Defensively solid performance going off those defensive stats. Sheer workrate going off blocks, tackles and interceptions. Strangely we probably had the best chance of the game, 3 v 2 on target is poor but especially poor for them with so much of the ball. I think tonight showed how much quality Mulgrew gives us from the back, finding the player as opposed to giving it away. Hopefully he is back for Saturday.

Particularly Palmer Evans and Armstrong...

Great result, proper reaction and spirit second half after we really struggled to contain Derby’s attacks first half - they really are a proper midfield unit, we hardly had a second hence the early change and Dack being quiet. I could’ve picked 2 or 3, Nyambe was impressive at times, Graham did what he does, Lenihan made lots of little errors but has dominant spells, but Smallwood will be my Motm again, he did make a fair few mistakes, lax passes etc but so did the lot, particularly Williams, Evans, Armstrong and Raya scared me a few times. Richie’s effort, energy and will to get that second ball has a bigger impact on the team than many seem willing to give credit for. No surprise that Derby are topping possession tactics, they made us chase all night. Don’t think they’ll do much though because some of their final third stuff was woeful. Perhaps they’re missing Tom Lawrence! I think Reed also did well in a RWB or right midfield role (was hard to tell we seemed to be shifting between 532 and 442 in the end) so I’d want to see Evans rested next game. Rothwell, Brererton also potential options - it’s probably time to give Armstrong a rest.

I personally think Williams is more suited to a centreback role than a full back, especially in a three. I know this is obviously not the perfect replacement but it makes some sense, especially when I’m quite sure TM likes his left footed/right footed two in a 4, thus it makes sense since we never signed Baeur and Rodwell isn’t ready yet. It’s hardly what I’d call baffling. Maybe a bit frustrating because we’ve not the same level replacement as (arguably) our best player and captain waiting in the wings... (sarcasm by the way!) Equally - Conway might be getting on but the judgement he “shouldn’t be starting games at this level” seems extremely harsh since his performances should decide that, don’t recall him starting a game this season and stinking it out. I also don’t get the assumption it’s for defensive reasons, wouldn’t Bennett be exactly the same thing? He gets a chance whilst Bennett/Mulgrew is out - you may dismiss his set piece ability but ask Rudy Gestede what he thinks of CC’s delivery. If he’s crap, he’s pulled at half time or on 60 for another option. You might see it as pointless but there’s also an argument for an older/wiser head since the aforementioned two “captains” ain’t starting. If you go by Jim’s idea, that we’ve a poor team (you say it yourself a couple of ours aren’t good enough at this level) then how on earth do you get too is being about “on par” despite picking up a decent point haul and performing well overall so far? Not just my opinion, look at the stats/ratings/opinions in the media. I’m quite happy to accept you’ve every right to an opinion, but that doesn’t mean I can’t think you’re being extremely over critical of seemingly anything you can get your teeth into! Obviously, the result matters more than either of our opinions on the implied “strangeness” of the lineup so COYB! 1-2

In one breath an “out of position” Williams is an issue, but putting a winger on the wing as opposed to Rothwell is a strange choice? I find that confusing. Surely you can see subjective reasons for choosing either? I would sooner see Bennett and Mulgrew in, but I think Conway deserves a start now and then - plus he takes decent set pieces - something we will miss with Charlie out. Couldve picked 3/4 different starting line ups which shows the growth in depth this season, as for up front- when we have less of the ball it probably makes sense to put Armstrong upfront for opportunities to counter in behind. For me, the notion that some of our players are “third division” is wearing a bit thin, especially when it’s obvious that most of these players have been performing above expectations thus far this season.

He’s one of the best I’ve seen in recent memory at the “lean” imo.

But the opposition aren’t putting 4/5 behind the ball with nothing to lose, so when they’ve a set piece or a break, you naturally defend deeper in bigger numbers. Im not trying to say there is no way round it, but I am saying a few seem ignorant of another team’s ability and/or impact late on.

There are two teams Al. How do you expect Rovers to react if we are 1-0 down with minutes to go? It’s quite simple to accept the opposition will always go kitchen sink in those scenarios, as opposed to a few here who seem to think it’s non-reactive, utterly predictable tactics.

Nonsense. We changed to 352 before we scored but they pushed on for the last 10- which is normal for teams who are chasing the game.

Smallwood for me. Perhaps some reaction to his criticism but i felt his impact on our team for an hour yesterday was a “never say die” mentality. Certainly not technically as proficient as others but his work rate is infectious.

Not surprisingly I see it very differently, we changed shape prior to scoring the goal and I don’t think any manager would specifically set up a team to drop deep when winning by a small margin. Its a reaction to the opposition moving further up the pitch. I sometimes think posters/viewers completely ignore that there are 2 teams in a match, not one. Other observations, I thought Bell improved (flys in the face of your “picks his mates” comment or what ever that was) I thought Darragh and Mulgrew played well bar a couple of mistakes in a short spell first half. I also thought Smallwood was a one of the best players on the pitch for 60 minutes yesterday, and by his standing ovation - I don’t think I’m the only one. If he’s not good enough at this level, what does that say about Villas lads who could barely compete with us in the centre?

