[Archived] Forest

[jim mk2]

Some observations from last night.

1. The defence is better organised under the new manager. Hanley is a big player for us now. He never put a foot wrong. Duffy is improving but his distribution is still poor. Henley is a work in progress but is getting better. Ollsson's a good left back at this level. Akpan has made a huge difference in front of the back 4 - a very good signing.

2. We have very limited attacking options and rely on scoring goals either from set pieces or through crosses from the wing. Freedman's tactical changes at half time nullified the latter and he also got his players to press us farther up the pitch, which made us so ineffective in the second half.

3. Koita worked reasonably hard and has a decent touch but for a tall man his heading is poor - he never gets off the ground. His miss was unforgiveable. He won't score many for us.

4. Rhodes is in one of those phases where he doesn't deserve his place. Without his goals his contribution to the team is nil. Last night he was always half a yard off the pace, was never first to the ball and offered no physical presence. He should have been taken off.

5. Overall, we are short on quality and pace. We desperately need some new (better) players - 3 at least. Without them there is no way that team will make the top 6.

[briansol]

Good first half. High pressure and good ball retention. Full backs were overlapping and Koita put himself about. Not many chances but Forest was non-existant going forward.

Second half went flat. Very dire and as someone pointed out, biggest problem was centre midfield dropping deep. When in first half, they picked up second balls, Forest was now given room to pass it in the middle. Still they were equally poor. Evans was subbed for a leggy Guthrie, but didn't improve. Full backs didn't double and gave Conway and Marshall few option to provide something. I think we lack someone in the middle who can drive forward and support the attack. Maybe Lawrence should've been brought on, but then I would've subbed Rhodes. Koita provided an outlet but missed the biggest chance of the game.

Positive for me was goalkeeper and defence, esp Hanley and Duffy was solid throughout. Olsson and Henley was good defensively while they faded in the second half going forward.

In January we need a central midfielder who can drive forward, probably a pacy forward to run the channels and if we lose Lawrence a similar flair player to create something. We now have a solid unit, but lack the spectacular needed to provide a play-off push.

[beanie]

If we are going to be playing a style like last night Teixeria on loan from Liverpool in January could be a good option for center mid.

[K-Hod]

Just on Rhodes, I definitely think he needs to improve on recent performances but I wouldn't be too hasty as to want to sell him in January.

When we take into consideration his goal output here and also throughout his career this would indicate while this is certainly a loss of form and performance he will start scoring again before too long. I still view the team as a work in progress at the moment, and I would definitely include getting the best out of Rhodes and his own improvement in that.

We're only 5 games into PL's reign and we're still unbeaten so whilst there are negatives, there are also plenty of positives to be taken thus far as there has undoubtedly been an overall better feeling around the club since he has taken over as far as I'm concerned.

[J*B]

I can only apologise, I turned the game on at 40 minutes. Seems we played well until I switched on, as soon as I did we where dull.

[deryck guyler's spoon]

no but hes pulled Jal for not being there ,so its a reasonable question to see if he attends every game or what is the point in asking.?

Doesn't JAL live walking distance from Ewood? That was my understanding.

Maybe if he walked down to Ewood for games he wouldn't have to ask Chaddy so many questions. If the likes of JAL went to games then maybe we could employ a more experienced scout to look at better players and not have to use the services of the agents he obsesses about?

He still hasn't said who gave away the last minute chance and I haven't had chance to watch the full game yet. As JAL fixates on Duffy and whoever is agent is I'm guessing it's the ex Everton man?

[Neal]

I honestly believe that once Koita gets himself a goal that he'll start to find his feet in this league. I'm not saying he'll score a bucket load but recon he could get close to 10 goals a season for us. Would like to see Lambert keep faith with him, he has a lot of attributes that the others lack.

[J*B]

I honestly believe that once Koita gets himself a goal that he'll start to find his feet in this league. I'm not saying he'll score a bucket load but recon he could get close to 10 goals a season for us. Would like to see Lambert keep faith with him, he has a lot of attributes that the others lack.

Watched the game on TV rather than the ground so you may have a better idea of how he played, but to me he looks a total donkey. Worth noting he got MOTM, so I'm probably wrong! I did watch him at PNE though, where he was if anything a complete liability and showed no effort at all.

He's only scored 13 goals in his 7 year career and hasn't made any serious threats on goal so far, so I struggle seeing him getting close to 10 in one season. The header last night was really basic - anywhere but the keeper... and he put it at the keepers chest. Thats the difference unfortunately between a promotion chasing team and us, Murphy, McGoldrick and Sears at Ipswich (currently 6) would have bagged there.

