Ipswich Post Match Thread

[Kitchandro]

How can a mexican wave be great?

It's a bit of fun. Certainly seemed to up the atmosphere a bit, which is always good.

Fair play to the Ipswich fans for joining in.

[Kitchandro]

Wellens Jnr's celebration cracked me up big time haha! A natural!

He put his shirt over his head and everything legend!

[Thracian]

Although there was something of a carnival atmosphere, this game could have finished 5-5 or have had even more goals with City creating a fair amount of their chances as well as our own.

Vitor and PVA all but gifted Ipswich goals and Weale had to make a point-blank block after saving an initial strike so Ipswich must have been shell-shocked to turn around 3-0 down.

City were always dangerous first half and their second four-goal return in three matches further emphasised how well King seems to link with Yakubu. But our defending was lamentable and there're no question Sven will have to give serious thoughts to this.

In fact it's arguable substitute Tunchev, making a popular return, was the pick of our defence simply for reading the game better than anyone else and not being so careless.

It was good to see Abe score at last, to watch Kingy confirm his top scorer status with a far post header for his 16th goal of the season and also to see Yakubu maintain his scoring tempo with his 11th goal at a very respectable overall pace.

But our backline, when not carelessly presenting Ipswich with the ball with some unnecessary and ill-judged back passes, were far too easily broken down emphasising how desperately we need quick, strong and decisive defenders if we're ever to justify the bookles pretictably over-optimistic idea of making us promotion favourites for next season without having the faintest idea what sort of team we'll have.

If I were Sven I'd be quite concerned because while we've got a few players who are good enough to achieve promotion, or nearly so, we've got far too many who are not, judging by the Sven period as a whole and making some allowance for the fact that this match really didn't matter. .

Oh yes and I've no idea what was said at half-time but they came out and pressured us and, just like Derby, we went back onto the ropes like a brainless boxer and just tried to soak up the punishment. The whole team stopped trying to make themselves available once we gained possession and only Kamara's brilliantly worked fourth goal - from one of our few serious second half attacks - finally halted Ipswich's unlikely momentum.

Excellent goals from City but defensively abominable.

[The Year Of The Fox]

The foxy ladies did look a bit borderline didn't they? Who knows.

But whens theres grass on the wicket, lets play cricket

[purpleronnie]

Unbelievable I predicted 10th at the start, wonder what odds I could have got? I reckon around the same next season.

[Kitchandro]

Our second half was again typical - seemingly in control but got casual and didn't really go for the 4th and 5th, like ruthless teams do. Instead dumbass defending let them back into it. We are always going to create chances though so we often get away with it.

The foxy ladies did look a bit borderline didn't they? Who knows.

But whens theres grass on the wicket, lets play cricket

[Guest Col city fan]

Can't complain about entertainment.

I thought it was a very typical performance from us. Always looked to have a threat in us going forward, but considering the amount of possession we had, we were pretty wasteful. Having said that we are always going to create chances with the pace we've got, and the goals were all created by

good moves.

Silly defending all game again. It's not really the individuals (apart from Van Aanholt), just the organisation and basics. We never close them down on the edge of our box, we let them win to much from set pieces, and worst of all we are too causal and keep passing it straight to them. This happened a number of times today and for the life of me I can't understand how they didn't score 4 themselves,

despite being a very average side.

We are still yet to develop a good tempo in our play, and this is largely down to the lack of movement off the ball. Most of our players are good technically, but Sven needs to get their footballing brains in gear. Norwich do not have superior personnel to us, but they showed us how the passing and moving game works. This has been achieved due to the work they've done in training, developing and

understanding, learning to get their head up quickly, and being as fit as they can (something Sousa fvcked up for us).

Early in the game I was also thinking how we lacked someone who could go round someone. The only player in our starting 11 who can skin anyone is Naughton. Vassell and Yakubu can do them for pace now and again, but they

need space to run into and a bit of time to build up speed. Then Vassell came off, and suddenly we had Kamara on, who showed that he can take players on. If everyone had his work rate, movement off the ball and ability, we'd be set. You could tell he really wanted the ball, he showed for it, ran into space, came inside, dribbled with the ball etc. He's really impressed me and I hope he signs.

