Outsiders current view of us ( First 6 mins)

Didn't realise Harrogate have been a bit of a bogey side for Donny as well until this weekend gone. Nice to know it isn't just us!

 

I don't think they are too far off the money to be honest. I agree that the team aren't necessarily playing better without Cook, it's more a case of the goal threat is coming from 3 or 4 outlets rather than 1 and everyone has stepped up. It was said on here before his injury that the xG was pretty naff for this side and Cook was the outlet for about 40% of our teams entire chances pre-injury. But the alter in the system has allowed more freedom and the chances will rise now.

I agree about Kav, that he isn't getting the outcomes we'd want right now. I think GA is right to stick with him for now to see if he grows into the lone striker role, but he needs to be available in and around the box more. You'd think with the wing backs going high, Sarce, Patto and Pointon all probing in the final third, that Kav would be an option but the rest are getting the efforts away at the minute. Just two shots in the last 2 games, thankfully one was a goal but all the midfielders were out shooting him over the last two games. Like I say, I'd stick with him and see if he grows into the role certainly for the next 3 or 4 and the more he plays it, just want to see him in those fox in the box positions.

 

Interesting comment about guile and ball control. I have been quite critical of Pointon in some games. I think he struggles in the more physical games. It was evident on Saturday, the number of times he was hustled or bullied off the ball. So I was pleased when he was subbed for Lapslie who I think relishes the physical battle a bit more. However, it was immediately obvious that Lapslie's close ball control was nowhere near as good as Pointons. So I've confused myself now! Start with Lapslie and bring on Pointon when the opposition tire a bit, or start with Pointon and bring on Lapslie when Bobby tires - he does seem to tire badly towards the end of matches.

 

I thought Pointon was very good on Saturday, especially in the first half. A number of times he retained possession and found a little through ball when receiving it under pressure. That's very much a difficult skill and was very much needed to help open up Walsall.

 

Funny how we see things differently, but I thought he was muscled off the ball quite a bit. But I love the way he and Richards are able work in tight spaces with their little one-twos.

 

He assisted the assister for the first two goals and before that when he played a ball through to Richards was sublime, when Halliday went onto hit the post. Like you I think he’s very much a starter now and holding his own in every department. Lacks pace but other than Patto and Kav they all do.

 

Bobby reminds me a bit of the role that Nicky Law often played for us, ie using his close control to keep possession in situations where others might give it away, and then getting us up the pitch with a little run or astute pass. It’s really valuable to have a player that can do that.