| Couple of early StephanBall observations/musings/kneejerks 09:57 - Aug 10 with 5969 views | 1BobbyHazell |
1)Playing out from the back. Madsen at 6.
Our old favourite. Looked to have a bit more coaching/development about it. Obviously playing Madsen as the 6 and keeping Field further away was a big move. But there were a couple of movement plans I hadn't seen before. One was Field's speedy dash out wide as the ball went to Morgan creating space in field for Morgan to drive into or play that crossfield ball that found Esquadinha in space to start an attack on the left.
Also a bit more dynamic movement from the wide players, sometimes cheating infield to create different angles as their 8's moved out wide. More give and goes from the full backs rather than remaining static. And earlier long balls.
All seemed to add up to less passages ending up playing back to the keeper without ever really having risked trying to progress the ball upfield. And the wide players not constantly receiving the ball charging back towards their own goal, with a defender right up their arse, with no other option than to play it straight back from where it came.
But a huge Preston shaped caveat with all that. That was the least Preston I've ever seen from Preston, especially in the 1st half. They were a team coming off a bad season, with four new players, still in pre season gear. No intensity at all, the contrast between that and the Rugby League game that was Birmingham v Ipswich on Friday was night and day.
There are plenty of teams in this league who won't let us get away with Madsen at 6, but good to see us using him deep when we can. Some lovely passes.
There's a plan, I like that, but we know what Mike Tyson said about plans.
2) Chair as an 8.
Much called for and good to see. Surely he can affect a game more not wedded to the sideline where obviously he was still good but his lack of pace to go outside made him very predictable. Has more freedom of movement and can pop up in different places. Could develop a very nice understanding with Dembele and the young LB.
Loves a good press.
3) Field at 8.
We all (mostly) love Sammy and his defensive work/leadership is unmatched but his technical deficiencies may come nder more scrutiny under Stephanball.
Twice, close together, in the 1st half he received lovely little inside balls from the wide men that he arrived onto in really dangerous positions in the box . His 1st touch was so bad he didn't get a 2nd. Happened again in the 2nd half after a great Poku run. Never looked in control of the ball, never was. Got to make more of those.
I'm sure, like Marti, Stephan will come to realise that the reality of Championship
football means there are games when you have to have Field in your team protecting the back 4, but maybe not ones where you are expecting more of the ball. We'll see.
4) Any other business.
M & M could be a mustard CB pairing. Good in the air, a speedy one, comfortable on the ball, good passers. Some firming up on marking on crosses needed but looking good.
Esquadinha was better than I expected. Faded, they all did. But doesn't mind a tackle, looked up for the physical part of the game and a lot of attacking potential. May still not be ready to be a season long 1st choice but fantastic potential.
Looking forward to a season of Poku and Dembele, get them a CF with a bit more about them than Celar and there is some real danger there.
Don't leave Madsen back to defend counter attacks when we have a corner. Not just his fault but bad choice.
Won't be the last time we see Morgan filling in at RB. Did a great job considering.
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| Couple of early StephanBall observations/musings/kneejerks on 10:15 - Aug 10 with 3378 views | Burnleyhoop |
Great post Bobby, agree with most if not all of that.
Did notice Fields inability to control the ball on a couple of occasions, particularly the one from Poku in Preston’s box. Great destroyer, but weak technically. Seems to play with his head down too often. Good in the air though, won most of his aerial battles.
Our development boys show plenty of potential, plenty of pace and physicality only let down by decision making. Just a lack of experience but will come with game time. We cannot, however, rely on playing too many at the same time, but with all the injuries we simply have no choice.
Watched the Birmingham and Wrexham games, all four teams far superior to Preston who were there for the taking. We will be better than last season, but unless we get the spine of the team sorted quickly, we will struggle again. |  | | |
| Couple of early StephanBall observations/musings/kneejerks on 10:20 - Aug 10 with 3339 views | wortonr |
Excellent stuff….very useful analysis. One thing I noticed was the clever move at the first kick off..better than the traditional big boot wide right. One thing..was the Preston goal a rehearsed routine? If so, genius in its simplicity and one to consider in future games….whoever has the corner! | | | |
| Couple of early StephanBall observations/musings/kneejerks on 10:37 - Aug 10 with 3217 views | stevec |
Yeah good analysis but as you say, a huge PNE caveat in the room.
There was a lot first half where a decent side would have crucified central midfield but this mob weren’t set up to capitalise.
Second half, they wised up a touch and a very poor Preston side largely dominated the game.
I was craving for the whistle at 85 minutes, there was no way we were going to score. |  | | |
| Couple of early StephanBall observations/musings/kneejerks on 10:52 - Aug 10 with 3123 views | nix |
| Couple of early StephanBall observations/musings/kneejerks on 10:15 - Aug 10 by Burnleyhoop |
Great post Bobby, agree with most if not all of that.
