As Blues' fortunes appeared to be changing, after two very solid wins at home against Sheffield Wednesday and Swansea, they suffered a slightly disappointing away loss to Reading. Despite the fact that we were expected to lose against newly-relegated Reading, it did slightly halt the optimism that had started to grow around St. Andrews. Tomorrow's game at home to Millwall could recapture the upbeat spirit around the place, but it won't be easy.
Millwall had a poor start to the season and were bottom of the league until 3 back-to-back wins moved them up to 16th, 3 places above Blues. Millwall, not unlike Blues, have not been free-scoring and have struggled to grab goals, finding the net only 11 times in their 9 games in the league. Blues however have only scored 8 in their 9 games, but have scored another 9 in their 3 cup games. Millwall have been quite leaky defensively until recently, conceding 5 at home to Derby, so hopefully Blues can take advantage of their not-so water-tight defence.
So who are Millwall's dangermen? Top goalscorer Martyn Woolford has bagged three goals in all competitions for the Lions from out wide, which sounds impressive until you realise that Jesse Lingard got more than that in one game! Ex-Wolves forward Andy Keogh has so far scored just two goals this season, but the Irish international will be keen to add to that tally. Keogh is a hard working striker who can grab a goal or two and will keep the Blues defenders on the move. One thing we have in common is our skipper - both teams are captained by a Paul Robinson, playing at centre-back. Robinson and Shittu make up Millwall's defence which could be said to lack pace, which is a reoccurring theme with many Championship sides, including Blues'. This suggests that the pace of Green and Lingard could again be key in attack, so hopefully they are both match fit despite playing on Saturday.
Hopefully, Clark will continue to play the 3-4-3 system that has so far been successful in the games it has been used, but after Saturday's loss to Reading there is always the worry that Clark may chop and change the side and subsequently the formation. Making some personnel changes may be a good idea to freshen things up, especially after playing 3 games in 7 days, this being the 4th in 11 days. I would like to see Mitch Hancox given another chance at left wing-back, as well as maybe some other younger players such as Koby Arthur on the right wing. There is also the option of playing Nikola Zigic, which would make us a very different proposition, as well as giving Matt Green a well-deserved rest, but Zigic is unlikely to be entirely fit. However we line-up, tomorrow's game will be a test of the team against an in-form Millwall side and promises to be an interesting match.
Monday 30 September 2013
Thursday 26 September 2013
Home draw at Stoke.
After an incredibly impressive victory against Premier League outfit Swansea, who not one week ago went to Valencia and recorded a 3-0 win, Blues were drawn against another team who play a patient, pass and move style - Stoke City. Whilst the Swansea game was seen as a very difficult game, that we would struggle to get anything out of, a home draw to Stoke seems very winnable - so we will almost definitely lose. Many people are now predicting that Blues will get through to the sixth round, which would be a very remarkable achievement for Clark and his young side, but Blues tend to do better as an underdog.
On paper, Blues could quite easily achieve a comfortable win. Stoke haven't had the best start and have always struggled to score goals, but are generally very solid defensively. Blues recently have employed a 3-4-3 system, that means they are naturally attacking, so we may be able to grab a goal or two. The problem is defensively - we are generally unable to keep a clean sheet, but fortunately, Stoke aren't exactly free-flowing going forwards. They do have some Premier League quality players however going forward. Dan Burn will be a key figure at the heart of the defence, as he will be responsible for halting the aerial threat posed by the likes of Peter Crouch or Kenwyne Jones. The two centre-backs either side of them will have to mop up and cover the runs of the other forward, usually Jonathan Walters. This seems a reasonably solid defensive unit, but the real danger comes from the flanks. Marko Arnautovic has so far looked a superb acquisition for the Potters, with his tricky dribbling and intelligence causing problems for defenders. With him on one wing, and ex-Blue Jermaine Pennant on the other, Stoke could cause real problems if they get in behind the left and right midfielders, which is a real problem in a 3-4-3 system.
