| Are we a better team this season? 09:20 - Sep 16 with 6273 views | Snipper |
I honestly think we are. We have good strength in depth this season in defence and midfield.
We haven't got a proper No9 in the sense of an out and out goal scorer, but we seem to have an abundance of players in the hole, or who love to attack from midfield.
We have two proper fullbacks who both know how to defend and attack. They're the closest I've seen to being like Bardsley & Wilson as a pair of fullbacks.
We also appear strong in central defence with some decent back up.
Michael Beale has done a great job in his few months here.
If he has luck with injuries this season, I see no reason why we can't trouble the top six.
Exciting times ahead. |  | | |  |
| Are we a better team this season? on 16:04 - Sep 16 with 1566 views | Northernr |
| Are we a better team this season? on 16:00 - Sep 16 by kensalriser |
At the risk of being a crashing bore by referencing Taarabt again, but how well did other teams' plans to contain him go? Look at Willock's goal v Millwall: three oppo players around him and he still threads the ball into the goal with seeming ease (his ability to do that without blasting the ball is uncanny). If they double or treble up on him that will just leave space for the likes of Chair and Roberts to exploit.
Of course we would be scoring more goals with the likes of a peak form Austin but as we don't have that player we have to cut our cloth accordingly. |
Aaaaand for a chunk of that season teams trying to triple up on Taarabt just left the gate wide open for Kyle Walker to go steaming through. I remember particularly a Sky game at Bristol City where Taarabt was crap, and Dave Jones was the Sky studio guest crowing on about how crap he'd been, and the best player on the pitch and our biggest attacking weapon was Walker. Step forward Ethan Laird. Actually, don't, because if he gets any further forward he'll be in the stand behind the goal at the far end. |  | | |
| Are we a better team this season? on 16:09 - Sep 16 with 1554 views | joe90 |
We've got a squad that's more in the direction of what the club has planned long term. We really need to give them a season to make an informed judgement.
Looking back, Austin/Grey weren't the most inspired signings, particularly Austin who's performances overall weren't great, whereas Grey was probably better than expected.
The key is consistency and we're yet to see that. Will be interesting to see how we get on against Stoke... |  | | |
| Are we a better team this season? on 16:28 - Sep 16 with 1490 views | CliveWilsonSaid |
| Are we a better team this season? on 15:22 - Sep 16 by TheChef |
Was chatting to a couple of work mates earlier talking footy, the Brentford fan asked me what has changed since Warburton left.
Had to think hard and in a way not much - Warbs went largely because of the disconnect with the u23s; but then Beale hasn't really used them much either. I suppose we have recruited a bit better (e.g. Paal) but still a bit reliant on loans (Laird, Timmy, Balogun). Main difference is Beale being more flexible than MW, the players not passing the ball to death and happy to go for goal from distance. |
I think Balogun was a free agent and given a 12 month contract, so not a loan.
Hull first half is honestly some of the best football I’ve ever seen from us at any level. There were a lot of good games last season too but I find us much less irritating to watch now. I feel Mick Beale has been a braver manager than Warburton was and I don’t miss watching Charlie Austin chasing shadows or a half-hearted Andre Gray plodding around one little bit. [Post edited 16 Sep 2022 16:37]
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| Are we a better team this season? on 16:34 - Sep 16 with 1474 views | daveB |
| Are we a better team this season? on 15:22 - Sep 16 by TheChef |
Was chatting to a couple of work mates earlier talking footy, the Brentford fan asked me what has changed since Warburton left.
