DJ Barry Hammond

We lack ‘bastards’. That’s a game and situation where skill is second to mentality - that’s where we were found wanting. We have a lot of players who you could take home to your mum where she would approve. That’s why, in hindsight, I would have tried to get Coady onto the pitch. Probably gone a proper three at the back, withdrawing Justin and having Ricardo as a wing back - Mav high left, three across the middle with Hamza to come on at 65/70 to add to the Bastardness. Hook Cannon once he’s run himself into the ground for McAteer with Albrighton on for Mav, push Ricardo across to the left. But that took some thinking to even get to that - our bench lacked proper options for the situation. Akgun and Praet, ok options if you’re in control - not the sort of player you want when down to 10 men.

He was trusted to cover between two positions that second half and that was no easy task. The fact he won the header high up for Cannon’s chance and was then defending in our box as Coventry broke the other way immediately afterwards shows he has an engine and desire. He also has HEIGHT - something we lack, especially when Ndidi’s not with us!

He’s saying he didn’t think it was a penalty and that Abdul’s red card was a red card.

Agreed, but how do you cover the right hand side then? Move Mav across? Play 3 across the middle - Casadei, Winks, KDH with Mav covering a hole when needed. The lack of a regular out ball killed us.

Covered ground, always involved, probably should of scored - had our one chance at the end and helped create Cannon’s. I can see why Enzo wanted him and kept him on throughout.

I know, but I look at that bench and wonder who he’s supposed to bring on and for who? Even at 2-1 he kept it as is. There was no physical presence on it apart from defenders. I may have gone Coady for Perrira as soon as Simms came on, but they scored as soon as that happened. Akgun would have been too light weight to bring in in midfield, no strikers. I think Enzo goes to the board and requests reinforcements on the back of this.

Robins managed that well - his changes made a difference. We could have done with a striker on the bench at the very least.

Thought he was one of our better performances today.

Look at the bench - there’s not obvious options on there.

I’d bring a third centre half on - Sims is a miss match. Not sure for who though.

Bugger.

Those calling for Casadei off - note who won the header, then see where he was when it went out for a goal kick. He’s having, miss aside, a tremendous game so far - just hope I haven’t jinxed it.

That’s very well played by not only KDH, but the whole side - the shape and structure defensively is excellent.

If you don’t like how we’re playing right now - just pretend we’re playing against a very shit Manchester City! 😂

That’s another 10 minute block down. The worry I have is this is a situation that requires fresh legs… but I’m not sure who we use and where.

Our system involves using the full 11 to make overloads and create space to move the ball into. We can’t make those overloads / space now without leaving ourselves open.

I see what they’re doing… Casadei drifts out and Winks steps up to make the 4. No left wing when attacking… but we’re not doing that much this half obviously.

Given Casadei seems to have the legs to run for days, I’d rather keep him middle… but maybe. Ideally you want fresh legs for the up top role.

This is going to be a LONG 30 minutes!

He’s also doing fairly well playing both centre and left midfield for now 😂 No striker on the bench is a problem. We’ll need to take off Cannon at some point I imagine.

Even though we have trouble defending set pieces?

Nope - he has to stay on full 90. He’s our out ball from goal kicks.

Note, he’s going to be targeted for long balls forward to. He has a key role here.

Kind of - I think we’ve left that flank open.

Not sure why you’d take Casadei off - he’s been a presence in the game throughout so far and his height in useful in both boxes.