Did notice Fields inability to control the ball on a couple of occasions, particularly the one from Poku in Preston’s box. Great destroyer, but weak technically. Seems to play with his head down too often. Good in the air though, won most of his aerial battles.
Our development boys show plenty of potential, plenty of pace and physicality only let down by decision making. Just a lack of experience but will come with game time. We cannot, however, rely on playing too many at the same time, but with all the injuries we simply have no choice.
Watched the Birmingham and Wrexham games, all four teams far superior to Preston who were there for the taking. We will be better than last season, but unless we get the spine of the team sorted quickly, we will struggle again. |
Yes would have been great to have had Varane and Dunne available to add a bit more physicality and experience. However we've done worse against worse teams than yesterday's Preston side and it's good that we were competitive with such a young team.
Remember Sunderland struggled a bit with their young players but it paid off the following season. I'm not saying we're anywhere close to that level but it shows how quickly they can develop. |  | | |
| Couple of early StephanBall observations/musings/kneejerks on 10:59 - Aug 10 with 3080 views | BrianMcCarthy |
Excellent OP, and excellent posts all 'round.
Agree with you all. I am, however, waaaay hopped up on coffee. |  |
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| Couple of early StephanBall observations/musings/kneejerks on 11:03 - Aug 10 with 3048 views | Northernr |
The big thing in that game yesterday for me was we were pretty gassed by half time and totally out on our feet after an hour. Looks like another hamstring injury for Poku (crossing my fingers it's cramp or a twinge but it didn't look it) and players cramping up again as they were in the Brentford game.
It meant that having played really quite well in the first half, some lovely football, nice goal (well, the Dembele bit of it), and deservedly gone in at half time in front with the crowd in a good mood we weren't able to repeat that in the second, or recover from what was a bit of a freaky goal against us.
I recall this happened a couple of years ago as well and Williams was talking about a slow burn to make sure we're fit at the back end of the season. It worked that time, but we have an inordinate amount of injuries for this time of the season and it means we missed a good opportunity for a win yesterday against what I think was a pretty ropey side. |  | | |
| Couple of early StephanBall observations/musings/kneejerks on 11:07 - Aug 10 with 3021 views | 1JD |
Super analysis. Great post. | | | |
| Couple of early StephanBall observations/musings/kneejerks on 11:09 - Aug 10 with 3002 views | BrianMcCarthy |
| Couple of early StephanBall observations/musings/kneejerks on 11:03 - Aug 10 by Northernr |
The big thing in that game yesterday for me was we were pretty gassed by half time and totally out on our feet after an hour. Looks like another hamstring injury for Poku (crossing my fingers it's cramp or a twinge but it didn't look it) and players cramping up again as they were in the Brentford game.
It meant that having played really quite well in the first half, some lovely football, nice goal (well, the Dembele bit of it), and deservedly gone in at half time in front with the crowd in a good mood we weren't able to repeat that in the second, or recover from what was a bit of a freaky goal against us.
I recall this happened a couple of years ago as well and Williams was talking about a slow burn to make sure we're fit at the back end of the season. It worked that time, but we have an inordinate amount of injuries for this time of the season and it means we missed a good opportunity for a win yesterday against what I think was a pretty ropey side. |
"I recall this happened a couple of years ago as well and Williams was talking about a slow burn to make sure we're fit at the back end of the season. It worked that time..."
Well, I was chatting woth Gus about this yesterday.
You say "it worked", but we were bottom of the division that Autumn and Winter! :) | |
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| Couple of early StephanBall observations/musings/kneejerks on 11:11 - Aug 10 with 2954 views | Northernr |
| Couple of early StephanBall observations/musings/kneejerks on 11:09 - Aug 10 by BrianMcCarthy |
"I recall this happened a couple of years ago as well and Williams was talking about a slow burn to make sure we're fit at the back end of the season. It worked that time..."
Well, I was chatting woth Gus about this yesterday.
You say "it worked", but we were bottom of the division that Autumn and Winter! :) |
Shut up you I was trying to be positive. I've just looked at my Twitter mentions for the first time since yesterday 
I think it's fair to say that 23/24 was recognised as a good year for injuries overall - even JCS got 30 games into him - and it did start a bit like this. | | | |
| Couple of early StephanBall observations/musings/kneejerks on 11:20 - Aug 10 with 2879 views | BrianMcCarthy |
| Couple of early StephanBall observations/musings/kneejerks on 11:11 - Aug 10 by Northernr |
Shut up you I was trying to be positive. I've just looked at my Twitter mentions for the first time since yesterday
I think it's fair to say that 23/24 was recognised as a good year for injuries overall - even JCS got 30 games into him - and it did start a bit like this. |
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| Couple of early StephanBall observations/musings/kneejerks on 11:48 - Aug 10 with 2737 views | Wilkinswatercarrier |
The 6 should always be the most creative in the team so really pleased that the new coach implemented that immediately.
