Peterborough Home

[TrickyTrev]

not the point I'm making, Weale should of made Browns mind up for him, he was clearly in two minds as to how to handle the situation, which is where Weale needed to tell him what he wanted him to do

By the time it was clear Brown was in 2 minds he was half way to the ground fouling. It wasn't a clear cut case of defender shepherding the ball back to keeper and wondering whether to clear. That is always the keepers responsibility. Brown turned a normal game situation into one in which he was under pressure by attempting to do something, out of the blue, which was never on.

[Ozwin]

Gallagher had a decent game I thought, if it wasn't for a quality save he'd have got himself a goal.

[TrickyTrev]

It might help the guy if he were played as a centre-forward which is where he says he's best. But it certainly wouldn't be as a holding player, a master of the air, or a whippet-type so perhaps I've missed something.

He looks like a pass picking number 10 to me. I don't see why he can't compliment that with holding the ball up when it is played to his feet.

[Koke]

It might help the guy if he were played as a centre-forward which is where he says he's best. But it certainly wouldn't be as a holding player, a master of the air, or a whippet-type so perhaps I've missed something.

I personally thought he had a decent game. First half he looked lost which is quite evident cos the lad is not a winger in a million years. Second half when he was moved into a more advanced position behind the forwards he started to get involved more.

From the couple of games I've watched him I think he's a pretty decent player - good two feet, good vision and is not afraid to shoot from distance, he can hit them quite sweet as well. He obviously can't head for toffee despite being 6'0 tall and he's not very quick, but he certainly does have other attributes and I can see what Nigel saw in him.

I think he'll be an asset to our team, and if played as a striker or as as second striker we'll see the better side of him.

[Mikey]

It might help the guy if he were played as a centre-forward which is where he says he's best. But it certainly wouldn't be as a holding player, a master of the air, or a whippet-type so perhaps I've missed something.

To be fair even though he wasn't playing up front he still produced two quality saves from Lewis, and then hit the bar in the build up to our goal.

[C-man]

Weale - 6 - Didn't have much to do for all Posh's poor shooting.

Neilson - 6 - Not great but at least he tried to get forward

Hobbs - 5 - Tough game, will learn from it I'm sure.

Brown - 4 - Struggling at the moment.

Berner - 8 - Terrific.

N'Guessan - 4 - Poor.

Oakley - 5 - Largely missing in the 1st half, when he did get on the ball he was wasteful.

Wellens - 5 - Not his best game.

Gallagher - 6 - Brought two good saves out of Lewis and hit the bar, to say he was a waste of space is ludicrous. Probably shouldn't have started though.

Howard - 6 - Won a lot in the air but no real product. Having said that, the balls that were played up to him were poor to say the least.

Fryatt - 6 - Bad miss, good peno.

King - 6 - Sloppy at times, but he did at least get in the game more tonight.

Tunchev - 8 - Great to have him back.

[Alf Bentley]

There are too many moaning, negative comments on here. It wasn't THAT bad a performance - and every performance I've seen, including this one, have been better than most that got us promoted last year. We've gone up a league - and so has the standard of our play.

Weale 6.5 Solid

Nielsen 7 Good defender, few mistakes, supports well, unfairly criticised

Berner 7 As per Nielsen, but not picked on by the booboys

Hobbs 6.5 Solid, coping well

Brown 5 Two poor games, after several stormers

N'Guessan 6 Well marshalled by Posh

Wellens 7 Prone to some misplaced passes...but also some great ones

Oakley 6.5 Has upped his game in this division and combines well with Wellens

Gallagher 7 Would've had a 4 for performance on wing, but great in "the hole" - a real threat there, so needs to be played there or as support striker if at all - not a winger

Fryatt 6 Not his best, but does make chances for himself at this level

Howard 6 Not his best, needs ball a bit more to feet/chest, bit less in the air

King 7 Really improved midfield in the new formation second half; good passing

Tunchev 8 A joy to watch; I just relax and expect him to do the right thing every time!

