3rd November 2002: This was a
game we had to win but the team Megson put out was far too defensive.
It was great to see Adam Chambers playing again, but he should not
have started. Firstly, he was never going to last ninety minutes and,
secondly, was this not a game to give Koumas an opportunity?
The lack of creativity in the first half was frightening. As the home
team, we have to try to win - this team looked afraid to lose. The
number of long balls we played was scandalous! When you play 3-5-2,
the wing-backs have to get forward and make runs, provide width, provide
an outlet. Neither Clement or Balis seemed to be able to do that.
Having recently watched the video of last season, I cannot believe
the contrast in Igor Balis - his confidence is completely shot.
The overall lack of movement in the midfield was plain to see. It's
hardly surprising that the long balls were being played, there were
precious few other choices.
And the less said about the defence in the second half, the better.
Big Dave had a good first half but in the second, all three were guilty
of basic errors, especially Gregan.
I was thoroughly despondent when I left the ground, but I have raised
myself from the depths. I thought Megson got it wrong against City,
but I do not agree with the idiot on Radio Five's 6-0-6 who said we
need a calm and reserved manager at this level - passion is the main
reson we are in this league and one of our main weapons we can use
to stay here. I do not deny that we are in trouble, and if we don't
start winning this month, we will be rock bottom and virtually doomed.
But the performance against Man City was not representative of our
season - we can play much better and if, as Robbie Earle said on the
Premiership, their are three worse teams than City in this league,
then there are certainly three worse teams than Albion.
The pressure is on Bolton next week - they're the home team and they're
bottom - let's take advantage. We can outsing them certainly, and
surely we can encourage the lads enough to outplay them too. There's
a long way to go yet.
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