Clearly two consecutive defeats (forget Cambridge, it is irrelevant) are capable of turning into a very poor run, if we continue to emerge on the wrong side of games decided by narrow margins. But there is no reason to panic, rather IMO a case for looking at details and seeing what can be done to improve. We knew we had a tough start on paper, with three games against teams expected to be around the top and to that was added a fourth against a team smarting from a humiliation and bolstered by new signings (one of the problems of getting your business done early is that we forget how many we’ve signed as the flow of news is all about who others are bringing in).
If someone had offered us a win, two draws and a defeat in our first four before the season started we would probably have settled for that – and that would have been the least we deserved. On another day with a different ref, and VAR (and those criticising it really should take a good look at games without it), we might easily have come away from Loftus Road with three points. Kone’s challenge on Jones after he’d headed the ball away was reckless and worthy of more than a yellow (which he incredibly did not get), Campbell didn’t go down after a challenge from behind in the box (if he did and the ref decided it was a penalty I’m not sure what the rules are about their guy being sent off), and Kelman was pulled back from behind just outside the box in a goalscoring situation. Surely that one had to be a red card. And everyone said we were unlucky to lose against Leicester.
That’s not to ignore the reality of the results and other factors behind them. But it does point to the fact that all four of our games have been tight affairs with three decided by the odd goal and one draw. The way we are set up doesn’t work in favour of us taking teams apart and the chances are that most of our games this season will end up being close. Let’s get used to that and embrace it. The last thing we need now is players getting used to narrow defeats.
So what might be some lessons? First, we started quite slowly against Bristol City and especially yesterday, when the game could have been over in the first 20 minutes. We are giving the impression that we are working things out on the pitch in response to the opposition’s set-up and tactics. So are we doing enough homework on the opposition before the games begin? Or is it a mental issue, that we are happy to keep things tight early on, handing the initiative to the other team? I can’t possibly know, but we can’t afford to continue to start games so tentatively and slowly.
Second, this standard of opposition is new to many of the players. In League One you benefit from the mistakes of others, the press is easier to be effective. QPR, like Leicester and Bristol City, were far more assured in dealing with pressure and playing their way out of trouble, gave the ball away far fewer times than teams last season. I’d suggest we simply have to work harder by looking at what works for us and what does not and adjust accordingly.
Third, look at individual players and how they can improve. Last season our attack worked well with Godden and Berry, because Campbell was left to do his real work out wide, Godden was outnumbered but still made a nuisance of himself, and Berry knew that a big part of his job was to get into the box in support of Godden and score goals. Kelman hasn’t hit the ground running and might benefit from watching a few recordings of how Godden played the thankless task of being up against two centre-backs (and now better ones). Godden won more than his fair share of balls in the air, through movement and timing, as well as being on the end of balls into the box. Equally, when Berry was absent late last season we struggled for goals. Carey and Knibbs have been brought in for that position and the former at least, given that he is starting games, may need to adjust a little to put more emphasis on getting into the box.
It is worrying that Campbell can easily get crowded out when receiving the ball with his back to goal and in a more central position. When the ball’s played up to the forwards it’s natural for the midfield three to be moving advancing, so if the ball’s lost they can be wrong-footed. It happened yesterday for QPR’s second, with Saito able to run unchallenged until he got to around the area. He should have been stopped/held up well before then, equally Campbell cannot afford to lose the ball cheaply – or if he does make sure it doesn’t lead to a quick counter, by fouling if necessary. QPR committed enough professional fouls yesterday.
On the positive side, Bell has slotted in very well alongside Jones and Ramsay, even if it is tough on Gillesphey, and Kaminski looks assured (even if this is tough on Mannion in particular), while Apter even leaving aside his fluke goal has been excellent going forward. But yesterday we had a reminder that he is really a winger, not a wing-back, that if he plays as a wing-back we are taking a risk defensively, which other teams will be well aware of. It wasn’t just their first goal yesterday but also a mismatch when it came to a high ball into our box from a set piece. It is early days for Leaburn, Campbell, Kelman, Olaofe, plus when ready Godden and Mbick, to get it sorted out up front.
So plenty to be working on I’d suggest, but no case for wholesale changes. Two weeks on the training ground to be ready for the visit of Millwall. I did check our record against them, just to remind myself: played 76, won 12 (including the first two ever and doing the double over them in 1995/96), drew 27, lost 27. People remember Kim Grant’s brace on a snow-covered Den pitch, but that was followed by a 2-0 win at The Valley with goals from Bowyer and … Leaburn – the dad of course. What a celebration there will be if Leaburn Senior scoring the final goal in our last victory over Millwall for almost 30 years was to be followed by Leaburn Junior this time around!
Finally, belated condolences to the family and friends of Steve Thompson. As others have pointed out, he proved he was capable of playing in the top division, having been bought by Lennie Lawrence from Lincoln City in 1985. My favourite memory of him on the pitch was him landing on the somewhat skinnier Naill Quinn playing for Arsenal at Highbury and almost (accidentally) snapping him in two. RIP Thommo.
Yes Thommo will always be remembered as part of that influx of players that led to our promotion. Tough, uncompromising, traditional centre back but a very good one.
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