Contrast this with Yakubu and, I know I'm going to get slated for this, but I'm still not convinced. Yes his striker rate is good. But today summed him up. Scored a tap in - fine, good, well done. Other than that though he was woeful, he should have had 2 but missed a sitter -

something he's done a number of times since he's been here. He's scored 11 but he could have had 20, but for misses like that. And I'm very sure that if we had Kamara down the centre we would have been a lot more effective in the final third. I also believe he can score as many goals as Yakubu. I really think we were at a disadvantage today, as we have been in previous games, with such a static, lazy lummox wandering around up front. Personally, at this time I'd like to see Kamara through the centre next season

and a new winger bought, someone who can beat a man and cross it.

The other MOTM contender was Abe, not only for his well taken goal but his general calmness on the ball and involvement. Ball in for the second was superb. He is clearly a good technical player, I still have my doubts about his consistency and role though. He's still not a holding

midfielder in my eyes, something we desperately need. King was impressive as Ipswich allowed him too much space, seemed to lack in confidence in the final third (as did most of our players) and once didn't try a long range shot I'd expect him to have a go with. But his passing was very good and he took his goal well.

Wellens didn't have one of his best games, Gally was hit and miss, Van Aanholt looked OK going forward but lets face it he just can't defend. I will be very disappointed if we sign him. Bruma is obviously a good footballer but I don't rate him as a defender (a judgement made not on todays

performance, which was very decent).

Sadly it seems that will be the last we see of Naughton, I actually think he is England class and will get international recognition soon. I know I didn't think QPR's crimes were worthy of a points deduction but the point is it's one rule for one and another for another. The system is corrupt and I

will be very annoyed if/when he signs for them. He will be very difficult to replace.

Probably the last we see of Weale too.

I thought our kit was too dark, almsot navy. Not really Leicester blue.

Thoroughly entertaining day though. Enjoyed the montage at the end and the little kid (Wellens' son?) who got on the pitch and scored was hialrious!

There's lots of work to do in the summer but I think we have reason to be positive about our automatic promotion chances.

BTW how old were the 'Foxy Ladies'? Seemed a bit young to me...can't decide whether it was weird or not.

Bloody hell! Are you me? That summation genuinely was my complete verdict on the game.

It should have been two nil to them within the first ten minutes but then something happened and we switched on. Abe had his best game... Weale was much better and the swap of vassell for kam made a big difference. Another roller coaster ride next season is coming I reckon

[Kitchandro]

Bloody hell! Are you me?

Don't start, the FoxesTalk conspiracy theorists will be out in force

[Guest Col city fan]

Don't start, the FoxesTalk conspiracy theorists will be out in force

Whoops sorry! .... What you talking about! The yak was fookin sensational, defensively we were completely solid, you were at a different game to me... Etc.......

[Kitchandro]

Whoops sorry! .... What you talking about! The yak was fookin sensational, defensively we were completely solid, you were at a different game to me... Etc.......

[The Doctor]

Anyone know how Tunchev played?

Quite good.

Can't complain about entertainment.

I thought it was a very typical performance from us. Always looked to have a threat in us going forward, but considering the amount of possession we had, we were pretty wasteful. Having said that we are always going to create chances with the pace we've got, and the goals were all created by good moves.

Silly defending all game again. It's not really the individuals (apart from Van Aanholt), just the organisation and basics. We never close them down on the edge of our box, we let them win to much from set pieces, and worst of all we are too causal and keep passing it straight to them. This happened a number of times today and for the life of me I can't understand how they didn't score 4 themselves, despite being a very average side.

We are still yet to develop a good tempo in our play, and this is largely down to the lack of movement off the ball. Most of our players are good technically, but Sven needs to get their footballing brains in gear. Norwich do not have superior personnel to us, but they showed us how the passing and moving game works. This has been achieved due to the work they've done in training, developing and understanding, learning to get their head up quickly, and being as fit as they can (something Sousa fvcked up for us).