The formation second half looked a good future option, especially for away games: 4-3-1-2, with Wellens, Oakley and King controlling midfield, Berner and Nielsen providing width and Gallagher a threat "in the hole". Posh couldn't cope with it early second half - and only did so eventually by pushing more men behind the ball. A good formation against attacking sides away from home.

[Dr The Singh]

Weale - 7

Neilson - 5.5

Hobbs - 5

Brown - 4

Berner - 7

N'Guessan - 4

Oakley - 5

Wellens - 5

Gallagher - 6

Howard - 5.5

Fryatt - 5.5

King - 6

Tunchev - 7

Waghorn - 6.5

[dogadug]

There are too many moaning, negative comments on here. It wasn't THAT bad a performance - and every performance I've seen, including this one, have been better than most that got us promoted last year. We've gone up a league - and so has the standard of our play.

Weale 6.5 Solid

Nielsen 7 Good defender, few mistakes, supports well, unfairly criticised

Berner 7 As per Nielsen, but not picked on by the booboys

Hobbs 6.5 Solid, coping well

Brown 5 Two poor games, after several stormers

N'Guessan 6 Well marshalled by Posh

Wellens 7 Prone to some misplaced passes...but also some great ones

Oakley 6.5 Has upped his game in this division and combines well with Wellens

Gallagher 7 Would've had a 4 for performance on wing, but great in "the hole" - a real threat there, so needs to be played there or as support striker if at all - not a winger

Fryatt 6 Not his best, but does make chances for himself at this level

Howard 6 Not his best, needs ball a bit more to feet/chest, bit less in the air

King 7 Really improved midfield in the new formation second half; good passing

Tunchev 8 A joy to watch; I just relax and expect him to do the right thing every time!

The formation second half looked a good future option, especially for away games: 4-3-1-2, with Wellens, Oakley and King controlling midfield, Berner and Nielsen providing width and Gallagher a threat "in the hole". Posh couldn't cope with it early second half - and only did so eventually by pushing more men behind the ball. A good formation against attacking sides away from home.

I think its a good formation to play against any team. Clearly none of our wingers are good enough, so it makes sense to sacrifice them for a holding midfielder, and push the full backs up in support, I thought it worked really well in the 2nd half.

[davieG]

I think its a good formation to play against any team. Clearly none of our wingers are good enough, so it makes sense to sacrifice them for a holding midfielder, and push the full backs up in support, I thought it worked really well in the 2nd half.

And yet we created hardly any real chances. It's good formation to nullify a better or attacking team but I don't think it'll win you many games.

[dogadug]

And yet we created hardly any real chances. It's good formation to nullify a better or attacking team but I don't think it'll win you many games.

OK

But we played better in the 2nd than the 1st

[dandannieldanok]

Weale 6

Neilson 8 - Maybe a bit generous but he had to work the whole right-flank himself, defended solidly and always supported attacks well

Hobbs 6.5 - Solid enough once we took control of the game

Brown 4 - Pretty poor, their strikers had the beating of him all night long, stupid penalty to give away

Berner 7 - Good in defence and got forward well

N'Guessan 5 - Apart from a few fancy touches he did nothing

Oakley 7 - Didn't see much of the ball but was energetic and always looking to get us playing

Wellens 5 - Too slow, thinks he's better than he is by trying elaborate passes, poor showing

Gallagher 6 - Feel sorry for him, came here to play up front not on the wing, showed when he was far more effective in the centre

Fryatt 5 - Bad miss and never really got into the game

Howard 5 - Struggling with the pace of this league, not a fan of his dives either

King 7 - Far better from Kingy, most of his passes were accurate and always eager to get us moving forward

Tunchev 7 - Looked like the injuries haven't affected him, good showing

[chrisfox]

Weale - 6 - needs to communicate better with his defenders and command his area better

