BigGibbo

At least we get to find out if Maresca is capable of a plan B today. 🤷‍♂️ Could get hilarious if we're still passing back to Hermansen at 2-0 down on 70+ minutes.

I don't know why more teams don't have a go at us. Our defence is still a paper tiger... or fox.

Talk about a never never event. I'm more p!ssed off because I was expecting to see Alves today as we were coasting.

Swansea commentators: "That sums up Daka's first half." - "I hope he stays on." 🤣

We take pushing our luck to a new level... Take lots of risks at the back and very few risks going forward. That's literally backwards. Never got out of 2nd gear and should have won comfortably 😏

I'm hoping it's not going to be quite that dramatic, but agree that if we deludedly believe this 'best defence in the country' as is will this time be good enough for the Premier League then there are going to be a lot of sorely disappointed simpletons come next Christmas.

You're right that today is not the ideal day to illustrate that point due to the 10 men, although 3 in a half against that level of opposition should be folding in anyone's book regardless of the amount of men on the pitch. We have conceded a lot of chances (not quite the same as pressure as the opposition is below our level) this season and my point has been that we would have conceded similar numbers to last season had we conceded the same amount of chances against Premier League quality opposition, such is the difference in how clinical players are at this level. I've also said that should we sign the right players to go along with the promotion confidence it can be fixed. Hopefully the club get it and we are planning new defensive signings, but the way we're persisting with Verstergaard, who is not Premier League quality, over assimilating Coady, who is, and aren't appearing to be prioritising defenders in the transfer market, is a concern.

You could tell he hadn't experienced an atmosphere that hostile before and got overexcited. Cost us the game so hopefully will understand and learn a lot from that.

I've been through this before so forgive me if I can't find the time to rehash it in detail, but my point has been that this defence against Premier League quality opposition, or in this case under sustained pressure, is still as fragile as last season. We've not had to defend against quality or deal with sustained pressure for most of the season, but any time we have, like today, does nothing to disprove my point.

We didnt fold in the first 20 minutes because Coventry aren't very good. The difference is we just folded later than if it was a Premier League quality team applying that pressure.

Exactly. I just hope the club understand that. The fact we so far haven't seemingly been looking in the transfer window for Premier League potential centre backs is somewhat concerning though.

Game was ruined by an overzealous challenge and overzealous refereeing of said challenge. Having said that though; as I've maintained all season, the second our defence is put under sustained pressure it folds just as dramatically as last season.

It's the cup. We're through. The Cannon Kane comparisons are going to intensify. Casadei looking worthwhile finally. Same old doggo corner defence and inability to attack an aerial ball (bar Casadei apparently).

I agree with most of that, except for I feel we already had equal or better at the club. Also you missed my final point on the original message where I said 'unless he's (& Man City) happy staying as a good squad player'. He'd be a good player to have on the bench to deputise at CB or LB, but I'd rather blood a natural left back whilst we have the chance in the Championship.

Sure, but the difference is I was never impressed when he was the main starter before his injury and always thought Justin had a higher ceiling (particularly as a full back which clearly isn't Doyle's natural position). Also I've only ever said that about players we're blooding for other teams (I.e. Casadei & Doyle) as we have equal or better that are actually our players so unless we plan to keep them why bother.

Perfect and quick decision making for all of his finishes including the one he nearly scored before their goal. The Harry Kane comparisons are going to get boring soon 👍

That was a wild ball from Doyle (after I dissed him 😂) and perfect finish from Cannon again.

Don't think he quite suits us. Would always rather have Justin at left back over him and Nelson in CB over him if we're blooding youth. Would like to send him back and get a new natural left back as competition for Justin unless he's happy staying as a good squad player.

Argh! Casadei is our only player that can attack a ball in the air apparently.

Cannon always makes the right shooting choice and quickly. Unlucky there. Harry Kane comparisons intensify.

As an aside I don't think I've ever heard anyone in football pronounce lackadaisical correctly. Always mash it up with lax. Who started that?

Hence why I said he's already had his chances to cement his position (implying he failed to take them). Can't deny that he is still a top level finisher though.

I'd say Albrighton needs match fitness as much as anyone and it would almost seem disrespectful to take a Premier League winner off whilst he's one of the best performers on the pitch. Unless he starts flagging early I'd prefer Maswanhise for Akgun.

Yea, considering we utilise wingers and wingbacks we aren't that interested in crossing. Albrighton must be the difference there. Still one of the best crossers in the country and too old to change that to suit a new style now. Hah!

It would if he can do the number 8 instead of Akgun, but Marcel needs a full game and it would be very harsh to take Albrighton off early.