Richard O'Donnell

He's a good keeper, he was last year until around February when his defence were horrendous. His distribution can be off at times but like what we've seen in the premiership this weekend if you want to play out from the back you're going to get in trouble.

 

Even the sun shines on a dogs arse every once in a while.

 

I don't think we have a bad defence, i just don't think they are quite as impeccable as the stats suggest. I think we've conceded 5 league goals this season but if we're being brutally honest Crewe alone should have managed that feat.

There was a Walsall player on Saturday in acres of space who was allowed to have a free shot at goal and if it had gone in we'd all be on here bemoaning the fact that no one was closing him down. They had also another player (can't remember his name) who had an opportunity to split open our defence on 2 or 3 occasions atleast, which Crewe managed frequently when we played them. Paudie has gifted the ball away on a couple of occasions in dangerous positions, Wood has had to make 2 last ditch, goal saving challenges this season to undo some average defending etc etc. If a couple of these teams did to us what they really should have done you'll probably find it easier to understand the point I'm making in.

I'm not expecting perfection but in between the 85 minutes where we defend admirably there's been some sloppy play that we've got away with so far. It's not a major cause for concern, just something to be aware of and hopefully tighten up on.

Our defence have all proven to be good defenders at this level but there's room for improvement which I suppose is a good thing depending on how you want to look at it.

 

The expected goals stats back up your observations to be fair. From the chances we've gifted to the opposition, we'd have expected to let in 10.8 goals this season - 5.8 higher than we have in reality (5). That will balance itself out longer term.

If anyone is interested in seeing the League Table based on Expected goals for each game, Ben Mayhew has published it here......we are still seventh btw (we have been a bit unlucky in terms of not converting our chances at the other end it seems)......

https://experimental361.com/2019/09/14/expected-goals-league-tables-13-16-sep-2019/

 

Yes that was exciting the first time he did it and it put us top a few years back. Reality is it's your actual goals that count

 

Yes, of course, reality is more important than 'expected', but these stats are very useful to see how lucky or unlucky teams have been and more use than looking at the typical shots on target, possession and corners as markers of performance.

There are always exceptions to the expected figures - teams that are unusually clinical that keep on at the top even though their performances appear unsustainable long term, but they give us Bantams fans hope.

We fared pathetically last season and got what we deserved with relegation. This year, we are obviously faring much better and it doesn't seem down to luck.