Had to think hard and in a way not much - Warbs went largely because of the disconnect with the u23s; but then Beale hasn't really used them much either. I suppose we have recruited a bit better (e.g. Paal) but still a bit reliant on loans (Laird, Timmy, Balogun). Main difference is Beale being more flexible than MW, the players not passing the ball to death and happy to go for goal from distance. |
The big difference is having injured players back, results were similar last year when we had Dieng, and Willock fit and fell off a cliff when they went missing. There was a lot of doom and gloom around in the summer after how last season ended but the last 4 games have reminded us all that actually we're not a bad side |  | | |
| Are we a better team this season? on 16:42 - Sep 16 with 1455 views | swisscottage |
| Are we a better team this season? on 16:34 - Sep 16 by daveB |
The big difference is having injured players back, results were similar last year when we had Dieng, and Willock fit and fell off a cliff when they went missing. There was a lot of doom and gloom around in the summer after how last season ended but the last 4 games have reminded us all that actually we're not a bad side |
One of the biggest differences in the way we play from last season is we were often caught overcommitted with the wing backs up the pitch but no midfielder covering behind them.
This season the midfield three have been doing a fabulous job of slotting in behind the full back when they go forward, this enables them to support the fullback if they need to pass back, and also allows them to tackle back if we lose possession.... its been fascinating to watch, and its been something Dozzell was doing a fabulous job of before Wednesday, and Iroegbunam followed that up well. |  | | |
| Are we a better team this season? on 17:03 - Sep 16 with 1399 views | Lanhoop |
The downside to three at the back, particularly how we played it last year, is that you've reduced your midfield outlets. You end up passing between the three, as we often did, and if the opposition keeps our wing backs deep then there is nowhere to go.
You end up trying to play keep-ball in front of them rather than attacking. Make a mistake or let them on to you and you are in trouble. I know it did my head in and I suspect many others too. Much prefer what we are doing now, so for me we are a better team. | | | |
| Are we a better team this season? on 17:10 - Sep 16 with 1388 views | PinnerPaul |
| Are we a better team this season? on 09:24 - Sep 16 by daveB |
far too early to say, 4 games ago we were struggling to break down Rotherham and looked like a team who might get relegated but on paper I think this is a stronger squad than last season who if they avoid injuries to key players could go close to the playoffs again |
We're improving, but not sure we have ever looked like we might get relegated.
Unlike you Dave - come on that was in August!!!!! | | | |
| Are we a better team this season? on 17:12 - Sep 16 with 1388 views | PinnerPaul |
| Are we a better team this season? on 11:20 - Sep 16 by WestonsuperR |
If everyone is fit from both teams then it is close, possibly this seasons team being marginally better. My worry is lack of striker options and cover for certain positions such as LB. To go from forward options of a more in form Dykes, Austin and Gray to an out of form Dykes, Bonne and Roberts is a worry, I don’t see Roberts as an out and out striker more a ‘10’ |
We do still have the potential of Armstrong, don't forget. | | | |
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| Are we a better team this season? on 17:12 - Sep 16 with 1387 views | dmm |
| Are we a better team this season? on 16:28 - Sep 16 by CliveWilsonSaid |
I think Balogun was a free agent and given a 12 month contract, so not a loan.
Hull first half is honestly some of the best football I’ve ever seen from us at any level. There were a lot of good games last season too but I find us much less irritating to watch now. I feel Mick Beale has been a braver manager than Warburton was and I don’t miss watching Charlie Austin chasing shadows or a half-hearted Andre Gray plodding around one little bit. [Post edited 16 Sep 2022 16:37]
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Yep, you're right about Balogun's contract. |  | | |
| Are we a better team this season? on 17:17 - Sep 16 with 1386 views | PinnerPaul |
| Are we a better team this season? on 15:24 - Sep 16 by ed_83 |
One admittedly good win against an underperforming Millwall side hasn’t changed my opinion about the current squad: we look marginally stronger than last year on paper (better fullbacks, depth at midfield and centre back, Dieng staying fit and Johansen Willock and Chair all hitting form) and we’re capable of some really high quality football, but we’re still inconsistent and mentally fragile.
