Thoughts at the first international break

Milltown1882 · Post by **Milltown1882** » Sat Sep 17, 2022 5:05 pm

10 games in, only one defeat and 4th in the league.

I personally didn’t think we would be anywhere near this point after that much change but here we are. Lot of positives to take and some negative areas.

Would be good to see both positive and negative thoughts on the season so far as we get ready to go again in October.

UTC.

eastcoastclaret · Post by **eastcoastclaret** » Sat Sep 17, 2022 5:10 pm

Obviously defence needs a little work still, but we are ahead of where I thought we would be at this stage.

RVclaret · Post by **RVclaret** » Sat Sep 17, 2022 5:13 pm

Clearly some teething issues (surely fully expected) but 1 defeat in 10, which shouldn't have been a defeat, and sitting 3 points off 2nd.

Unbeaten at home and dominating the ball away. Still got our most expensive summer signing, Twine, to come into this too.

Exciting times!

Devils_Advocate · Post by **Devils_Advocate** » Sat Sep 17, 2022 5:14 pm

I make us only 1 point down on where we were at this stage last time we got relegated and that season didn't end up too shabby

Wembley09 · Post by **Wembley09** » Sat Sep 17, 2022 5:18 pm

4th in the League, playing some nice stuff and unbeaten at home.
Pretty good considering the turnover of players and management.

Yes we could be more clinical in-front of goal at times, but overall I think it's been pretty damn good so far.

BurnleyFC · Post by **BurnleyFC** » Sat Sep 17, 2022 5:24 pm

A good start and it was really pleasing seeing us go through the gears second half today.

Longsider · Post by **Longsider** » Sat Sep 17, 2022 5:24 pm

Only lost one, Sheffield Utd and Rotherham! Only teams to match this. Joint second best goal difference. 4th in the league. Highest placed Lancastrian team. Dominating games. Opposition fans rating us as a quality team. Well Chuffed. UTC

Belgianclaret · Post by **Belgianclaret** » Sat Sep 17, 2022 5:26 pm

I hate international breaks...

NewClaret · Post by **NewClaret** » Sat Sep 17, 2022 5:28 pm

40% win rate, 50% draw rate, 10% loss rate.

Very good, especially since we’ve played some of the harder away games - Hudds, WBA, Watford.

Need to up the win rate to 50%+ and keep the loss rate where it is and they’ll surprise me.

I’ll be surprised if we offer that level of consistency but miles better football and more enjoyable to watch.

jdrobbo · Post by **jdrobbo** » Sat Sep 17, 2022 5:28 pm

The thing is, we are in transition and whilst we will have the odd bad game, I can only see this group getting better…

9.5/10 for the transfer window and 7.5/10 for the first 10 games.

We have some really talented players on our hands and if we can cut out the slop at the back, we will go places

4midable · Post by **4midable** » Sat Sep 17, 2022 5:34 pm

With twine, westwood etc still to come wev got a real squad to compete

NewClaret · Post by **NewClaret** » Sat Sep 17, 2022 5:34 pm

Belgianclaret wrote: ↑
Sat Sep 17, 2022 5:26 pm
I hate international breaks...

Me too Belgianclaret.

With Darko & Twine out, VK might welcome it though.

AshevilleNCClaret · Post by **AshevilleNCClaret** » Sat Sep 17, 2022 5:35 pm

I thought it would take most of the season to gel but within the first 45 mins of the season I knew we were good. No complaints about the transfers, vk, or game management. The depth and talent of the squad is fantastic with quality players on the bench. I think top 6 is achievable.

Cajun · Post by **Cajun** » Sat Sep 17, 2022 5:36 pm

At the start of the season, I'd have settled for this after 10 games given the massive overhaul that's taken place. Sure, we are playing in one level lower, but I feel like the whole club has been re-invigorated, re-energized after the tremendous efforts of just trying to survive in the top flight. 11 points from the last 5 games, we can work on defending set pieces, and I believe we can keep pushing toward the top few places.