Neilson - 5 - got caught out a few times, but did ok

Hobbs - 5 - I think brown and Weale's performances affected his game

Brown - 3 - Very bad night for him, looked a liability, glad when he went off

Berner - 7 - very solid, some nice work on the wing

N'Guessan - 4 - always wants to do too much when a simple pass would be better

Oakley - 5 - anonymous for large periods of the game

Wellens - 6 - off day for him, gave the ball away cheaply too often but marked up a point for the sublime pass to Waghorn on the half volley

Gallagher - 7 - looked like he settled as the game developed, had some nice shots from distance

Howard - 4 - Just dont see what 'Super' Steve brings to the team at the minute, and ffs stop standing there with your hands on your hips when you lose the ball, run after it

Fryatt - 6 - should have scored the 1 on 1, but nice penalty

King - 5 - some bad touches and misplaced passes, didn't look the same player as last season

Tunchev - 8 - pure class, 'nuff said

Waghorn - 6 - could have done better after the Wellens pass, looked lively not enough time to make a real impact

Pearson - 5 - wrong team selection for me, but saw it wasn't working and changed it around. Gets an extra point for bringing Tunch on for a full 45 mins

Referee - 1 - thanks for aiding the Peterborough time wasting with your pointless stop start to the last 10 minutes (and you only get 1 point for ending up on your arse)

[Bert]

not the point I'm making, Weale should of made Browns mind up for him, he was clearly in two minds as to how to handle the situation, which is where Weale needed to tell him what he wanted him to do

If he's in two minds then all he has to do is clear the fucker, instead of trying to make someone else a scapegoat for his mistake.

Weale 6 - Didn't really have that much to do, assured.

Neilson 5 - Poor defending, often out of position.

Berner 8 - Man of the match, the only one who really stood up to anything in the first half, was class all game long.

Brown 4 - Had a mare. Gave away the penalty, coupled with a few more mistakes, they could be proving costly sooner rather than later.

Hobbs 6 - Calm and collected.

N'Guessan 4 - How hit and miss is this guy?

Gallagher 6 - Unlucky not to score, looked dangerous at times.

Oakley 5 - Didn't see him in the first half, got better in the second as the team improved.

Wellens 6 - Like Oakley, didn't get into the game until the second half, but played well when he did.

Howard 6 - Won a lot in the air, but if this was Fryatt, the Fryatt haters would be calling for him to be dropped now. Still 0 goals this season.

Fryatt 6 - Should've scored, no question, but kept his composure to earn us a point.

Tunch 7 - What a relief to have him back, compared to the first half, McClean didn't have a sniff.

King 6 - His best performance all season, added a bit more of a back bone.

Waghorn N/A

[James.]

Howard 6 - Won a lot in the air, but if this was Fryatt, the Fryatt haters would be calling for him to be dropped now. Still 0 goals this season.

Very true. How long before the wheels fall of the "Howard can do no wrong" bandwagon?

[Fox92]

Weale 7

Neilson 7 - Again did well. Whats the problem? None. Not a right midfielder though thats all.

Berner 8

Brown 4 - A few mistakes and beat for pace I am affraid.

Hobbs 7 - Cool, calm and collect.

N'Guessan 5 - Again, N'Guessan dissapointing. Looks good for about 15 mins hence we brought him from League 2.

Gallagher 8 - Looked dangerous behind the front two. Unlucky not to score.

Oakley 7 - Steady.

Wellens 8 - When called upon, was excellent. Gets stuck in and I love the killer pass.

Howard 8 - Awesome. Took knock after knock but won header after header.

Fryatt 7 - One mistake, probably the miss. Thats it. Did well when called upon.

Tunchev 8 - Jamie Carragher in disguise.

King 7 - His best performance all season.

Waghorn N/A

[Aeropars]

I cant be assed to review every player but i thought we were th emaker of our own undoing. There was silly mistakes which invited the pressure back on time and time again. We didn't get our foot on the ball like we have in previous games. Oakley was nowhere to be seen and Wellens was sloppy a lot of the time.

