Boro vs QPR 2-1 (Conway, Dijksteel)

[Changing Times 15,603 22.7k]

Just now, LinoJo3 said:

No sorry, if a back 4 holds its shape as a good back 4 should then that amount of space is not left open and the right back isn’t in the LCB position.

No, that's not correct.  The back four was shifted over to our left because that's where the ball was.  You don't just stay in the same position on the field regardless of where the ball is.  Their left back is Burgzorg's man, not Dijksteel's, and Dijksteel was doing exactly what he was supposed to be doing.  He was tucked in originally so that there wasn't a large gap between him and Howson, and when he saw their player run in behind Howson he covered the run.  That is spot on fullback play.

[LinoJo3 5,505 13.2k]

1 minute ago, Brunners said:

Something tells me you've never played full back in your life, would I be correct?

Full backs are pretty regularly taught to tuck inside, especially when covering for the CB. It is the RM/RW that needs to see the RB dropping in to cover and drop into his space.

He didn’t need to cover for the cb though there was 2 of them there, he made a needless run and left his side of defence wide open.

[LinoJo3 5,505 13.2k]

3 minutes ago, Changing Times said:

No, that's not correct.  The back four was shifted over to our left because that's where the ball was.  You don't just stay in the same position on the field regardless of where the ball is.  Their left back is Burgzorg's man, not Dijksteel's, and Dijksteel was doing exactly what he was supposed to be doing.  He was tucked in originally so that there wasn't a large gap between him and Howson, and when he saw their player run in behind Howson he covered the run.  That is spot on fullback play.

Yea I’ve watched it back you’re right.

[Changing Times 15,603 22.7k]

Just now, LinoJo3 said:

He didn’t need to cover for the cb though there was 2 of them there, he made a needless run and left his side of defence wide open.

He did need to cover Howson because the man had run in behind him.  The only player covering that run is Dijksteel, Borges isn't close enough if the ball gets played through to him.

[Changing Times 15,603 22.7k]

Just now, LinoJo3 said:

Yea I’ve watched it back you’re right.

Dijksteel does have lapses in concentration though, I mean you're right about that.  I just think that was one where he was doing the right thing in that moment.

[Nobby Barnes 679 1.2k]

Just got back in from the directors box do guys after the match...

Was chatting to the guy off The Gladiators, we agreed Nobby would be a good name for a Gladiator anorl 👍

Contestant Ready, Gladiator Ready, Nobby Ready 

[Hammy legend 1,244 1.3k]

Kirk Douglas, Spartacus , was there? 

[Nobby Barnes 679 1.2k]

4 minutes ago, Hammy legend said:

Kirk Douglas, Spartacus , was there? 

Matty Campbell AKA Bionic from the Gladiators, he's from Middlesbrough chor...

 

[Erimus74 5,259 5.4k]

Well done Boro, thoroughly deserved three points, made hard work of it in the last 15/20 minutes & my heart was in my mouth when I suddenly seen their keeper with what looked like a free header but not enough power & we came away with all points & deservedly so

Hackney was awesome, Burgzorg too was excellent too & I love Borges attitude when he celebrates a goalkick, throwin

Howson, although opposite, had a very good game, some really good performets there tonight, which makes me think they read my post & reacted in that way

We've gone from teams from 5th down to 8th, 9th falling over themselves to allow their rivals having an advantage now the top 4 are doing likewise

Championship is the best league in the world 

[Old Codger 4,239 4.8k]

For whatever reason, even before the game, I was thinking that we were going to get the win and never got the feeling we were going to fold in the second half. For such a threadbare team, I thought we did well with Hackney, Borges, Morris having good games and Iheanacho and Iling-Junior looking as though they were starting to fit in. Don't think anybody played badly and despite having less possession than QPR, we were in control for most of the game, so it was a fair result. Considering the state of the team, it was a decent display and for such a makeshift side to produce an entertaining game, they can be pleased with themselves for getting the three points they deserved.  If they play with the same attitude, they can get something from Luton, so hopefully this gives them a lift and a little more confidence. 

[Bruce 2,974 2.3k]

Perfectly fine win and still batting our eyelashes hopefully at the playoffs. On one hand, the win means nothing if we roll over against Luton on Saturday but any win is good so I guess it's just making the most of it.

Funny thing is that despite our lack of centre backs, that hasn't been an issue so far. CB is probably Howson's best position for his final games with us anyway. Our problem has been our tactics and our inability to defend from the front. Assuming we have some normal CBs back after the break, Carrick may yet prove to have been right.

I think Iling Junior may end up being a really good player for us for the rest of the season. He looks capable of doing what we hoped Giles would only stronger defensively. I think he has a Morgan Rogers-like potential. 

[Leesider 1,342 1.4k]

8 hours ago, LinoJo3 said:

One thing I do wonder is did Howsons presence make a difference with regards to dictating the system/organisational type of stuff? I noticed he played much more ‘penetrative’ passes out from the back rather than those horrible slowly rolled balls we see so often.

No I’m not saying he should stay at CB but I did enjoy his presence out there.

His importance to us is massively underrated. He brings a calming influence to the side.   Leadership is often not about shouting .Very little of the panicky heart in mouth moments last night. A half fit 36 year old  playing out of position improving the side is a damning indication of how messed up our recruitment has been. Lets hope he stays fit now.

[TeaCider24 17,814 22.9k]

That's Conway level on goals with Latte Lath now, having played fewer games and minutes.

I still think Latte Lath was better as a number 9, but you can't fault Conway's goalscoring record here.

[Bruce 2,974 2.3k]

1 minute ago, TeaCider24 said:

That's Conway level on goals with Latte Lath now, having played fewer games and minutes.

I still think Latte Lath was better as a number 9, but you can't fault Conway's goalscoring record here.

Conway is more of an out and out goalscorer. More like Archer. ELL is more of an all-rounder. Feels like ELL is streakier when it comes to scoring while Conway looks like he'll be more consistent. ELL probably made Carrick's system work better because he could compensate for Azaz defensively. Conway may need a defensively stronger #10 behind him. 

[diggerlad07 4,095 2.7k]

I love how quiet match day threads are after we win! 

Come on, last night was a big big win with current defensive issues

QPR worst team I have seen at the riverside this season, constantly giving away possession and giving us far too much space and time on the ball.

Thought Junior was really good and his roaming opened up lots of space 

Atmosphere was actually better than I anticipated,  I was worried 10mins before kick off as stadium looked extremely empty