Culmclaret · Post by **Culmclaret** » Sat Sep 17, 2022 5:40 pm

Bristol City fans unequivocal in saying we are the best team they have played and they were pretty pleased just to have stayed in the game. They said they were unlucky at Norwich but could not argue with the result today. We know we have some work to do but the truth is that we are dominating most games. That is a major achievement given the extent of the rebuild.

KRBFC · Post by **KRBFC** » Sat Sep 17, 2022 5:44 pm

We could have so many more points too, thought we were very unfortunate not to get anything at Watford. Lost 2 points in the last minute at WBA, threw away 2 at home to Blackpool. Probably should have beaten Hull or Luton at home. That's potentially another 7 points on the board we probably deserved.

DCWat · Post by **DCWat** » Sat Sep 17, 2022 7:57 pm

I don’t think we’ve quite worked out how to get more from the advanced midfield / striker roles and defensively, the zonal marking looks shaky at times.

Aside from that I’m mightily pleased with just how well we are doing, considering a summer of huge change.

I loved Dyche and will be forever grateful to him but I had become tired of the style of play. I’m enjoying going on again now, which is really what going to the football should be about.

Vegas Claret · Post by **Vegas Claret** » Sat Sep 17, 2022 8:00 pm

Superb first 10 games point return given the circumstances, I don't think we are seeing anything close to the potential of this team at this stage either.

Burnley1989 · Post by **Burnley1989** » Sat Sep 17, 2022 8:01 pm

Very happy! I suspect we will finish top 4, depends how well we really gel, but we will certainly be top 6

martin_p · Post by **martin_p** » Sat Sep 17, 2022 8:04 pm

I think the most exciting thing about our start to the season is the feeling there’s a lot more to come from this team, we haven’t quite properly ‘clicked’ yet.

Lancasterclaret · Post by **Lancasterclaret** » Sat Sep 17, 2022 8:07 pm

Very happy indeed

As has been mentioned a team in transition like us should not look this good, but the quality of players we have and have bought in is clear for all to see and I'm looking forward to the rest of the season to see what we can achieve

Superjohnnyfrancis · Post by **Superjohnnyfrancis** » Sat Sep 17, 2022 8:23 pm

Good points return so far after ten games. We seem reluctant to play through balls and for me there is still too much passing around the back when a forward pass is on. If we can mix up play a bit more and make it less predictable then we will surely start scoring more goals. We do look a bit powder puff around the pitch and need to stop leaking goals from silly mistakes or just not attacking the ball when we should.

All in all a decent start after a massive player turn over.

Still think we need to risk the ball more in central positions and stop skirting around the outside all the time. Maybe Twine is the key there in the number 10 role, hope it is or we need someone else to fill that role.

We need a quick attacker ( Jan window?) as a priority using this system and then we’ll score a hatful.

Swizzlestick · Post by **Swizzlestick** » Sat Sep 17, 2022 8:31 pm

I’m very happy. I really enjoyed it today. Bristol City have been playing very well (apparently they were unlucky not to beat Norwich never mind lose) and we dominated them. Yes, the goals we concede do tend to be a little cheap, but our possession and general play, I love it. If we can get more solid on set pieces, get Twine back in etc - well there’s more to come. Better than expected in my book considering huge change in personnel and complete 180 in style.

IWOODLOVETT · Post by **IWOODLOVETT** » Sat Sep 17, 2022 8:57 pm

We ain’t seen nothing yet. Based on today’s line-up this is our reserve team :

Bailey Peacock-Farrell
CJ Eagen-Riley
Luke McNally
Charlie Taylor
Vitinho
Ashley Westwood
Samuel Bastien
JBG
Zaroury
Scott Twine
Dario Churlinov

Subs : Lowton/ Long/ Barnes/ Dervisoglu/ Costello/ Franchi

Can’t wait for the cup games …… oh and who needs Weghorst ??