I think Beale’s target from the beginning of the season - stay in touch with the playoff places until the new year, then peak at the end of the season, still feels like the right one. Not expecting this team to go up, necessarily, but I definitely think we’re capable of improving on last season. |
Not sure where the mentally fragile comes from and one look at the league table tells you that inconsistency is the norm. | | | |
| Are we a better team this season? on 17:21 - Sep 16 with 1371 views | PinnerPaul |
| Are we a better team this season? on 16:34 - Sep 16 by daveB |
The big difference is having injured players back, results were similar last year when we had Dieng, and Willock fit and fell off a cliff when they went missing. There was a lot of doom and gloom around in the summer after how last season ended but the last 4 games have reminded us all that actually we're not a bad side |
Sorry Dave and others, but worth repeating that Willock only exited halfway through that terrible run - he played some stinkers in some stinking team performances as well! | | | |
| Are we a better team this season? on 17:23 - Sep 16 with 1364 views | traininvain |
| Are we a better team this season? on 16:34 - Sep 16 by daveB |
The big difference is having injured players back, results were similar last year when we had Dieng, and Willock fit and fell off a cliff when they went missing. There was a lot of doom and gloom around in the summer after how last season ended but the last 4 games have reminded us all that actually we're not a bad side |
Results were similar last season but how often did we actually play well. We were edging games but rarely in control and it was a theme that ultimately cost us later in the season.
We’re not the finished article by any stretch but I’ve been more encouraged this season by the performances vs Middlesbrough, Watford, Hull and Millwall than most of what I saw across the whole of last season barring the odd game maybe Middlesbrough away and Reading at home.
I would say we’re on par results wise but the overall performances we’ve seen have been much better than last season. [Post edited 16 Sep 2022 17:25]
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| Are we a better team this season? on 18:20 - Sep 16 with 1297 views | Malintabuk |
| Are we a better team this season? on 16:02 - Sep 16 by sparkey |
6/10 is harsh. Beaten Watford & Millwall away, Middlesbrough at home. All deemed very difficult games (even if they're not exactly flying at the moment). Against Rotherham we were extremely unlucky to not get 3 points and they've only lost 1 game this season. Blackburn we were sh1t but was Beale's first game and they were flying at the start of the season.
7.5/10 start for me. |
Perhaps you maybe right and I was being a little conservative. But we were 3 up against Middlesbrough and just about got home, and Sunderland we got out of gaol which though exciting we didn't really deserve
Poor performances against Charlton, Blackpool and Sawnsea still for me pulls us back a little
But we are a team in progress, and with a new manager and players, then it is still a decent start. | | | |
| Are we a better team this season? on 19:48 - Sep 16 with 1226 views | francisbowles |
Northern alluded to it in Wednesday's preview. This time last season we had 12 points and had just lost three in a row in the league. However, we were on our run of penalty kick wins in the League cup.
We followed up the first nine with 5/3/2 in the next nine, whilst also being Stroud'd out of the cup. Match or better that is the challenge. | | | |
| Are we a better team this season? on 19:54 - Sep 16 with 1225 views | HAYESBOY |
| Are we a better team this season? on 13:03 - Sep 16 by Northernr |
About the same for me. The team hasn't changed that much, the shape is different but Dieng, Dickie, Dunne, Field, Johansen, Dozzell, Chair, Willock and Dykes was the team last year and is again this.
There has been a significant improvement at full back - if we'd had these two in the team last year I think we'd have gone very close.
But whatever we thought of Austin and Gray going from Austin, Gray and Dykes to Dykes, Dykes and sort of Roberts is weaker. |
This. We are the same or better than last year except for our striking options.
Most improved in the full back places. Hopefully they can stay fit. |  |
| Smells like a trout farm in here |
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| Are we a better team this season? on 22:02 - Sep 16 with 1154 views | eghamranger |
Shame we didn’t get Archer from Villa , I’ve never seen him play, but he’s meant to be a great prospect, but he’s not even in the Villa squad at the moment, can’t be good for his career |  | | |
| Are we a better team this season? on 22:27 - Sep 16 with 1136 views | stanistheman |
| Are we a better team this season? on 22:02 - Sep 16 by eghamranger |
Shame we didn’t get Archer from Villa , I’ve never seen him play, but he’s meant to be a great prospect, but he’s not even in the Villa squad at the moment, can’t be good for his career |
Yeah that is a real waste of a talented youngster.