That said, I thought second half we had them in our pocket and on any other day we would have bagged the 3 points. I like Fryatt but his wastefulness on simple chances worries me. Seems he'll happily put the ball away for more difficult chances but when its almost a sitter he'll bottle it.

We're better than peterborough and for all the 'impressive' comments that the press made about peterborough, i thought it was our lack of drive that made them look good and not their superiour ability.

[Guest Bilo]

Weale 6 - What he had to do, which wasn't a great deal, he did well. Solid.

Neilson 5 - Done for pace far too often and gave them too much room. Disappointing display.

Berner 7 - Solid display from Bruno as he passed well, was strong in the tackle and looked good going forward. An important player for us this season without a doubt.

Brown 4 - Awful display, the penalty was but one of many mistakes the Big Man made last night and Tunchev's arrival couldn't have been more welcome.

Hobbs 6 - As with Weale, what he had to do he did well. A composure and confidence that belies his youth.

N'Guessan 4 - We know we'll have to be patient as he was playing in League 2 this time last year, but many more ineffective displays like this will severely test the patience of Pearson. The fans patience already appears to be diminishing.

Gallagher 7 - To say he was out of position, very lively indeed from the Scot. Clearly has the talent to cause problems at this level and I daresay his chance to play upfront isn't too far away.

Oakley 6 - Invisible in the first half but decent in the second as he ran centre-midfield and played much better. Corners still not great though.

Wellens 7 - Passed well throughout and will be an important player this season. A strong addition to centre-midfield for us.

Howard 6 - As other have said, good in the air and a strong physical presence as always. He still looked about as likely to score as Alan Carr in a brothel with no money though.

Fryatt 7 - Lively all evening and caused the defence problems but really should have buried that opportunity in the first half. Composed penalty to level the score however, and criticising a player who has scored six already seems a bit harsh.

SUBS

Tunch 8 - Our best player both on the night and in terms of ability. Excellent distribution, quick thinking and top distribution mated to superb composure and solidity in the tackle. Surely about to become a permanent fixture again.

King 6 - A good addition to the team and played more like the King who deserved all the plaudits last season. Looked stronger, more confident and more composed than at any time this season.

Waghorn N/A - Not on for long enough to make a judgement but looked up for it when he did come on. Deserves and needs more match time.

Atmosphere 8 - L1 was absolutely rocking (literally) last night and the banter was top notch. Posh fans were silenced by the second half.

[Pete_foxes]

Weale 6.5 - couple of mix ups with Brown, nothing too much to do though in fairness.

Neilson 6.5 - Solid enough got back when needed too.

Brown 4.5 - terrible, cost us dearly , Peterborough could have had a couple more due to mistakes by Browny last night. Hes been good at the back with Hobbs, but I sence this is now the time to bring Tunchev back in what with Brown picking up a slight knock anyway,

Hobbs 6.5 - ok performance from Hobbs, not the best i've seen him, did enough to keep his shirt though definatly.

Berner 7.5 - another good performance from Bruno, got forward really well on occasions to support Gallagher and again a rock at the back, letting nothing get passed him.

N'Guessen 6 - quiet performance from Dany

Wellens 6 - seem to remember him giving the ball away on one to many occasions for me.

Oakley 5.5 - hardly in the game.

Gallagher 6 - threatened at times, with quick feet in and around the box and a couple of shots to test Joe Lewis in the 'Boro goal. Not a winger though, often like having three strikers and a 4-3-3 formation as Gally played fairly central all game, a curious selection by Nigel for me.

Fryatt 6 - tucked away his penalty in the second half, full credit for that. Should have scored a 1 on 1 in the first half.

Howard 6 - not really in the game either, couple of flicks ons, nothing much though from the big man.