What can Blues offer to cause problems to their Premier League opponents? Blues have a huge striker themselves, in imposing striker Nikola Zigic, who is returning to fitness soon. Aerial bombardment might not be the best plan against a defence of Robert Huth and Ryan Shawcross, so it would not surprise me to see the pace and movement of Matt Green upfront instead. Whether Jesse Lingard can play might be make or break - whilst Shane Ferguson is a terrific winger, crossing may be futile, so the inverted winger Lingard may be able to unlock Stoke's defence. As the left midfielder, either David Murphy or young full-back Mitch Hancox, overlaps, the left back will be forced to follow the run, which might leave Lingard one on one with Huth or Shawcross. To counter this, Stoke's wingers will have to drop to cover the runs, which could push Stoke back. As their wingers are so dangerous, this could be a massive plus for Blues. We can then push them high up the pitch with players like Tom Adeyemi, who pressured so effectively against Swansea and try and cause mistakes.
Whatever the result, Blues v Stoke promises to be an interesting game, to see how far we can go. Hopefully, the recent flourish of goals is not a one-off thing and we have finally found a system that suits the team. We might even go on a decent run - who knows?
On paper, Blues could quite easily achieve a comfortable win. Stoke haven't had the best start and have always struggled to score goals, but are generally very solid defensively. Blues recently have employed a 3-4-3 system, that means they are naturally attacking, so we may be able to grab a goal or two. The problem is defensively - we are generally unable to keep a clean sheet, but fortunately, Stoke aren't exactly free-flowing going forwards. They do have some Premier League quality players however going forward. Dan Burn will be a key figure at the heart of the defence, as he will be responsible for halting the aerial threat posed by the likes of Peter Crouch or Kenwyne Jones. The two centre-backs either side of them will have to mop up and cover the runs of the other forward, usually Jonathan Walters. This seems a reasonably solid defensive unit, but the real danger comes from the flanks. Marko Arnautovic has so far looked a superb acquisition for the Potters, with his tricky dribbling and intelligence causing problems for defenders. With him on one wing, and ex-Blue Jermaine Pennant on the other, Stoke could cause real problems if they get in behind the left and right midfielders, which is a real problem in a 3-4-3 system.
What can Blues offer to cause problems to their Premier League opponents? Blues have a huge striker themselves, in imposing striker Nikola Zigic, who is returning to fitness soon. Aerial bombardment might not be the best plan against a defence of Robert Huth and Ryan Shawcross, so it would not surprise me to see the pace and movement of Matt Green upfront instead. Whether Jesse Lingard can play might be make or break - whilst Shane Ferguson is a terrific winger, crossing may be futile, so the inverted winger Lingard may be able to unlock Stoke's defence. As the left midfielder, either David Murphy or young full-back Mitch Hancox, overlaps, the left back will be forced to follow the run, which might leave Lingard one on one with Huth or Shawcross. To counter this, Stoke's wingers will have to drop to cover the runs, which could push Stoke back. As their wingers are so dangerous, this could be a massive plus for Blues. We can then push them high up the pitch with players like Tom Adeyemi, who pressured so effectively against Swansea and try and cause mistakes.
Whatever the result, Blues v Stoke promises to be an interesting game, to see how far we can go. Hopefully, the recent flourish of goals is not a one-off thing and we have finally found a system that suits the team. We might even go on a decent run - who knows?
Saturday 21 September 2013
Jesse's Goals
It was a day that Jesse Lingard will never forget, as he bagged four goals on his debut for Blues against a hapless Sheffield Wednesday side, who stay just outside of the relegation zone on goal difference, after losing 4-1 in a bizarre game at St. Andrews.
It was a shaky opening to the game for Blues, who struggled to keep the ball early on. Playing the 3-4-3 system that was employed in the unfortunate loss at QPR, Clark's men struggled to get a foothold against a physical Wednesday side. It wasn't until 20 minutes in that Blues got a proper hold on the game. David Murphy, playing for the first time in 10 months, found Chris Burke with an exquisite pass. Burke drifted past Reda Johnson and fired off a left-foot shot that Kirkland palmed away, but only into the path of Lingard who found the roof of the net.