You’ve regularly chipped in with your view on standard/enjoyment factor. No offence intended.

Tbf chadster, don’t post in such a black and white fashion, you won’t get pulled up as much. I agree that Dack has earned his cash on the pitch and should be allowed to crack on, but to suggest that should be the case for any crime is too simplistic. If Dack ends up in prison, id expect/want us to cancel his contract outright. As for the game today, truly excited if I’m honest. It feels like I haven’t been on in months! 3-1 Rovers, Dack FGS

Agree, the demographics of a game are so wide, any product/business sponsor is going to be unfavourable to parts of the crowd.

I don’t think people could take a discussion with you seriously on him, when you’ve made it one of your obsessions to criticise him. It’s clear to a glass eye how much he’s improved since being around the squad full time, yet you’ll only point out his shortfalls! I’m sure JAL doesn’t mean it how it sounds, but when you’re simply complaining about Nuttall, Samuel and Nyambe, using terms like “send him back” - it gives a bad impression.

I think you’ve missed his point. It’s hardly a regular business where you determine your spend by satisfaction of product, is it! Some do ( @gumboots will have an opinion on it!) but generally we’d all have been changing product or brands, if it had started to sell mouldy chips, dodgy paint or sold us bad advice! On the card, I don’t think it’s such a bad cost personally - however BB has a point if it wasn’t mentioned in the small print of the application.

If you think those people would be back if tickets are 10 and ST’s are much lower, you’re absolutely kidding yourself. The majority will only come back after and to share in success. Or if we’re playing a big team.

Certainly didn’t play in a traditional number ten role. He may have swapped around with Rothwell, but he also swapped with Smallwood and Evans periodically, hence the work ethic being praised afterwards. Bennett certainly tracks and runs all day but he is not, and never will be a central attacking midfielder. I think he’d suit a box to box central mid these days, perhaps even in a two next to a more technically able midfielder to unlock defences. He strikes me as a player who started off as a flying winger but has evolved into a “warhurst”.

First two games of last season

Agents only there to help sign cheques for 10% That said, a good one would be saying his move to a premier league club has just taken a massive step back, since nobody is taking a chance on his talent if he ends up in the slammer. One thing today again shows, how bloody good is Tony Mowbray? Can you imagine Hughes or Allardyce doing that? I kind of can, but in a different way - I don’t think either of those managers could’ve had the positive impact on this club that TM has in the same situation. That’s not an argument about who’s better, I’m just unsurprised to see Mowbray deal with an absolute shocking situation so well. Has it been on SSN?

Well I feel less tense with the basics when Williams is defending + he has more of the “put it all in” mentality for me - Bell strikes me as someone not quite tuned to work as hard, but silkier, faster and a better final ball. It’s a nice choice for me. We agree that Bell is more the modern style but does he have the “want” that those top full backs need? Has the technique, the physicality. However, effort level is key for full backs. There’s times when I think Bell looks a bit disinterested, and lax. As for Williams - I think we agree he is more basic but I’d go with him behind KP if Dack is back at home to Villa. Otherwise, I’d put Kasey in the hole and stick Conway and Bell down the left.

Let’s not muddy the water here. This is childish and stupid, out of 140 hours he completed less than a third. I agree with many that this should be a last chance for him with us regardless of talent because the club always comes first - don’t need him in jail sullying the reputation of the club. However, the pictures/paper stuff is a seperate thing for me. Dack could’ve easily done all his CS, or not be a drunk police fighting type and be “insta-famous” as they call it these days. For me, if he ain’t training an he knew he wasn’t playing, there is still absolutely nothing wrong with having a night out or in, 1am isn’t late either - by some of the conversations, it would seem Dack had been papped, hammered and out with the wrong types at 5am. Culture is different with social media, for instance I am quite certain many other members of our squad enjoy nights out but merely put their phones away...!

Very much an extreme take on Williams, who for all his lack of technique and attacking attributes, still offers a hell of a lot more effort and aerial support defensively than Bell. If Conway or Bennett is playing in front of Bell, I think he’s a better option since those two will work hard to cover the FB. KP doesn’t do this as well (imo) which is why I’d probably recall williams if I’m keeping Palmer in. As for not showing for the ball and the insinuation he constantly causes a halt in momentum, check out the first game of the season, the overlap with Graham and the cross for Dack. As for a desire to come inside... less said the better. Heard he lobbed seaman from the edge of the box.

Think the fact he is probably sitting on Boro’s bench for 3 months probably means we will get him on a permanent in Jan, as long as we ain’t near the bottom!