All in all a pretty dire performance from city, the positives for me is 1) we didnt lose and 2) how they reacted in the second half, this city squad show a determination and belief that if they are losing they have the belief they can get back into it. This is something that has been lacking in previous city sides. This belief will stand us in good stead for the rest of the games to come. any hoo.. we look forward to Watford hoping for another three points. For Watford i'd expect Tunchev to come in at centre back regardless of whether Brown is injured or not and one of Dyer or Adams to come back in on the left. Personally I think Adams deserves a crack of the whip.

[billyfox1]

Weale - 6

Neilson - 6

Hobbs - 6

Brown - 5

Berner - 9

N'Guessan - 5

Oakley - 6

Wellens - 6

Gallagher - 6

Howard - 5

Fryatt - 6

King - 6

Tunchev - 8

Waghorn - 6

[dogadug]

Weale 6.5 - couple of mix ups with Brown, nothing too much to do though in fairness.

Neilson 6.5 - Solid enough got back when needed too.

Brown 4.5 - terrible, cost us dearly , Peterborough could have had a couple more due to mistakes by Browny last night. Hes been good at the back with Hobbs, but I sence this is now the time to bring Tunchev back in what with Brown picking up a slight knock anyway,

Hobbs 6.5 - ok performance from Hobbs, not the best i've seen him, did enough to keep his shirt though definatly.

Berner 7.5 - another good performance from Bruno, got forward really well on occasions to support Gallagher and again a rock at the back, letting nothing get passed him.

N'Guessen 6 - quiet performance from Dany

Wellens 6 - seem to remember him giving the ball away on one to many occasions for me.

Oakley 5.5 - hardly in the game.

Gallagher 6 - threatened at times, with quick feet in and around the box and a couple of shots to test Joe Lewis in the 'Boro goal. Not a winger though, often like having three strikers and a 4-3-3 formation as Gally played fairly central all game, a curious selection by Nigel for me.

Fryatt 6 - tucked away his penalty in the second half, full credit for that. Should have scored a 1 on 1 in the first half.

Howard 6 - not really in the game either, couple of flicks ons, nothing much though from the big man.

All in all a pretty dire performance from city, the positives for me is 1) we didnt lose and 2) how they reacted in the second half, this city squad show a determination and belief that if they are losing they have the belief they can get back into it. This is something that has been lacking in previous city sides. This belief will stand us in good stead for the rest of the games to come. any hoo.. we look forward to Watford hoping for another three points. For Watford i'd expect Tunchev to come in at centre back regardless of whether Brown is injured or not and one of Dyer or Adams to come back in on the left. Personally I think Adams deserves a crack of the whip.

Adams certainly deserves a game

[martyn]

Weale 7 - Solid

Neilson 5.5 - I've not been one of those criticising him as so far, i think he's been solid. Last night looked unsure of himself in possession (probably not helped by N'Guessan hiding all night) and wasted some decent attacking opportunities second half. Boyd had him on toast 1st half as well.

Hobbs 6 - McLean and Mackail Smith gave our CB's nightmares for 45 mins. Although Hobbs was slightly better than Brown, it was only slightly.

Brown 4 - Nightmare. Shame for him that he's had 2 poor performaces and now an injury but a bonus in the sense that Tunch can now be shoehorned back in

Berner 8.5 - MOTM. Excellent again from Bruno, strong, willing and decent distrbution.

N'Guessan 4.5 - Couldn't be arsed by the look of things. Offered nothing.

Oakley 5 - Where was he? I didn't even notice he was around 1st half. Improved in that good 20 minute spell we had 2nd half but was generally ineffective. Poor corners

Wellens 6.5 - Without this guy I've no idea how we'd orchestrate attacks. Always looking for the quick pass or to make something happen although last night, a sublime ball to Waghorn apart, it wasn't his best night.

Gallagher 6 - Not a winger...not somebody who will even attempt to win stuff in the air (anyone else get annoyed by his token gesture jumps?). Better second half although still a bit ring rusty.

Howard 5 - I like big Steve but he was totally dominated last night. Don't think he has it in him to play 2 games in a short period, especially as he was knackered after Saturday.