Shortly after, Blues put some real pressure on Wednesday's defence, which included ex-Blues defender Roger Johnson. Green ran on to a long ball that the defender failed to deal with but Kirkland was out quickly to deny him. He then headed away a corner which fell to on-loan attacker Lingard. He struck a powerful half-volley which skipped off the turf and forced a wonderful save from Chris Kirkland. Kirkland was helpless to stop Lingard 2 minutes later however, after he raced onto a pass from Wade Elliott. Through on goal with only the 'keeper to beat, he opened up his body before coolly slotting underneath the sprawling 'keeper.
Wednesday looked shaken - the pace of Green and Lingard along with the dribbling of Burke up top was causing problems. Under-fire boss Dave Jones tried to rectify this by bringing on Albanian giant Atdhe Nuhiu, but it was to no avail. . Not long after, Johnson played a pass into the feet of the unmarked Lingard, 25 yards out. He turned, and as no defenders closed him, he dribbled towards the edge of the box before drilling a powerful effort into the bottom right-hand corner of the net. Blues fans were in disbelief, as Lingard became an instant hero. Wednesday fans sat also in disbelief, at just how awful their side was playing. The introduction of Nuhiu had made them even worse, somehow, as he comically plodded around, without adding anything to the game. Luckily for him, but not Wednesday, Reda and Roger Johnson looked even worse. Roger Johnson nearly gifted a goal to the impressive Matt Green, as he passed him the ball whilst he was on the floor, but Green couldn't find the target.
After a chorus of 'you're not fit to wear the shirt' from their own fans, Wednesday trudged out for the second half, but in all reality it didn't get much better. Just after the break Burke continued Reda Johnson's torrid afternoon, escaping his attention once again, before pulling the ball back to Lingard, who swept home from about 8 yards.
Wednesday were all but dead and buried, resorting to fouling and hoofball, whilst the Blues fans sang the name of their new hero. Credit where credit is due however - the Wednesday fans tried their best to enjoy themselves but their team gave them little to sing about until 5 minutes after the hour mark. Clark and Randolph will be disappointed to not keep a clean sheet, after a Kamil Zayatte glancing header found the back of the net. Wednesday rarely looked like scoring other than that though, as the game fizzled out. Nuhiu's only real contribution to the game was to gift Shane Ferguson with a great chance, but he sliced his shot wide of the near post.
Credit must go to Clark for spotting and bringing in Lingard on loan and playing a system that worked, but Wednesday were truly awful. Murphy was fantastic on his first game back and might be the player we've been missing. My final ratings:
Randolph - 6
Spector - 6
Bartley - 7
Burn - 7
Robbo - 7
Murphy - 9
Adeyemi - 8
Elliott - 6
Burke - 8
Green - 7
Lingard - 10
Lovenkrands - 5
Ferguson - 6
It was a shaky opening to the game for Blues, who struggled to keep the ball early on. Playing the 3-4-3 system that was employed in the unfortunate loss at QPR, Clark's men struggled to get a foothold against a physical Wednesday side. It wasn't until 20 minutes in that Blues got a proper hold on the game. David Murphy, playing for the first time in 10 months, found Chris Burke with an exquisite pass. Burke drifted past Reda Johnson and fired off a left-foot shot that Kirkland palmed away, but only into the path of Lingard who found the roof of the net.
Shortly after, Blues put some real pressure on Wednesday's defence, which included ex-Blues defender Roger Johnson. Green ran on to a long ball that the defender failed to deal with but Kirkland was out quickly to deny him. He then headed away a corner which fell to on-loan attacker Lingard. He struck a powerful half-volley which skipped off the turf and forced a wonderful save from Chris Kirkland. Kirkland was helpless to stop Lingard 2 minutes later however, after he raced onto a pass from Wade Elliott. Through on goal with only the 'keeper to beat, he opened up his body before coolly slotting underneath the sprawling 'keeper.