JohnDearyMe · Post by **JohnDearyMe** » Sat Sep 17, 2022 10:47 pm

Kompany has brought back optimism and the feelgood factor to the club. Can't ask for much more than that

Rileybobs · Post by **Rileybobs** » Sat Sep 17, 2022 11:06 pm

We have been a joy to watch, a real breath of fresh air. VK deserves a hell of a lot of credit for getting this group of players to gel so quickly, especially considering the complete overhaul in our playing style. Feels like the points haul should be more considering our dominance, but I’d have definitely taken this before a ball was kicked.

We’re going to have a lot of frustrating games this season as teams know the best way to get a result against us is to shove everyone behind the ball, try their luck with long balls over the top and take advantage of set pieces. But hopefully we improve on breaking sides down (quite likely) and become harder to score against (I think less likely due to the system and our lack of physicality).

So far so good though, and I’m enjoying the Championship a lot more than the grind of the PL.

COBBLE · Post by **COBBLE** » Sat Sep 17, 2022 11:18 pm

Simple. If we had got this impressive squad together for the first game we would be first. Can't see why we will not be first or second at the end. We have played most games without some of what will become our best players The rest of our competitors have played with what they had at the start.

boatshed bill · Post by **boatshed bill** » Sat Sep 17, 2022 11:18 pm

Turn possession into goals and we will definitely be up in the mix for promotion

Burnleyareback2 · Post by **Burnleyareback2** » Sat Sep 17, 2022 11:28 pm

In a much much better position that I expected.

rincon · Post by **rincon** » Sat Sep 17, 2022 11:45 pm

My first home game today and was mightily impressed with the atmosphere and feel on the ground, was in the Bob Lord stand and at times it seemed like the whole ground was really vocally supportive and behind the team.
We constantly threaten to tear other teams a new one, and have managed it once at Wigan. With a tweak or two and more time to gel someone is in for a hiding soon, hope it's them down the road.
With players to come in, it's all extemely positive.
My only gripe is that the total change in the way we play is a bit perplexing in the sense that I want them to be more direct at times, but get the fact that we are trying to be be different and we have to be patient with the tippy tappy stuff when it doesn't come off.
As mentioned, the feelgood factor is back

Colburn_Claret · Post by **Colburn_Claret** » Sun Sep 18, 2022 1:45 am

Still loads more to come from this team.
It's easy to see the silly mistakes we make watching from the stands. At least 6 times today a player made a movement for a ball through the channel, and the man on the ball just doesn't see the move, and it's more than one culprit.
We get the ball wide so often, but fail to put the ball in the box, and send it backwards. It's as if we are looking for the perfect pass, but sometimes the perfect pass is an early pass, as Bristol City showed today, no messing about.

VK said it would take months for the players to click, and I bought into that so my expectations were lowered. To sit 4th is absolutely brilliant, only 1 unlucky defeat, should have more points really, and so much room to improve.

Couldn't be happier UTC

duncandisorderly · Post by **duncandisorderly** » Sun Sep 18, 2022 2:56 am

Not a single game have i thought, 'phew, we were lucky there' or 'that's a good point'.
We've been the best team in every single game we've played that I've seen (emphasis mine) and if that carries on then we'll be promoted by easter (xmas too unrealistic apparently)

Suratclaret · Post by **Suratclaret** » Sun Sep 18, 2022 3:58 am

I honestly didn’t believe we would be in the position we are in the league given the wholesale changes in players and management.
Looking at other teams….Nottingham Forest are struggling despite spending a fortune on players. Fulham did the same a few seasons ago.
It’s absolutely great…I just wish I could attend games at the Turf.

NRC · Post by **NRC** » Sun Sep 18, 2022 4:33 am

Possibly slightly in front of where we would be. More importantly we can see what needs fixing already

Lord_Bob · Post by **Lord_Bob** » Sun Sep 18, 2022 5:39 am

Thoughts? Astonished!