We played some decent stuff 1st half, but I'm afraid Field is not an 8, he simply hasn't got the technical ability.
When Varane and Morgan are both available it will be interesting to see how he sets it up. | |
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| Couple of early StephanBall observations/musings/kneejerks on 12:01 - Aug 10 with 2644 views | simmo |
The good
- Solid full debut for Esq, Mbengue & Poku who looks esp legit
- Chair freedom role is great for him, players getting more on his level will help
- good transitions (1st half), going forwards quickly and committing players
- Dembele looks bang up for this 2nd season
The less good
- Walsh is going to be a problem, esp playing out from the back. A settled 4 will help but he probably won't get that. Big Nardi downgrade
- Adamson looks miles off the level, hopefully pace/physicality can save him
- We badly need a striker and a CM to play higher
AOB
- Not sure why we aren't leaving a player or 2 on the edge/up the field for oppo corners
- Madsen looked decent but was given a lot of time on ball, would like to see him or Morgan in the Field advanced role and Varane as deeper option
- Burrell profile is great for us
Oh and fitness/injuries is obviously a problem. I don't care what the stats say or the condescending shit about my favourite players, having our best players available is a HUGE advantage for a club like us. Was the difference yesterday and could be for the whole season.
FIX IT. |  |
| ask Beavis I get nothing Butthead |
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| Couple of early StephanBall observations/musings/kneejerks on 12:05 - Aug 10 with 2613 views | Jigsore |
RE Field playing further up the pitch, we want him arriving late in the box, or taking at the most two touches. He can finish, but once you ask him to do much more than that he struggles. [Post edited 10 Aug 12:05]
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| “The thing about football - the important thing about football - is that it is not just about football.†|
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| Couple of early StephanBall observations/musings/kneejerks on 12:05 - Aug 10 with 2608 views | BristolR |
| Couple of early StephanBall observations/musings/kneejerks on 12:01 - Aug 10 by simmo |
The good
- Solid full debut for Esq, Mbengue & Poku who looks esp legit
- Chair freedom role is great for him, players getting more on his level will help
- good transitions (1st half), going forwards quickly and committing players
- Dembele looks bang up for this 2nd season
The less good
- Walsh is going to be a problem, esp playing out from the back. A settled 4 will help but he probably won't get that. Big Nardi downgrade
- Adamson looks miles off the level, hopefully pace/physicality can save him
- We badly need a striker and a CM to play higher
AOB
- Not sure why we aren't leaving a player or 2 on the edge/up the field for oppo corners
- Madsen looked decent but was given a lot of time on ball, would like to see him or Morgan in the Field advanced role and Varane as deeper option
- Burrell profile is great for us
Oh and fitness/injuries is obviously a problem. I don't care what the stats say or the condescending shit about my favourite players, having our best players available is a HUGE advantage for a club like us. Was the difference yesterday and could be for the whole season.
FIX IT. |
Pretty much agree with all of this, loved the urgency to get the nall forward with pace. Liked the look of Burrell when he came on.
Playing out from the back grips my shit…STOP IT |  | | |
| Couple of early StephanBall observations/musings/kneejerks on 12:08 - Aug 10 with 2565 views | simmo |
Disagree on Field, he doesn't belong in their box unless he's arriving for crosses or pressing opposition.
The system yesterday had the 2 CMs quite far apart, with Madsen always deep and Field up alongside the attackers. I personally love Field in my team but can't see him doing either of those roles well. | |
| ask Beavis I get nothing Butthead |
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| Couple of early StephanBall observations/musings/kneejerks on 12:21 - Aug 10 with 2472 views | francisbowles |
| Couple of early StephanBall observations/musings/kneejerks on 12:05 - Aug 10 by BristolR |
Pretty much agree with all of this, loved the urgency to get the nall forward with pace. Liked the look of Burrell when he came on.
Playing out from the back grips my shit…STOP IT |
We've been attempting to play this way, apart from a brief interlude with Gareth, since Ollie left. McClaren, Warburton, the next bloke, Critchley (maybe, not sure, can't remember) Marti and now Julien.
I thought you'd be used to it by now. It ain't going to change. The important thing is to mix it up and to be practical about when you do it. Be brave and stop peering through your fingers.😁 | | | |
| Couple of early StephanBall observations/musings/kneejerks on 12:24 - Aug 10 with 2453 views | Monkey_Roots |
Good post.
I thought Madsen did pretty good in the first half, he was kind of like a QB, receiving the ball, looking up and making some nice passes.
I thought we looked quick, and pretty scary for a defence to deal with. That didn’t stick in the 2nd half, and the injuries are a big concern.
