23rd March 2003: Sickening. That's
the only way to describe that defeat.
To lose one derby in injury time may be considered unfortunate, to
lose two.... It's something that could be applied to many different
aspects of the season - the story has been the same all along - play
well, don't score, lose.
One thing we've been able to rely on almost without exception is the
effort and commitment of the players. Which is why I find the attitude
of one particular player so infuriating. Jason Roberts could be a
quality player - in the winning side of the last two seasons, he has
been in his element. But in the second half of this season, his form
has dropped and his commitment seems to have gone the same way. Steadily
since Christmas, he has complained ever more frequently and is more
likely to be standing with his hands on hips than chasing back or
trying to find space. He sank to even lower depths at St. Andrew's
- it was a disgraceful display.
The comparison between Roberts and Hughes could not be more striking.
Hughes may not have the ability of Roberts, but his commitment cannot
be questioned and he is constantly chasing down the opposition when
we're not in possession, and making runs when we are. Roberts is always
static - his trick of receiving the ball to feet and turning the defender
is now well known and rarely works.
His horrendous attitude was epitomised by one incident yesterday.
When trying to beat a Blues defender on the right wing, he felt he
was pulled back, but had shook off the challenge. But rather than
chasing the ball, he stopped and turned to Durkin who waved away the
protest. Whether he was fouled or not is immaterial, you must play
to the whistle as Udeze found out at Southampton.
Then when Megson finally made a subsititution (which was about half
an hour too late), he knew he'd had a poor game and started walking
to the touchline only to be reprieved as Megson inexplicably decided
to take off the best player on the field, Koumas.
In my opinion, Roberts should not play again this season. Surely Megson
can see that his is not putting in the required effort, and I don't
believe he's offered much of a threat since Christmas.
We're going down, but let's go down fighting - Roberts shows no signs
of having the fight necessary.
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