I struggle to get my head around what has happened since May. A whole new team, and whole new philosophy just replaced the best manager in my lifetime (IMHO - I'm 66 to give you some context) and we are being successful.

I just really don't know what to think or where this will end up, but I'll tell you what - I'm enjoying the journey - there's music in this team.

Shaggy · Post by **Shaggy** » Sun Sep 18, 2022 5:50 am

We’ve made a solid start to the season with a lot more to come once we start clicking.

One thing is also for sure it’s been the most exciting football and transfer window we’ve had in the past 10 years or so.

Guller Bull · Post by **Guller Bull** » Sun Sep 18, 2022 5:56 am

We are not even halfway to safety yet! Let’s get to 50 points asap before we start your top 4 nonsense.

Can’t see us seriously being top half with this bunch of misfit Johnny Foreigners can you?

Too much tippy tippy pointless football and risking shipping goals at the back- get it pumped forward for Barnesy to trap and lay it off to Jayrod (He’s Oooo) to thump in the top corner.

Might be 4th now but if we carry on like this we will be tumbling down the leagues quicker than a tumbling item.

Love the international breaks - so exciting to watch mighty England hump inferiors.

Woodleyclaret · Post by **Woodleyclaret** » Sun Sep 18, 2022 6:58 am

I am happy so. far but why Connor Roberts won't get first time balls wide to Benny is a mystery
Benny was skinning his marker for fun ,yet Connor often dithered on the ball.We have quality players but need the ball whizzed into feet not slowed down.We should be top but for our draws.After the break we need to push on .Top by Christmas and then stretch away from the rest had to be a realistic aim with our talented squad

Pickles · Post by **Pickles** » Sun Sep 18, 2022 7:37 am

We've been the best team in every game we've played. Very impressed and very optimistic. It's going to be a fun season.

Corky · Post by **Corky** » Sun Sep 18, 2022 8:08 am

I have thoroughly enjoyed watching this new style of play. It can be a little frustrating at times but that is to be expected. This team will get better. The only thing that I would like to see is Muric needs to release his inner Adam Blacklaw; certainly at corners.

BigChaCha · Post by **BigChaCha** » Sun Sep 18, 2022 8:50 am

All great, enjoying our football again and super impressed with our strength in depth, except for the position Jay Rodriguez is currently playing...

If Rodriguez gets a long-term injury, our chances of promotion are all but over...

That is a massive gamble and oversight in my opinion!

lakedistrictclaret · Post by **lakedistrictclaret** » Sun Sep 18, 2022 9:02 am

Last season I looked forward to my day out at the football, because it meant seeing my relatives in Lancaster on the way, my friends in the pub pre-match, and my sister and cousin in the ground. I wasn't, in general, looking forward to the match.
This season I'm seeing all my relatives and friends, but I'm also really enjoying the football.
That's the difference.

RVclaret · Post by **RVclaret** » Sun Sep 18, 2022 9:12 am

BigChaCha wrote: ↑
Sun Sep 18, 2022 8:50 am
All great, enjoying our football again and super impressed with our strength in depth, except for the position Jay Rodriguez is currently playing...

If Rodriguez gets a long-term injury, our chances of promotion are all but over...

That is a massive gamble and oversight in my opinion!

Dervisoglu? Haven't seen much of him yet but he'll be the Jay Rod rotation option. Thought his cameo yesterday was bright.

Hipper · Post by **Hipper** » Sun Sep 18, 2022 9:16 am

It's been a football education.

I'm getting to like this passing around. It's not as aimless as I thought and seems designed to pull teams out of shape. If it doesn't work you start again.

This could succeed in The Championship with the players we have but it seems in The Premier League you need bigger players with more strength. Once we've settled I'd like to see us get a Premier League side in the cups to see how we do.

