Just past mid-season, with Matos now with a decent number of games under his belt, and the demanding Xmas and New year fixtures behind us. A good point to take stock.
We're getting back to the levels of intensity we saw when Sheehan replaced Williams. We definitely have the squad for it, with like for like replacements off the bench. The Wrexham and West Brom games were the high points. We were off it against Millwall, but fatigue was probably a big factor. I'm not sure that Matos is as committed to this approach as I would like him to be, but even so we are likely to sustain our record of being one of the most high intensity sides out of possession.
In possession, we're showing a lot more variety in our build ups, with a much greater willingness to build through the thirds and centrally. This is still very much a work in progress, and whilst we've seen flashes of brilliance from Widell, Eom, Yalcouye and Inoussa, we need to see more from them. Also, collectively we're still rather laboured and deliberate in our play. The build up to Galbraith's goal against West Brom away illustrated what we're capable of, but we need to see a lot more of these short, sharp passing sequences. I'm confident it will come, the quality is there.
The biggest quandary is what to do with Galbraith. He's continued to pose a creative threat from full back, but should Key recover some form, I'm sure Matos will want Galbraith back in midfield. If that happens, will Matos play him alongside Stamenic? If so, will that compromise our pressing? A tricky dilemma. Personally I'd rather him start games with any two of Franco, Widell and Yalcouye alongside Galbraith, but I'm not sure Matos would see things this way.
I'm still optimistic about a top half finish, probably top 10. Matos was a good appointment, he just needs time and patience.
The obvious positive difference from last year is the strength of our bench. Over the second half of the season our strength in depth in some positions may be vital. Matos seems a good fit so far. Enjoying supporting the club again.
Agreed. That strength should be a big factor as the season progresses.
I just wish they would play full intensity for both halves. So many matches we look soft and out of sync for a half and then dominate the next half.
Also enough with the games where we do dominate possession and shots but lose 1-0 or tie 1-1. We just dont seem able set up vilpotnik properly or finish runs.
And set pieces, cmon.
Feels like the players are there and matos has a plan but its just not coming together yet.
Thats when we need others especially wingers to step up, our wingers have some of the worst attacking stats in the league. I really would like them to use the ball and not overplay. Running into defenders doesn’t help us and if anything it just gives the other team possession forcing us to be running back on goal. I think a lot of our wing play is wasted.
We certainly saw that against Millwall. Eom and Ronald got into promising positions only to cut the ball back to no one. What we're not seeing enough of is Tymon, outside Eom, attacking the half space. He's our best crosser into the 6 yard box, we have to make the most of his capabilities.
I don’t get how we don’t score more goals, it can’t just be because we sold Piroe. Not scored more than 3 in a game all season. Last time we scored 3 was May 2025 against Oxford (3-3), last time we scored 4 was 4-0 against Huddersfield in April 2024. And we haven’t been in the top half for goals scored since 22/23. Even Norwich & Portsmouth have put 3 in this season.
Agree though, I think Matos has us going in the right direction. Hopefully it’s a puzzle he can solve.
We're just not creating enough chances. It's all a bit clunky at the moment. We have the individual quality, but we're not quite gelling. I think it will come, we just need to be patient.
I share your frustration, but we have scored a few set piece goals from second phase of late, so we no longer have the worst record in the league in that regard. So, some signs of progress there at least.
Also worth bearing in mind that Millwall have some of the best out of possession high intensity stats in the league, and we just didn't have the composure at the back to deal with it. We hit far more long balls, with less accuracy, than Millwall. There's only ever going to be one winner in a long ball battle with Millwall.
I just hope Matos starts most games with two of Franco, Widell and Yalcouye in midfield. We need a critical mass of high intensity pressers to dominate the middle of the park.