Chris Brown may have an equally as bad record of 23 appearances and no goals, but throughout his career at least he has scored in this league.

Rhodes & Lawrence seemingly are my preferred partnership, but we do need to sign a striker in January.

[47er]

Managers have phases and we are in Lambert's Phase One. When he was appointed, we all wanted him to make an instant impact and he has---11 points in 5 games.

[DE.]

Koita had a very good first half, but a poor second that culminated with a huge missed opportunity. The entire team had a poor second half though so I wouldn't single him out for anything beyond that miss.

We had a glimpse last night of what we could become under Lambert, but the second half proved there's still a long way to go. We haven't been a 90 minute team for a long time, and that may take some time to change.

[mustard]

IMO, people THINK Koita performed so much better than Rhodes, simply because he's mobile and a handful. It's like the myth that went around that Gestede contributed more to open play and was good at holding the ball up. Never happened, but because he was a big lad he got a lot of slack. Not forgetting Rhodes is held to such high standards that bad games are heavily criticised.

I thought Koita did nothing of note except a few flick-ons, missed shots from distance and the sitter he should have bagged. It was a poor performance all round from us, and I'm not sure how some can expect contributions from the front two when the midfield fail to offer support, chances or even a semblance of creativity. Personally, I'd have given one of the centre halves MotM or maybe Steele for that excellent save.

[K-Hod]

When you play up front it always helps when you get some support from the midfield. The wingers and full backs seem to scared to go past their man and whip a cross in!

What's the worst that could happen?

[Tom]

IMO, people THINK Koita performed so much better than Rhodes, simply because he's mobile and a handful. It's like the myth that went around that Gestede contributed more to open play and was good at holding the ball up. Never happened, but because he was a big lad he got a lot of slack. Not forgetting Rhodes is held to such high standards that bad games are heavily criticised.

I thought Koita did nothing of note except a few flick-ons, missed shots from distance and the sitter he should have bagged. It was a poor performance all round from us, and I'm not sure how some can expect contributions from the front two when the midfield fail to offer support, chances or even a semblance of creativity. Personally, I'd have given one of the centre halves MotM or maybe Steele for that excellent save.

People KNOW he played a lot better that Rhodes, one won loads and brought others into the game the other did nothing and made little effort to change that.

Koitas chance was a sitter though and should have scored it every day.

[jim mk2]

I don't think we'll get any better under Lambert than what we saw in the first half last night. Basically in a short space of time he has made us into a very solid unit that looks tight in defence but limited in attack.

I'm sure he knows he needs to make at least 2 or 3 good signings in January that will have have an instant impact. Otherwise we can forget any dreams of making the top 6 this season.

IMO, people THINK Koita performed so much better than Rhodes, simply because he's mobile and a handful. It's like the myth that went around that Gestede contributed more to open play and was good at holding the ball up. Never happened, but because he was a big lad he got a lot of slack. Not forgetting Rhodes is held to such high standards that bad games are heavily criticised.

I thought Koita did nothing of note except a few flick-ons, missed shots from distance and the sitter he should have bagged. It was a poor performance all round from us, and I'm not sure how some can expect contributions from the front two when the midfield fail to offer support, chances or even a semblance of creativity. Personally, I'd have given one of the centre halves MotM or maybe Steele for that excellent save.

Gestede's been found out in the Premier League IMO - albeit he's playing in a poor Villa side. His all round game isn't good enough.

[frosty]

Watched the game on TV rather than the ground so you may have a better idea of how he played, but to me he looks a total donkey. Worth noting he got MOTM, so I'm probably wrong! I did watch him at PNE though, where he was if anything a complete liability and showed no effort at all.

He's only scored 13 goals in his 7 year career and hasn't made any serious threats on goal so far, so I struggle seeing him getting close to 10 in one season.

Brown's a total donkey, I don't think Koita is. He's not going to be prolific at all but in his first few games he looked a goal threat, remember him firing powerful shots inches wide from the edge of the area in a couple of home games and smashing one against the post v Fulham. Interesting though that he came on as sub in all those games and we were losing them all, so we were on the front foot putting pressure on.

He's as raw as anything but there's some ability there. Also at PNE he was only on 10 mins! And won both the fouls that got their man sent off.

