COLUMNIST KEN BUCKLEY
From my seat: SK Brann (A)
By
Ken Buckley : 14/02/2008 :
Comments (8) :
Another away win in Europe that created a club record for consecutive wins (6).
The Yak was back and with Arteta injured was the only change from Saturday.
He proved to be our brightest attcker in the first half.
We started very brightly and had them on the backfoot and had the Yak got more purchase on the ball we could have taken an early lead.
After about ten minutes from a set piece they headed just over the bar, this seemed to put pay to our bright start and we then settled into a pattern of pretty keepball without really doing anything at the business end. The rest of the half was somewhat pedestrian only lightened by a superb curling effort from Osman that was diverted away by the keeper at full stretch.
Right on the cusp of half time the ball was in our net from yet another set piece but, to much relief, the Bulgarian ref. ruled it out.
The way the players started the second half suggested that the manager had been less than complimentary during the break.
Five minutes or so saw Cahill deliver a great shot that hit the inside of a post and cannoned away.
Our intent was signalled and about ten minutes later a Johnson cross had been cleared to the edge of the box it found the lurking Osman who volleyed a swearving shot into the corner of the net, he certainly scores some gud-uns in Europe.
We then dominated and with about a quarter of an hour to go Manny let one go that the keeper saved with a bit of fine juggling.
Brann then brought on a Ghanian striker who looked lively and tested Howard with a low drive that he pushed for a corner and then saved a header from that corner.
We then introduced our European goal machine from the subs bench and Big Vic did not disappoint. Manny put Lescott in down the flank and his excellent crossfield ball cut out the Brann defenders and Big Vic did the rest.
Home and dry and bar another Oldham performance we should be in the next round.
Overall I didn't think we played that great but even with a disjointed weakened team we still had too much for the Norwegian champions.
My man of the match was Jags but I must say that I thought the Yak played his best game for us to date.
After what I saw of Neville coupled with his display on Satuday and a lot of fans not rating Hibbo, perhaps we need a new rightback.
A weeks rest and we do it all again but this time two goals to the good so a clean sheet will see us through.
A new film is to made at Finch Farm to be titled 'Bend it like Osman'.
UP THE BLUES.
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Good match report. I didn’t think we where brilliant by any means but we got the job done which is all we can ask for. The stand out performers for me having watched then game again where Jags, Yak, Ossie and Manny who I thought where all composed and comfortable on the ball.
Just a question Ken whats the obsession with Hibbert? He seems to get a mention in a lot of your posts. Neville is shit and we do need a new right back but Hibbert isn’t the answer as Neville is the far better all round fullback.
Connor, the article said we need a new right back i.e. Hibbo ain’t the answer. On that score, am I being extremely naive and overly optimistic to think that Hibbo can improve the attacking side of his game..i.e. could he be a late developer in that way??
Agree with Ken’s reflections overall but think it is worth noting that Manny Fernandes played carrying a groin strain. I hope it clears up ASAP because we’ll benefit from a firing Fernandes no end.
Connor -- No obsession with Hibbo. I think both he and Neville are competent prem. players but to pick up on an earlier thread ’The next step’ if we are to make that step and jostle at the top end then I think right back needs to be looked at.
I dont know who but if the manager could unearth another Lescott who is right sided we would be in business.
The back five look absolutely brilliant at the moment , I don’t see any need to worry about Neville. However , Hibbert isn’t anywhere near good enough to get in the team.
I think once Fernandes is match fit , and plays centre midfield , he will be brilliant for us. I would much rather sign him up than piennar.
Play Jags at right back...
One thought occurred to me having watched the entire game a few times on replay. On the one hand, I got frustrated (as Moyesey apparently did at half time) that we were not penetrating enough in the first half. The it hit me that we are having to learn (and are learning) not just one different way to play in Europe, but two. If we are up against a "pass and probe" team amongst the top echelons, we have to defend high up the pitch,(not too deep) and match them for pace on the long balls when they get frustrated - with Jags, Yobo, and Lescott, we can. Then we have to counter at speed. On the other hand, in Europe, even in away games, some teams (like Brann) will defend deep and try to hit US on the counter. So we have to pass.. pass. pass.. and probe, and not go "gung ho" as if we are the home side, or we might be picked off on the counter. The secret seems to be to tire the opposition out with constant probing, then up the tempo later on, possibly aided by a sub such as Vic, who is just what a European defence doesn?t want to have crashing into them in the final 20 minutes. We seem to be playing more "intelligently" now in Europe. Well done Moyes AND the players.
i wouldnt agree that u would rather pick up manny than pienaar cause peanuts has played well for us this season and has made his mark in the team.. manny injured or not matched fit doesnt seem that arsed to be honest. I would say i hope moyes gets both of them on a full time basis. COME ON THE BLUES!!
Tony Hibbert tries his hardest but to be honest the team in the last 18 months or so has improved way beyond him. He is not up to the same level as most of his team mates and pastures new would be best at the end of the season. Hopefully DM can unearth a young, quick right back who can actually pass the ball as well as tackle.
Overall, I think we?re going from strength to strength and I loves Moyes. I?m frustrated that so many shooting chances from 20 yards or so fall to Carsley (he even misses them in the kick-in) and so many crossing chances fall to Neville. That said, I love Carsley?s role in our formation and I applaud Neville?s availabiliy to get crosses in. I love the winning attitude Neville has brought to us. When we get a right back who can defend ? the primary need and Neville is OK here ? and who can cross and distribute, we?re on the way. In the meantime, DM, please teach Harry Hill how to shoot.
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1 Posted 15/02/2008 at 15:48:32
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Just a question Ken whats the obsession with Hibbert? He seems to get a mention in a lot of your posts. Neville is shit and we do need a new right back but Hibbert isn’t the answer as Neville is the far better all round fullback.