Wednesday looked shaken - the pace of Green and Lingard along with the dribbling of Burke up top was causing problems. Under-fire boss Dave Jones tried to rectify this by bringing on Albanian giant Atdhe Nuhiu, but it was to no avail. . Not long after, Johnson played a pass into the feet of the unmarked Lingard, 25 yards out. He turned, and as no defenders closed him, he dribbled towards the edge of the box before drilling a powerful effort into the bottom right-hand corner of the net. Blues fans were in disbelief, as Lingard became an instant hero. Wednesday fans sat also in disbelief, at just how awful their side was playing. The introduction of Nuhiu had made them even worse, somehow, as he comically plodded around, without adding anything to the game. Luckily for him, but not Wednesday, Reda and Roger Johnson looked even worse. Roger Johnson nearly gifted a goal to the impressive Matt Green, as he passed him the ball whilst he was on the floor, but Green couldn't find the target.
After a chorus of 'you're not fit to wear the shirt' from their own fans, Wednesday trudged out for the second half, but in all reality it didn't get much better. Just after the break Burke continued Reda Johnson's torrid afternoon, escaping his attention once again, before pulling the ball back to Lingard, who swept home from about 8 yards.
Wednesday were all but dead and buried, resorting to fouling and hoofball, whilst the Blues fans sang the name of their new hero. Credit where credit is due however - the Wednesday fans tried their best to enjoy themselves but their team gave them little to sing about until 5 minutes after the hour mark. Clark and Randolph will be disappointed to not keep a clean sheet, after a Kamil Zayatte glancing header found the back of the net. Wednesday rarely looked like scoring other than that though, as the game fizzled out. Nuhiu's only real contribution to the game was to gift Shane Ferguson with a great chance, but he sliced his shot wide of the near post.
Credit must go to Clark for spotting and bringing in Lingard on loan and playing a system that worked, but Wednesday were truly awful. Murphy was fantastic on his first game back and might be the player we've been missing. My final ratings:
Randolph - 6
Spector - 6
Bartley - 7
Burn - 7
Robbo - 7
Murphy - 9
Adeyemi - 8
Elliott - 6
Burke - 8
Green - 7
Lingard - 10
Lovenkrands - 5
Ferguson - 6
Wednesday 18 September 2013
Blues vs Sheff Wed - Preview
After a disappointing defeat at the hands of Burnley, Lee Clark needs a win to try and relieve some of the pressure on his shoulders. Whilst it can be argued he is doing an impossible job, puzzling team selections and bizarre substitutions have left many Blues fans disillusioned. Blues are dangling perilously above the relegation zone on a meagre 4 points, but not without a lot of bad luck both in matches and the fixture list. Having played 3 teams that finished in the top 6, the incredibly wealthy QPR and high-flying Burnley in the first 7 games has made life difficult, especially with 2 key players having not played so far this season in dynamic full-back David Murphy and Serbian giant Nikola Zigic, with playmaker Scott Allan possibly facing a spell on the sidelines as well.
With this poor start to the season in mind, Saturday's clash with Sheffield Wednesday is a crucial game for everyone involved with the club. The 'R' word has been thrown around with fans but a win on Saturday could remove some of those doubts. The players need a win for their morale, Clark needs a win to get the fans onside (although it will take more than one win) and the club needs a win to improve the general feel around the club. However Sheffield Wednesday are not without their own problems, having not won in 6 games. They sit level with Blues on 4 points, but above on goal difference as they have scored 6 league goals, compared to Blues' feeble 4 goals.
Wednesday have had some problems defensively, however. In order to try and sort out the defensive issue, Dave Jones has brought in no other than ex-Blues defender Roger Johnson, who can expect a less than warm welcome from the Blues faithful. Only one player from Wednesday has scored more than one goal this season - Atdhe Nuhiu, a 6'6 striker who signed from Rapid Vienna in the summer. Wednesday aren't a team blessed with too many big name players, but have many who are accomplished Championship players. Blues will be hoping their experience of the league don't help them get the better of the side on Saturday.