Early in the game I was also thinking how we lacked someone who could go round someone. The only player in our starting 11 who can skin anyone is Naughton. Vassell and Yakubu can do them for pace now and again, but they need space to run into and a bit of time to build up speed. Then Vassell came off, and suddenly we had Kamara on, who showed that he can take players on. If everyone had his work rate, movement off the ball and ability, we'd be set. You could tell he really wanted the ball, he showed for it, ran into space, came inside, dribbled with the ball etc. He's really impressed me and I hope he signs.

Contrast this with Yakubu and, I know I'm going to get slated for this, but I'm still not convinced. Yes his striker rate is good. But today summed him up. Scored a tap in - fine, good, well done. Other than that though he was woeful, he should have had 2 but missed a sitter - something he's done a number of times since he's been here. He's scored 11 but he could have had 20, but for misses like that. And I'm very sure that if we had Kamara down the centre we would have been a lot more effective in the final third. I also believe he can score as many goals as Yakubu. I really think we were at a disadvantage today, as we have been in previous games, with such a static, lazy lummox wandering around up front. Personally, at this time I'd like to see Kamara through the centre next season and a new winger bought, someone who can beat a man and cross it.

The other MOTM contender was Abe, not only for his well taken goal but his general calmness on the ball and involvement. Ball in for the second was superb. He is clearly a good technical player, I still have my doubts about his consistency and role though. He's still not a holding midfielder in my eyes, something we desperately need. King was impressive as Ipswich allowed him too much space, seemed to lack in confidence in the final third (as did most of our players) and once didn't try a long range shot I'd expect him to have a go with. But his passing was very good and he took his goal well.

Wellens didn't have one of his best games, Gally was hit and miss, Van Aanholt looked OK going forward but lets face it he just can't defend. I will be very disappointed if we sign him. Bruma is obviously a good footballer but I don't rate him as a defender (a judgement made not on todays performance, which was very decent).

Sadly it seems that will be the last we see of Naughton, I actually think he is England class and will get international recognition soon. I know I didn't think QPR's crimes were worthy of a points deduction but the point is it's one rule for one and another for another. The system is corrupt and I will be very annoyed if/when he signs for them. He will be very difficult to replace.

Probably the last we see of Weale too.

I thought our kit was too dark, almsot navy. Not really Leicester blue.

Thoroughly entertaining day though. Enjoyed the montage at the end and the little kid (Wellens' son?) who got on the pitch and scored was hialrious!

There's lots of work to do in the summer but I think we have reason to be positive about our automatic promotion chances.

BTW how old were the 'Foxy Ladies'? Seemed a bit young to me...can't decide whether it was weird or not.

did he? When was that?

And i'd say those cheerleaders were no older than 14/15.

[Kitchandro]

Quite good.

did he? When was that?

And i'd say those cheerleaders were no older than 14/15.

Was pulled back to him in the box and he scuffed it wide. Not an open goal but he should have scored.

And yeh I have to say It's weird that we have cheerleaders of that age. Especially with them being called the 'Foxy Ladies'.

We need to follow Palace's example

[sdb]

Quite good.

did he? When was that?

And i'd say those cheerleaders were no older than 14/15.

knew i should've gone

[Wymsey]

Defence was all over the place. Weale superb. Going forward wasn't a problem. Ipswich fans may have thought they were the home fans as we were that silent.

[Kitchandro]

Defence was all over the place. Weale superb. Going forward wasn't a problem. Ipswich fans may have thought they were the home fans as we were that silent.

Not really sure what you're on about there, I thought the atmosphere was good at times and I didn't hear a peep out of Ipswich until the scored and when they took part in the wave.

The atmosphere won't get better though until young people are convinced to start supporting us - we give a good deal to families but I'm afraid the value for young people is terrible, no wonder most people my age aren't charmed by the idea of supporting Leicester. Youg teenagers just can't afford prices like today, and they are the ones that are generally the most vocal.

[Guest Col city fan]

Defence was all over the place. Weale superb. Going forward wasn't a problem. Ipswich fans may have thought they were the home fans as we were that silent.

