Bulgaria Match Thread

Lot to break down from that. Overall, the result means it isnt the end of the world, and there were some positive signs despite some familiar weaknesses. Looked a little shaky at the back. Duffy definitely struggled but hasn't played much football, got the goal at least. Thought that we settled/grew into the game a bit as it went on.

Midfield really struggled, actually thought Hendrick played decently well and was the best of the 3. Thought McCarthy struggled, was excited he got the start considering his good form at palace, i know he struggled with injury recently so hopefully it is down to that.Hourihane was alright, set piece ability is important but needs to improve to keep his spot imo. Connolly was very good, our best player on the night for me, O'Dowda pretty good as well. Idah did not get a lot of support but I thought he did pretty well, he will only get better. Brady made an impact off the bench.

In sum, I think it will take time to implement the style of play SK wants to play, so in light of only 2 training sessions at least we stayed consistent and didnt panic/long ball when we went 1-0 down. These games are really more important as preparations for the euro playoffs for me so the result isnt overly important but interested to see what team he picks on Sunday. 

The differences were clear to see early on in this game; like night and day. We tried to keep the ball and we generally used it constructively with Hendrick the pick of the midfield driving forward and trying to pick out openings. Connolly was very impressive up front. Not everything came off for him - he could do with a slight bit more composure in relation to his finishing - but the fact he gets so many chances to begin with is a credit to his anticipation and situational awareness. The Bulgarians had a very challenging time dealing with him and Idah deserves credit, too, for being the brawn to Connolly's brain.

On a less positive note, O'Dowda didn't impress me yet again. He looks threatening running, dribbling, with the ball; it's everything else that's the problem. Any time he actually has to use it, move the play on, the wheels come off and he invariably loses possession or does something unconstructive with it. His passing, crossing and shooting is largely abysmal. In short, his technique isn't good enough at this level and moving him centrally doesn't make any difference. Better teams will negate him.

I thought Hourihane was a little bit disappointing in terms of his set pieces and overall decision-making on the ball. He was very poor in the build up to their goal.

It was worrying how easily they cut through our midfield at times but there really isn't anything new in re: to that, having happened repeatedly when Whelan was stationed sentry in front of the defense. I would argue it had more to do with working out the kinks with a new approach combined with the incredibly sluggish Shane Duffy playing out of his purview than with any limitations on McCarthy/Hourihane's part.

I thought Doherty was subdued in an attacking sense but was generally solid defensively. He deserves time, especially considering he's just back from a holiday after an incredibly long season with Wolves. Looking back in terms of Coleman, much like Whelan, is not the answer.

I thought Brady and Long looked bright off the bench. The set piece for the goal was exquisitely worked with how Duffy used Long as a decoy. Simple stuff like that that wasn't extrapolated on under the previous manager.

Callum Robinson looked lost.

All in all, promising stuff, with the draw changing the outlook markedly. It's about time the penny dropped and we started looking at things in terms of two points dropped rather than a point gained. Kenny deserves credit for sticking with his guns even when we were losing. It was a pleasure to see us looking to complete the victory rather than retreating after our goal.

No one cares mate, stick to the ROW section.

And then went out a few days later and gave, arguably, our worst performance in that campaign against a severely weakened Austria team in which we needed Walters to score a late equaliser to snatch a draw.

As you say, friendlies are completely pointless.

Brutal match

These recent nations league games have been so dull 

Cos they're being allowed to! They've still had 0 shots on target.

Wales have been so passive it's been horrifying to watch, both teams pure pants.

Watched it all and Im not too impressed by Wales at all.

Im not too worried about winning the group this time. 

Im hoping we avoid relegation, get a couple of wins, avoid getting any more than one defeat, pick up the ranking points to be second seeds in the World Cup draw. 

I don't know how we would cope in League A just yet, although it would be in two years time, so it mightn't be the worst. But priorities for now should be as above.

Edit: just remembered that winning the group would give us a shot at getting into the world cup playoffs... so yeah, basically ignore my post!