Fryatt 6 - Missed an absolute sitter and was offside a frustrating amount of times. Plus 1 for a nicely taken spot kick

King 6 - Very accomplished for the first 20 mins of the second half and provided midfield stability and clever, quick distribution. Subsequently disappeared and almost cost us 2 goals with panicky, aimless attempted clearances.

Tunchev 7.5 - Clearly a class above. Does everything calmly and simply.

Waghorn 6 - Willing runner but no real impact save for winning some throw ins deep in Posh territory.

[potter3]

And yet we created hardly any real chances. It's good formation to nullify a better or attacking team but I don't think it'll win you many games.

It's not that defensive but it relies on the full backs to provide the width when attacking, and neither of our full backs do that, they are both primarily defenders.

[Heart-Shaped Fox]

Weale 7 - Again not much to do in terms of saves

Neilson 7 - Did better than I expected against Boyd.

Brown 5 - Not up to the job of keeping the Mac attack out as his lack of pace showed.

Hobbs 7 - Had to help Brown out a lot and looked comfortable with Tunch

Berner 8 - MOM, what he hasnt got pace for he makes up in his brain, won every tackle and always steady.

N'Guessan 6 - Should have scored in the 1st half, didnt do much

Oakley 7 - OK performance never lacks effort.

Wellens 7 - Few good through balls and similar to Oakley

Gallagher 6.5 - Mot a winger for me, but did look threatening

Howard 6 - Won headers but didnt get help

Fryatt 6 - Missed a glorious chance in the 1st half one on one.

[Guest ttfn]

Weale 6 (Okay between the sticks on a quiet night but I was not impressed with his distribution).

Neilson 6 (Stayed involved which is to his credit but rarely convincing although one low cross caused a bit of panic).

Hobbs 6 (Steady but hardly under great pressure).

Brown 4 (Off at half-time after costing us a goal. Seems it was for a shoulder injury rather than his performance.).

Berner 7.5 (Timed his tackles well and thoughtfully. Tried to support going forward too but you'd never call him a dangerman).

Gallagher 5 (What's he for?. Okay he had little spells where he made some space and threatened to do something useful but once again he looked a lightweight. Not fast enough, not strong enough, not determined enough and not involved enough for a striker and nowhere near dangerous enough to move out wide. I've yet to see any reason why we've signed him.).

Oakley 5.5 (Huffed and puffed but had very little effect as, once again, we seemed lacking in central midfield especially in the first half).

Wellens 6 (One great volleyed pass near the end - to Waghorn i think - but the chance of winning the game was squandered. Otherwise inconsequential and uninspired.).

N'Guessan 4 (If that's what he calls earning his wages I wouldn't want to watch him on a bad day. Made about as much impact as a feather duster on a prison cell door. Can't remember him trying much let alone any of it coming off).

Fryatt 6 (Entirely for his penalty that saved us the match and earned us a point. Shocking miss but he'll know that and, once again, he did time the run and create the chance which is more than any of his team-mates managed once again).

Howard 5 (Disappointing. Won a few headers as usual but the opposition is using textbook methods to neutralise him by keeping him away from goal, picking up the flick ons and playing on the fat that he's never going to attack the box at speed. We really need some sensible alternatives).

Subs: King 6 (We started passing the ball constructively once he arrived and the team looked much better balanced. He looked sharp again and involved himself enough to be seen to make mistakes. Two misguided passes to Neilson were the result of rustiness or misunderstanding but his careless defensive header inside might have been costly near the end).

Tunchev 7 (Looked classy from the moment he arrived. Found lots of time on the ball and passed it simply and quickly).

Waghorn 5 (Should have done better with Wellens pass - at least I think it was him - and, as usual, ran every which way to try and make an impact without any success).

Spot on interpretation, especiallyre: Fryatt.

He may miss a lot of chances but the Championship is not exactly awash with world class finishers - they all need plenty of chances to score. The best ones are those who get into the positions consistently and score loads by the law of averages. Depressing, but true.