Having players able to control and tidily pass the ball in tight areas is a joy compared to our previous football. As a reminder I saw the Middlesbrough-Rotherham match last night where both teams looked very donkey like in comparison.

JohnMac · Post by **JohnMac** » Sun Sep 18, 2022 9:18 am

We look like a team few will relish playing against and if we had a little more conviction in putting the ball in the net, we may already be clear at the top. Unfortunately we have an issue at the back defending set pieces, probably due to a lack of height and I don't see us keeping many clean sheets.

I think we will finish in the Top 6.

Ampth7 · Post by **Ampth7** » Sun Sep 18, 2022 9:24 am

An excellent start to the season considering all of the new signings, new manager and completely new style of play. For the players who he have been with us for years this must have been both a challenge and a breath of fresh air!

Areas to improve - defensive set pieces, game management and I would like to see us take a few more risks/be more creative in the final third. Having said that, the progress since last season in terms of style of play and results is staggering! UTC!!

CaptJohn · Post by **CaptJohn** » Sun Sep 18, 2022 9:26 am

I'm very happy and a tad surprised at how well we are competing at this level. The only elephant in the room is defending set pieces. We're a small team and balls lobbed into the box will always cause issues. Sign Virgil Van Dick in the January window and we'll be fine

Joking aside we do need a big CH and I've said it before I think KL will play a part at some time this season, for that very reason. The match against SUFC will be interesting with that big yard dog McBurnie creating havoc.

Steve1956 · Post by **Steve1956** » Sun Sep 18, 2022 9:27 am

With a brand new team less than a quarter of the season gone sitting pretty in fourth,Probably who is going to be our best player still to play,Jay scoring goals(which I had no doubt he would in this league)
....what is there not to like...even the biggest moaners/critics must be at least a tad satisfied....won't they?

Steve-Harpers-perm · Post by **Steve-Harpers-perm** » Sun Sep 18, 2022 9:28 am

A great start. Defensively we need to be a bit stronger but still think there is more to come attacking wise. Great to see the team spirit as well with so many new faces.

Roosterbooster · Post by **Roosterbooster** » Sun Sep 18, 2022 9:29 am

Very happy so far. I think, being fair, we probably deserve to be on 19-21 points, although we could easily be on 25-26 too. I'm delighted that we are dominating the ball, but I think we should still be moving the ball quicker, and pulling our wingers a bit more central at times to pull their full backs in and give our full backs more room. Teams are clearly well drilled in this league, and know how to limit opportunities, but I can still see us scoring most games, and this will only get better. Hopefully Kompany will also find more ways to change the game: at the moment this seems mainly limited to swapping the wingers and striker. I think a bit more variation is required, even if that means sacrificing Jack or Josh x2.

Defensively there are issues. We really struggle with set pieces, and are vulnerable to the counter. I really like Cork and Cullen as a pairing for the way we play, but neither are fast enough to limit a breakaway.

The teams we have played is also quite interesting
1st-8th: Played none
9th-15th: Played 6
19th-24th: Played 4

I know it's early days, but most of our games have been against the "lower" teams, so I'm not getting carried away. That being said, I think the range of quality in this league is limited, so we've probably still seen a fair representation.

I think the new signings are very positive, and the money we've brought in was sensible. The crowds are good, and I really look forward to every game now. After a really turgid 2 years, when I was really getting bored, it's a welcome relief. I'm still slightly concerned at the lack of Twine, Maatsen's defending, and that some of our standout players are only on-loan, but given what could have happened following relegation, I really can't complain.

But these first 10 games were really just a taster. The 11 league games in 43 days before the 4 week World Cup break will be a real indication of where we really are. And they are tough games too. 6 of the top 8, and only Coventry in the bottom 6 (and that's away from home).

But more important than all of that: the last game we will play before a break of 4 weeks is Blackburn at home. So how I feel now is much less important...