We still need strengthening upfront though, may as well get rid of Delfouneso and Brown, Lawrence has shown a few flashes but not a great deal more. And Rhodes' recent performances are worrying.

[oldjamfan1]

I haven't seen the game yet so this suspense is killing me. Go on, who was it? You should know as you were there?

Koita was ball watching, much as he was when he allowed QPR to equalise earlier in the season.

[beanie]

While I agree that Browns a donkey I think he would have buried that header.

[AllRoverAsia]

While I agree that Browns a donkey I think he would have buried that header.

I thought exactly the same today. Trouble was Koita didn't appear to know where he was in relation to the keeper and goal posts. Only he can answer why.

[BlueMonday]

That New Order Mill Hill flag at the bottom of the DE Lower looked smart by the way! (Blue Monday- your user name reminded me!) Gary Aspden (Adidas guy from Darwen) posted it on Instagram this week, looked very prominent in the flesh!

Its a great flag, but not mine Im afraid, as you said its the Mill Hill Boys.

[yorkblue]

In my opinion the first half performance was far more important than the second half. The first half showed the kind of high tempo game that Lambert will bring to the team. However, at the moment the players simply are not in the physical condition to carry that through for 90 minutes, hence the falling away of the performance in the second half. It will take a lot longer than a few weeks for the training regime to significantly improve the players previously woeful levels of fitness to allow a 90 minute performance of the same intensity as we saw in the first half.

The harder physical training needed will also ironically leave the players more tired for games. Once this phase is over I am very hopeful that we will see some exciting and energetic displays.

However, what is clear is that there is a lack of quality in the final third of the pitch. We attacked in a very one-dimensional way by getting the ball wide and crossing it because we didn't have anyone in the central areas who could challenge the Forest back four and perhaps pick a pass for a Rhodes run.

On the subject of Rhodes, he does look like he is struggling to make an impact but the quality of service that he got in the game and in others previously is not playing to his strengths - hopefully a more creative central attacking midfielder will be brought in to provide the ammunition for him.

My 7-year old son summed up Jordan at the moment when he said, " Dad when Rhodes runs he looks like a tired dog trotting around the pitch".

[tomphil]

Rudy always was a bit of a lazy git unless he was in the mood to fling himself at everything. His lack of movement and effort at times was every bit as frustrating as Rhodes but he was always a danger just by being on the pitch because of his sheer presence. Just likes Rhodes is dangerous whether he's having a stinker or not because that half chance may always come along.

We can't have everything and if Lambert is going to go down the robust pace and power style then he'll have to recruit accordingly. You'd never ask Flitty to try and be Tugay or Wilcox to be Duff so it's a case of use a player to his best strengths or replace him with one with the strengths you require. So no point keep moaning about Rhodes we know what he can and can't do it's now down to the gaffer to sort it.

I do wonder if Rhodes is now half playing for a move though......

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

Rudy always was a bit of a lazy git unless he was in the mood to fling himself at everything. His lack of movement and effort at times was every bit as frustrating as Rhodes but he was always a danger just by being on the pitch because of his sheer presence. Just likes Rhodes is dangerous whether he's having a stinker or not because that half chance may always come along.

We can't have everything and if Lambert is going to go down the robust pace and power style then he'll have to recruit accordingly. You'd never ask Flitty to try and be Tugay or Wilcox to be Duff so it's a case of use a player to his best strengths or replace him with one with the strengths you require. So no point keep moaning about Rhodes we know what he can and can't do it's now down to the gaffer to sort it.

I do wonder if Rhodes is now half playing for a move though......

That's a funny way to play for a move. Unless the move is already in the pipeline.

[Tallrover]

Playing for a move? How? By being poo in the last few games? Funny way to go about it...

[deryck guyler's spoon]

Koita was ball watching, much as he was when he allowed QPR to equalise earlier in the season.

Perhaps this is one of the aspects of Koita's game that Lambert was alluding to when he mentioned things that he needed to improve. Whilst accepting that Koita's daydreaming almost had dire consequences, maybe it is understandable that a striker adjusting to a new league might be found wanting defensively.

[tomphil]

It isn't funny at all, has no one read the secret footballer or Robbie Savage columns. It's exactly the way to go about things if you know there is concrete interest ( say from your uncle or dad) by skulking about a lot and appearing disinterested. Perfect when a new manager comes in who might have the licence to rebuild and may have his own plans.

Not saying that he is doing it but as someone who's defended him to the hilt I'm getting a bit concerned about his demeanour. Should be all out to impress a new manager in terms of general play really.