Tasty, that‘s a satisfying “when it’s going for you, those end up in the net,” type of goal. Let’s put ‘em to the sword now.

Cannot take Gareth Ainsworth seriously on a visual level. Like the guy on a lot of levels but he needs a stylist or something.

I guess the point of difference here is me thinking we’ve set out with a game plan for the 90 minutes and you placing more emphasis on the fact that they’ve turned up very shit and we’ve responded to that. I don’t think your point of view is any less valid than mine, it could just be that.

I think the opening stages we weren’t playing as intended, hence that point where JDT shouted all the players over to bollock them, but we subsequently sat pretty tidily for the remainder of that half, so it looks to me like he wanted them to frustrate Swansea intentionally. We’ve also not come out of the traps at half-time like that for a good little while, by my memory. For what it’s worth, I wouldn’t mind seeing this exact performance - with refinement - when I make it up to Ewood in March for the Burnley game. Exactly the same principles at play.

You’re absolutely entitled to think that, but I’m just describing what happened. We contained them in the first half and played with a low line of engagement. They came out more open in the second half and we pressed nearly a full third of the pitch higher. We battered them in the second half, although our final product wasn’t up to scratch. I might be influenced by the fact that I think Russell Martin is a dick, but I honestly think that’s how it panned out.

Contain a team that want to pass through you and can’t do much from out wide, to get the very arrogant coach to make his team tactically uncomfortable and then shift up a gear. You’ve just watched it happen.

This started because I asked how the “Dack not starting is criminal” brigade were feeling seeing him clearly overstretched. That extends beyond this board, to the fans booing JDT midweek and chanting his name while he’s on the bench. I’m not an expert in current sports science, but I can add 2+2. You started off by saying “that could happen any time 😂” or similar. You’re now implying the coaches have been irresponsible. He’s clearly an important player who needs a lot of management. Given the complainers got what they wanted, I was asking how they felt about it. I haven’t missed anything, you might just be getting obtuse in your old age.

Sorry, I’m still looking at where the goalposts were, where it was criminal he didn’t start. Where are you putting them now?

JDT and Remy deserve credit for the second half, tactically and the players for the effort. Very effective, totally nullified Swansea to playing on the break and hanging on at most points in that half. If we intentionally sat deep first half, to encourage Swansea to push/compromise in the second, all the more credit to the coaching team. A really good team performance in my book, even if individual performances were patchy. edit: Russell Martin is a pound shop Chris Hughton, criminal he’s in a job at all. Best placed at one of the oil money academies, teaching 8 year olds how to pass sideways.

Blowing out your hamstring (and him looking like he was holding back tears on the walk to confirm that suspicion) a few minutes after coming on, having been through two consecutive cruciate ligament injuries, managed through the recovery and subsequent to your first intense run of starts… but you’re right, I guess, random occurrence, could happen anytime.

Got to admire the brass neck of this, at least.

Very interested to see how the “Dack not starting is criminal” brigade are currently feeling.

Last twenty minutes have been objectively good football and really effective pressing specifically. Swansea have not been prepped for the gear shift in this half and if it’s been intentional by JDT, that’s great coaching. Not perfect, but really encouraging stuff.

Infinitely better. Higher line of engagement and a nervier Swansea back line, so the momentum is swinging our way.

More an observation that when the opportunity presented itself to sign an identified improvement in an apparent weak area, the opportunity was attempted. You’re right that it wasn’t good enough not to land him, though.

We almost did on deadline day.

Exactly the point. You should treat home and away different to an extent but if a team is going to play a very specific and defined way, home and away, you play against that. I don’t see - with our squad - how we would play any different against these. Yeah, Russell Martin. The footballing equivalent of a trainee painter and decorator citing Michelangelo and Da Vinci as an influence.

Not gonna be a popular opinion, but we’re set up correctly against this side and especially their stubborn, self-aggrandising manager. Now, the players we have at our disposal and possibly even the selection, are suspect. It was not working as expected in the early minutes, hence the touch line bollocking from JDT, but he’s specifically set us up to play Swansea. Yes we’re at home, but there’s no point opening yourself up from the off to be played through. The press is causing the odd mistake to creep in on their end, which is what you do want. I think this will be a bit of a tedious watch, but as they get more desperate with their attempts and we continue to frustrate, we will get chances over the 90.

Watching Millwall battle (literally and figuratively) their way to a deserved victory against overhyped Sheff Utd (my opinion, mind, but they look a side destined for 20 heavy losses in the top flight) is both inspiring and frustrating. A team of grafters (save a couple of visible kids). I’d love to see that kind of mettle in our squad, in a way. Edit: BBD has found his shooting boots and I think Swansea have a PTSD episode from the game at their place. We nearly bottle it late, but catch them on the break to seal it. 4-2 Rovers.

Trav back at it. Good to see. Gally’s days must be numbered.

Respectfully, this is bollocks. He’s clearly still in development, but he’s beginning to shape his role. Key pass in the buildup to the goal today and 4 goals with 5 assists this season. I suppose what you’re saying is we don’t want goals or assists from players?

Hard disagree.

Yes, I’d actually forgotten.

“Portuguese Connection” period aside, I think you’re right. I think it compares interestingly with our opponents today, as well.

The entire of our starting lineup is English today (not having the Chilean association as a defining nationality). Must be a rare one generally.