Salopian]

In NA's view both matches in the week saw a performance that was good, but we lost one and only managed a draw in the other.

We certainly created chances, according to the BBC 27 of them. The problem was that only 6 were on target. This has been a problem over a number of years, and other posters are probably bored with my concern over this. Rotherham had only 6 chances, but managed to get 3 on target. We had 12 corners, so we were down at the other end fairly regularly. Rotherham had 3. We had 65% of the possession.

There are a number of possible explanations:

• We are creating chances but not particularly good ones, making it easy for defenders and difficult for our strikers.
• Defenders are back in numbers, blocking or deflecting shots and generally denying space.
• We had 12 corners, but we have no strategy for these set pieces. Is Redmond's ability in this a little inconsistent, and if so ought we to get someone else to take some?
• A lack of technique, or an over-eagerness, which makes shooters rush their shots. Would they do better if we were 2-0 up and they could relax?

Johno has always tried to burst the ball in his eagerness. It's a pity his two goals this season didn't convince him towards greater placement. Grabban's aim is inconsistent. Jerome seemed to be a model, but even he has struggled in the last two games.With 12 corners, you would expect that our two big centre backs might pop in one or two, but unless the corners are well directed they can do little.

The BBC statistics on chances doesn't identify how many were saved. We had another keeper who pulled off some very good saves.

I can't suggest a remedy. I think that Howson will score a few when he has settled in, and Vadis has a good shot as well. Otherwise it has to be a matter of training. If Beckham achieved his excellence by sheer practice, then improving technique could help. In addition, I still feel that we have to move the ball more quickly forward, and get there before the massed defence is in position.

 

[SussexYellow]

Part of the dilemma of breaking down packed defences is that we do not score many from corners or crossed set pieces. I suspect the conversion rate of goals to corners-crossed set pieces is very low. The Blackpool CB converted one for us, but I am struggling to recall more.

As you point out Salopian something that needs to be worked on. If the opposition is comfortable defending our set plays it really does make their job a whole lot easier.

 

[Yellow Fever]

Shots on target can be a bit misleading, as City also hit the woodwork three times, and those are tallied as 'off target'. One of Rotheram's 3 on target was the penalty. City did create good chances, but failed to convert them. Lafferty made a big difference when he came on and I'd like to see him get a start at Fulham.