At half time I was happy actually. |  | | |
| Couple of early StephanBall observations/musings/kneejerks on 12:33 - Aug 10 with 2415 views | Spen |
| Couple of early StephanBall observations/musings/kneejerks on 11:03 - Aug 10 by Northernr |
The big thing in that game yesterday for me was we were pretty gassed by half time and totally out on our feet after an hour. Looks like another hamstring injury for Poku (crossing my fingers it's cramp or a twinge but it didn't look it) and players cramping up again as they were in the Brentford game.
It meant that having played really quite well in the first half, some lovely football, nice goal (well, the Dembele bit of it), and deservedly gone in at half time in front with the crowd in a good mood we weren't able to repeat that in the second, or recover from what was a bit of a freaky goal against us.
I recall this happened a couple of years ago as well and Williams was talking about a slow burn to make sure we're fit at the back end of the season. It worked that time, but we have an inordinate amount of injuries for this time of the season and it means we missed a good opportunity for a win yesterday against what I think was a pretty ropey side. |
Definitely fell off a cliff fitness wise yesterday. Even someone like Morgan looked shattered very early in 2nd half. Appreciate the temperature didn’t help but that really did alter the course of the game. | | | |
| Couple of early StephanBall observations/musings/kneejerks on 12:58 - Aug 10 with 2330 views | Wegerles_Stairs |
| Couple of early StephanBall observations/musings/kneejerks on 10:37 - Aug 10 by stevec |
Yeah good analysis but as you say, a huge PNE caveat in the room.
There was a lot first half where a decent side would have crucified central midfield but this mob weren’t set up to capitalise.
Second half, they wised up a touch and a very poor Preston side largely dominated the game.
I was craving for the whistle at 85 minutes, there was no way we were going to score. |
Yes, I totally agree. Some nice stuff, particularly in the first half, but a decent side rolls Preston over three or four nil. As you say, it was only them who were going to score at the end. Also, how many saves did their keeper make? Two?
The likes of QPRW10 on Twitter may be eulogising about how Nourry is 'cooking', but we got one point (scored by an own goal) at home to one of the worst sides in the division. Let's see where we are at the end of September. [Post edited 10 Aug 13:42]
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| Couple of early StephanBall observations/musings/kneejerks on 13:17 - Aug 10 with 2248 views | dmm |
Just wanted to say what an excellent OP that is, Bobby. It's pretty much how I saw the game. Judging by the number of likes you've got, it's how many did as well. |  | | |
| Couple of early StephanBall observations/musings/kneejerks on 13:24 - Aug 10 with 2181 views | EuroRanger |
| Couple of early StephanBall observations/musings/kneejerks on 11:03 - Aug 10 by Northernr |
The big thing in that game yesterday for me was we were pretty gassed by half time and totally out on our feet after an hour. Looks like another hamstring injury for Poku (crossing my fingers it's cramp or a twinge but it didn't look it) and players cramping up again as they were in the Brentford game.
It meant that having played really quite well in the first half, some lovely football, nice goal (well, the Dembele bit of it), and deservedly gone in at half time in front with the crowd in a good mood we weren't able to repeat that in the second, or recover from what was a bit of a freaky goal against us.
I recall this happened a couple of years ago as well and Williams was talking about a slow burn to make sure we're fit at the back end of the season. It worked that time, but we have an inordinate amount of injuries for this time of the season and it means we missed a good opportunity for a win yesterday against what I think was a pretty ropey side. |
Agreed with this. This is where a lack of depth hurt us yesterday, as we had players come on who weren't at the same level. As first team players come back and we make a couple of signings (hopefully) we should be able to push on a little. 5 subs might not be quite so much of a super power for the other team | | | |
| Couple of early StephanBall observations/musings/kneejerks on 13:30 - Aug 10 with 2138 views | Northernr |
| Couple of early StephanBall observations/musings/kneejerks on 13:17 - Aug 10 by dmm |
Just wanted to say what an excellent OP that is, Bobby. It's pretty much how I saw the game. Judging by the number of likes you've got, it's how many did as well. |
If you fancy taking up Antti’s old ‘knee jerks’ column let me know! | | | |
| Couple of early StephanBall observations/musings/kneejerks on 13:49 - Aug 10 with 2042 views | dmm |
| Couple of early StephanBall observations/musings/kneejerks on 13:30 - Aug 10 by Northernr |
If you fancy taking up Antti’s old ‘knee jerks’ column let me know! |
I think if I attempted to emulate Antii's fine work I'd just come across as 'jerk'. | | | |
| Couple of early StephanBall observations/musings/kneejerks on 13:54 - Aug 10 with 2017 views | QPROslo |
Good analysis there thanks. One point, Madsen was on the edge of their penalty area for our own corner we conceded from, not back covering. He and Chair did well to get back as much as they did. Was anyone kept back covering? Hard to see from replays, Esquerdinha maybe? | | | |
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