joey_big_nose

Good post this. Only quibble Ive got is isn't Armstrong the definition of a player who can create something from nothing? Does it virtually every game.

He's been good last six games. As for what to do if Lenihan is out Williams seems the best choice. But I think it would see us majorly weakened. Same questions on why we haven't strengthened the defence will be asked. Williams has had a few good games for us but is positionally and aerially suspect. I think Bell would get exposed and we will start conceding regularly again down the left. Mulgrew is even worse. Anyone from the academy we can throw in?Or maybe back three?

The big difference between this run and previous good runs is the quality of our defending. Even when outplayed and deservedly beaten by Fulham we were very tight defensively and limited Fulham to a few chances. I would say our chances of making playoffs rest on the back five staying fit above all else. Swap Leut, Williams or Bennett in there and it falls apart. Also Travis, Downing and Armstrong's availability crucial. For all eight of those players to stay fit and play 13 games (plus the playoffs if we make it) is a major ask. But it has happened.

Only contribution of note was one cracking defensive tackle. Apart from that totally anonymous. Hard to see what future he has with us.

To back this up I just watched back the highlights from yesterday (I was at the game) and Charlton's two best chances came from Tosin totally losing his man. Also highlights didn't show at least a couple of bizarre flicks he did which just served the ball to the opposition. He's got all the attributes, but he won't be playing prem football until he cuts that out.

I would say he's at least a year off Premiership footie. Lenihan is still the better defender in my opinion. I think we will have a decent chance to sign him come May. He's been good, but not outstanding, and he has a few errors in him. I would say far too casual for most premier managers.

Buckley was decent I thought. I'm not sure I've ever seen such a physically slight player. Does look like a 14 year old kid playing with the men's team. Also runs in a very ungainly sort of way. But when he had the ball he used it very well. Scored a goal, played some very good through balls. Done enough to start the next game. If he can bulk up a bit he will be some player - got potential to be a Tom Cairney sort I think. He's 20 already though - maybe he is destined to be very physically small?

Come on chadders its totally valid to compare.

After today move me into the sold category. First two buys of the summer should be Walton and Tosin imo.

Brereton made me laugh today. Playing as the sole striker up front, Nyambe and Bennett wide right getting ready to put the cross in, and he goes out to the wing! We had zero players in the box. Crackers. Did have a couple of good runs with the ball though, and a decent shot.

Agree with this. Little sticks to Gallagher. Nearly everything stuck to Samuel today. Good performance. Mowbray's shown himself to continually pick on merit, so I expect Samuel to keep his place when Gally gets fit.

Agree with Bell and Walton improving. Rising on 85% brilliant but 5% idiot. Made two huge errors, but got away with them. I guess training with John Stones has rubbed off on him. Incidentally it feels like our points per game ratio could actually have improved since Dack got injured? Who saw that coming?

Absolutely sensational half again. Charlton limited to only one decent chance which Walton made a good save for. 2-0 minimum we deserved. Samuel looks a better bet than Gallagher to me. Back five all excellent, particularly Nyambe and Lenihan, Travis and Downing also great. Not seen much from Armstrong, Buckley has been quiet except for an excellent goal. Edit - also the front four are rotating very fluidly, tactically looking very good.

A perfect half

I'll be amazed if it's not 4231 with AA striker, Dom wide right, Downing left and Buckley at 10. 442 would mean Buckley right wing which I can't see. Edit - for what it's worth I think Dom will be about as effective as Gallagher on the right, and Buckley will physically struggle. I would have preferred 442, and played Chapman ahead of Buckley wide right. If we go behind/ struggle I could see this happening with the subs around half time or 60 mins.

I would just make the point that obviously he is not going to get the sack when we are near the top of the form table and doing well in the league. Those who want him gone will need to wait for the next major run of losses, and then he will be under pressure. As those who want him gone think this run of losses is a certainty they shouldn't have long to wait. Personally I was for him going in December, but now with the up turn of form willing to see what happens. When the data changes opinions change. I would suggest for Stuart and Jim et Al you need to hope for a run of defeats.

Weather is going to play a big part today. Playing direct seems a sensible way to go.

I'm not pontificating about anything just pointing out the biases we all have. Mowbray's in a pretty unassailable position at the moment. We need to wait for him to lose a few games l.

£5 a ticket. Will be absolutely bouncing!

Im sure if the stats were bad for Mowbray you would take a different view on their validity...

We're far enough into the season for the comparison to be valid I think.

Food for thought... we have won more games, have more points and a better goal difference after 32 games than any time since we were relegated from Prem.... (nicked off facebook)

I reckon he actually looks pretty good. Main concern is our whole back five has improved immeasurably since Tosin has come into the side. I wonder when Tosin goes they all get a lot poorer again (apart from Lenihan who has always been good).

Great podcast. Spurr comes across incredibly well!

Looks a genuine promotion quality player. Even when he was perceived to be playing poorly he creates chances for himself and others. Reckon that makes 5 players in the squad good enough to go up - Dack, Lenihan, Travis, Downing, Armstrong. Nyambe and Tosin look on the cusp of that category too. Need 2 or 3 more and we will really be in the mix. Hope we can hold onto the ones we do have.