Blues may actually struggle aerially, which won't happen too often this season, but Wednesday are a very tall team. The previously mentioned Nuhiu, 6'7, and Anthony Gardner, 6'5, could cause aerial problems for Blues. This means that the easiest way for a team to get at the defence would be to get behind the defence with pace. Matt Green could be the key, being the only fit striker with genuine pace. Scott Allan could have been very important, due to his creative ability, but after being forced off on Monday, it seems unlikely that he will play.
Whether Clark will go with a 4-3-3 system, or the previously preferred 3-5-2 or even the 3-4-3 system played at QPR is anyone's guess. What I do know, is that he needs to get it right. Saturday is, in my eyes, the first must-win game of the season.
With this poor start to the season in mind, Saturday's clash with Sheffield Wednesday is a crucial game for everyone involved with the club. The 'R' word has been thrown around with fans but a win on Saturday could remove some of those doubts. The players need a win for their morale, Clark needs a win to get the fans onside (although it will take more than one win) and the club needs a win to improve the general feel around the club. However Sheffield Wednesday are not without their own problems, having not won in 6 games. They sit level with Blues on 4 points, but above on goal difference as they have scored 6 league goals, compared to Blues' feeble 4 goals.
Wednesday have had some problems defensively, however. In order to try and sort out the defensive issue, Dave Jones has brought in no other than ex-Blues defender Roger Johnson, who can expect a less than warm welcome from the Blues faithful. Only one player from Wednesday has scored more than one goal this season - Atdhe Nuhiu, a 6'6 striker who signed from Rapid Vienna in the summer. Wednesday aren't a team blessed with too many big name players, but have many who are accomplished Championship players. Blues will be hoping their experience of the league don't help them get the better of the side on Saturday.
Blues may actually struggle aerially, which won't happen too often this season, but Wednesday are a very tall team. The previously mentioned Nuhiu, 6'7, and Anthony Gardner, 6'5, could cause aerial problems for Blues. This means that the easiest way for a team to get at the defence would be to get behind the defence with pace. Matt Green could be the key, being the only fit striker with genuine pace. Scott Allan could have been very important, due to his creative ability, but after being forced off on Monday, it seems unlikely that he will play.
Whether Clark will go with a 4-3-3 system, or the previously preferred 3-5-2 or even the 3-4-3 system played at QPR is anyone's guess. What I do know, is that he needs to get it right. Saturday is, in my eyes, the first must-win game of the season.
Tuesday 3 September 2013
Transfer Deadline Day (slightly sarcastic) Roundup
I'm not sure what was more surprising - Wenger signing a player for a lot of money, Wenger signing a player that isn't under 21 and French, or Blues spending any money whatsoever. Mesut Özil went from a world class midfielder to 'the best midfielder in the world' in the eyes of Arsenal fans, by signing for Arsenal in a deal worth £42million. A substantial amount for any club, but for Arsenal this deal is huge. They rarely spend so much on one player. This deal makes Turkish-born Özil the most expensive German player ever. However, Özil wasn't the most expensive transfer of the window, with a certain Gareth Bale moving for over £80million in the most expensive and least surprising transfer of all time.
Wayne Rooney eventually stayed at Manchester United, as they only made one signing in afro-wielding giant Marouane Fellaini, to add steel to United's otherwise powder-puff midfield. Moyes in the end overpaid for Fellaini, allowing his £23million release clause, that he himself put in, to run out before panicking and paying £27m for the Belgian midfielder.
In another extremely boring saga, with an equally boring resolution, Luis Suarez stayed at Liverpool. Despite telling the whole world he wanted to leave, Liverpool rejected the £40,000,001 bid from Arsenal, in one of the more bizarre moments of the transfer window. Liverpool brought in 3 players themselves; two centre-backs in Mamadou Sakho and Tiago Ilori, with Victor Moses coming in on loan.