If only we could have persuaded Villa to loan him to us we would now have a center forward instead of Dykes or Roberts.
As for the thread, I think we are stronger in defense and midfield.
Tim Iroegbunam looks like a really good signing as does Laird. Paal is improving too.
If Chair and Willock can keep playing well and scoring we might get by without a decent striker.
It is a bit too early after only 9 games to judge them though and the next 4 games will give us a better idea of where we could be heading. | | | |
| Are we a better team this season? on 09:07 - Sep 17 with 1015 views | Esox_Lucius |
| Are we a better team this season? on 13:11 - Sep 16 by BushRanger82 |
We exited the first cup competion, at the first hurdle, to a league 1 side.
I'd hold off the exciting times ahead feeling, if I were you. |
That's your stand out takeaway from the season so far? |  |
| The grass is always greener. |
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| Are we a better team this season? on 11:04 - Sep 17 with 955 views | DavieQPR |
Seem to find us a little less gung ho but having retained that entertainment factor. Expectations aren't as high this season which could see us slipping into the playoffs under the radar. |  | | |
| Are we a better team this season? on 11:17 - Sep 17 with 943 views | Paddyhoops |
| Are we a better team this season? on 16:02 - Sep 16 by sparkey |
6/10 is harsh. Beaten Watford & Millwall away, Middlesbrough at home. All deemed very difficult games (even if they're not exactly flying at the moment). Against Rotherham we were extremely unlucky to not get 3 points and they've only lost 1 game this season. Blackburn we were sh1t but was Beale's first game and they were flying at the start of the season.
7.5/10 start for me. |
If we can keep Willock fit we’ll definitely be top six material. He’s our X factor.
Better if not outstanding full backs .
More options at central defence .
Amos to come back in.
Only down side is Dykes form and Let’s be honest Roberts has still got a lot to prove.
7.5 out of 10. | | | |
| Are we a better team this season? on 11:31 - Sep 17 with 924 views | Wegerles_Stairs |
Two quality full backs make such a difference, particularly the way we've been set up to play over the last few seasons. Shocking that it's taken so long to (partly) address this, but better late than never. [Post edited 17 Sep 2022 11:32]
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| Are we a better team this season? on 11:33 - Sep 17 with 916 views | BazzaInTheLoft |
| Are we a better team this season? on 11:31 - Sep 17 by Wegerles_Stairs |
Two quality full backs make such a difference, particularly the way we've been set up to play over the last few seasons. Shocking that it's taken so long to (partly) address this, but better late than never. [Post edited 17 Sep 2022 11:32]
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I thought for second we were getting something positive from you then, but you slid home a last minute equaliser! |  | | |
| Are we a better team this season? on 14:43 - Sep 17 with 842 views | Damo1962 |
| Are we a better team this season? on 17:12 - Sep 16 by PinnerPaul |
We do still have the potential of Armstrong, don't forget. |
Bit risky to rely on potential - but I get your drift. | | | |
| Are we a better team this season? on 17:25 - Sep 17 with 827 views | ManinBlack |
Being very simplistic and using the criteria that goals win games, I have to say we are not better. The objective is to score goals and we are failing to do that in home games in the second half. No use playing eye catching football with no end product. Many games are won by late goals but we seem to have a problem facing our own fans which I have never seen before. |  | | |
| Are we a better team this season? on 17:49 - Sep 17 with 798 views | CliveWilsonSaid |
| Are we a better team this season? on 17:25 - Sep 17 by ManinBlack |
Being very simplistic and using the criteria that goals win games, I have to say we are not better. The objective is to score goals and we are failing to do that in home games in the second half. No use playing eye catching football with no end product. Many games are won by late goals but we seem to have a problem facing our own fans which I have never seen before. |
I thought we created enough chances to win the game. Their goalkeeper kept them in it with at least 3 good saves. I think we might have lost that match last season. | |
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