I thought weale was superb today. His inconsistency has cost us points and I'm afraid will probably continue to do so.. For that reason and that reason alone I stick with my view that we need a replacement. He's very much a confidence keeper IMO and when his head is on the game he's excellent. However, we can't have a keeper that drops as many clangers as Chris has done this season

[Guest Col city fan]

Defence was all over the place. Weale superb. Going forward wasn't a problem. Ipswich fans may have thought they were the home fans as we were that silent.

What! I thought the atmosphere was excellent today! And a decent crowd too.. The Ipswich fans were very quiet although they did engage in the Mexican wave.. Generally a good noisy atmos today..

[Wymsey]

Some of the fancy dress made me laugh, eg. Mr.Blobby, Incredible Hulk around Kop area.

[ScouseFox]

Kitchandro, where's your post berating Andy King for not scoring when it was cut back to him before Kamara's goal?

[Kitchandro]

Kitchandro, where's your post berating Andy King for not scoring when it was cut back to him before Kamara's goal?

Here: Kingy, you should've buried that son.

Since all Yakubu does is scores goals though don't you think he should be scoring those kind of chances (the sort of which he has missed a number of times) ?

[ScouseFox]

Err he scored today, and again, for the millionth time this season, took defenders with his run, leaving Abe with the whole half of the pitch to stroll into and score. He scores and creates goals.

Find me a striker who has never missed. Go on. In fact, I'll save you the effort. You won't be able to, I can assure you. Berating strikers for missing chances is absolutely fine, but berating strikers for missing chances when they're scoring, give it a rest.

[Kitchandro]

Err he scored today, and again, for the millionth time this season, took defenders with his run, leaving Abe with the whole half of the pitch to stroll into and score. He scores and creates goals.

Find me a striker who has never missed. Go on. In fact, I'll save you the effort. You won't be able to, I can assure you. Berating strikers for missing chances is absolutely fine, but berating strikers for missing chances when they're scoring, give it a rest.

No. When our midfielders had the ball he stood either behind a defender or with his back to goal, not looking bothered whether the ball came to him or not. When it did, he had 2 defenders around him, and with a lack of options I don't blame him for losing the ball or struggling to turn then, but what do you expect when you just stand still with your back to goal? You're always going to recieve the ball under pressure from defenders if you don't move into space beforehand.

For Abe's goal he ran about 10 yards to the edge of the box, when it was a 2-on-1 and the hard work had already been done. You have completely overstated his part in the goal.

He's missing a lot of chances, not one or 2. I'd say he's scuffed or blazed over about half of his chances. I'd have scored 11 with the chances he's had.

So you think Yakubu will score 20 goals next season. Lets say he does. Wouldn't you prefer a striker who scores 20 goals AND does more for the team, making our all round play better and allowing others to score? Someone like Kamara, who's all round game has looked more impressive? Of course you would.

[ScouseFox]

How many goals has Kamara scored? Bearing in mind one of them was a tap in, aka a goal that doesn't really count if you're a Yakubu hater.

He's not proven to get better than one in two, yakubu is.

[Kent]

No. When our midfielders had the ball he stood either behind a defender or with his back to goal, not looking bothered whether the ball came to him or not. When it did, he had 2 defenders around him, and with a lack of options I don't blame him for losing the ball or struggling to turn then, but what do you expect when you just stand still with your back to goal? You're always going to recieve the ball under pressure from defenders if you don't move into space beforehand.

For Abe's goal he ran about 10 yards to the edge of the box, when it was a 2-on-1 and the hard work had already been done. You have completely overstated his part in the goal.

He's missing a lot of chances, not one or 2. I'd say he's scuffed or blazed over about half of his chances. I'd have scored 11 with the chances he's had.

So you think Yakubu will score 20 goals next season. Lets say he does. Wouldn't you prefer a striker who scores 20 goals AND does more for the team, making our all round play better and allowing others to score? Someone like Kamara, who's all round game has looked more impressive? Of course you would.

Didn't someone quote a stat that said he has averaged a goal every two shots or something? Just saying...

[ScouseFox]

Yes, it was glaringly obvious he ran more. That's his game. Guess what else is GLARINGLY OBVIOUS? Yakubu has a much better strike rate an has scored a lot more goals.

And he missed a fukcing sitter last week just before Yakubu (yeah again) scored.