In fitting with their joga bonito pure football style, Aston Villa signed another huge striker. 6'3 Libor Kozak signed for £7m, bringing with him a prolific record. 10 goals in 58 appearances shows his worth. Speaking of pure football, Stoke signed a 6'4 winger to add much-needed height to their team. Marko Arnautovic, or Arrogantovic to some Bremen fans, signed for an undisclosed fee believed to be around £2m. A talented footballer with clear attitude problem, could be a clever move on Stoke's part, or could be a complete waste of £2m.
West Brom added two forward players to their team, in Benin attacking midfielder Stephane Sessegnon and the imposing figure of Victor Anichebe. Luckily for Sunderland, they quickly replaced Sessegnon's flair and creativity like for like, by bringing in prolific forward Fabio Borini on loan. Hull saw their last minute deal for Shane Long fall through, as Long realised that he really didn't want to live in Hull, (or because it didn't go through in time, not sure which one) leaving West Brom with another striker. They did however offload Peter Odemwingie to Cardiff for an undisclosed fee, in surprisingly mundane fashion.
Everton brought in dynamic midfielder Gareth Barry on loan, to replace the energy that Fellaini provided in the midfield. They also spent around £14m on James McCarthy, in possibly the most overpriced deal of the window. Finally, they brought in young striker Romelu Lukaku on loan, to fill the huge gap left by Anichebe.
In the most surprising deal of the window, Birmingham City actually spent some money on a real player. Paul Caddis comes in for £150k to fill the right back slot, as it seems Eardley is suffering from a lack of ability and will be out for the season.
That rounds up most of the important deals, of another transfer window.
Wayne Rooney eventually stayed at Manchester United, as they only made one signing in afro-wielding giant Marouane Fellaini, to add steel to United's otherwise powder-puff midfield. Moyes in the end overpaid for Fellaini, allowing his £23million release clause, that he himself put in, to run out before panicking and paying £27m for the Belgian midfielder.
In another extremely boring saga, with an equally boring resolution, Luis Suarez stayed at Liverpool. Despite telling the whole world he wanted to leave, Liverpool rejected the £40,000,001 bid from Arsenal, in one of the more bizarre moments of the transfer window. Liverpool brought in 3 players themselves; two centre-backs in Mamadou Sakho and Tiago Ilori, with Victor Moses coming in on loan.
In fitting with their joga bonito pure football style, Aston Villa signed another huge striker. 6'3 Libor Kozak signed for £7m, bringing with him a prolific record. 10 goals in 58 appearances shows his worth. Speaking of pure football, Stoke signed a 6'4 winger to add much-needed height to their team. Marko Arnautovic, or Arrogantovic to some Bremen fans, signed for an undisclosed fee believed to be around £2m. A talented footballer with clear attitude problem, could be a clever move on Stoke's part, or could be a complete waste of £2m.
West Brom added two forward players to their team, in Benin attacking midfielder Stephane Sessegnon and the imposing figure of Victor Anichebe. Luckily for Sunderland, they quickly replaced Sessegnon's flair and creativity like for like, by bringing in prolific forward Fabio Borini on loan. Hull saw their last minute deal for Shane Long fall through, as Long realised that he really didn't want to live in Hull, (or because it didn't go through in time, not sure which one) leaving West Brom with another striker. They did however offload Peter Odemwingie to Cardiff for an undisclosed fee, in surprisingly mundane fashion.
Everton brought in dynamic midfielder Gareth Barry on loan, to replace the energy that Fellaini provided in the midfield. They also spent around £14m on James McCarthy, in possibly the most overpriced deal of the window. Finally, they brought in young striker Romelu Lukaku on loan, to fill the huge gap left by Anichebe.
In the most surprising deal of the window, Birmingham City actually spent some money on a real player. Paul Caddis comes in for £150k to fill the right back slot, as it seems Eardley is suffering from a lack of ability and will be out for the season.
That rounds up most of the important deals, of another transfer window.
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