Geoff Kilpatrick Posted February 17 Share Posted February 17 Clark - 7 - Another clean sheer Kent - 7 - Won the battle with Bair Kingsley - 7 - Much better 2nd half at LB. Linked up well with Forrest Lembikisa - 5 - Will be on the bench at Ibrox Rowles - 8 - MoM. Cleared danger on multiple occasions Baningime - 6 - Kept the ball but too many crab passes Fraser - 6 - Looked busy but things broke down for him Nieuwenhof- 7 - Good second half and used the ball cleverly throughout Shankland - 7 - Not his best game but what a header! Forrest - 7 - Marked down a point for wasting a great chance. Otherwise had a great second half Cochrane - 5 - Crowded out of the game and struggled in midfield Subs: Atkinson - 7 - Had he played the full 90 he would have probably won MoM Vargas - 7 - Good goal and his strike that hit the post was so unlucky Tait - 6 - Tidy and composed. Can replace Beni next season in that role Oda - 7 - Really busy and unlucky not to score Devlin - 4 - Rusty but made a couple of telling challenges Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pandasaur Posted February 17 Share Posted February 17 Agree with these. Atkinson really improved us when he came on - can still be a bit suspect with decision making but he's always positive and was giving them issues today. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Homme Posted February 17 Share Posted February 17 I'd put Cochrane up one for his first half efforts. Agree with Rowles MOTM. It's been coming. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Watt-Zeefuik Posted February 17 Share Posted February 17 9 minutes ago, Homme said: I'd put Cochrane up one for his first half efforts. Agree with Rowles MOTM. It's been coming. That's the change I'd make too. Also 4 on Dev seems a little harsh, I'd go with 5, but not a big deal. He did fine. And maybe Tait to 7 but maybe that's relative to expectations. Looked like an old pro. Forrest 7 seems fair but would also put in a mention for his assist on the first goal. Just an inch-perfect ball for Shanks, who really looked distracted in front of goal today otherwise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4marsbars Posted February 17 Share Posted February 17 Baningime 7 or 8 for me. Made himself available, gave ball away once that I remember, great vision. Never a 6. There were signs of a promising understanding between Cochrane and Fraser. But nothing came off for them first half. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Watt-Zeefuik Posted February 17 Share Posted February 17 1 minute ago, 4marsbars said: Baningime 7 or 8 for me. Made himself available, gave ball away once that I remember, great vision. Never a 6. There were signs of a promising understanding between Cochrane and Fraser. But nothing came off for them first half. I think we went in with a game plan to trouble them down the flanks and it became obvious that Kettlewell had set up his team to snuff out exactly that opportunity. They absolutely stifled anything we tried to do against the touchlines. TBF to him it was a good game plan. Fair play to Naisy who didn't wait to blow up the shape and shifted it more to a central attacking system, particularly by the 4th sub when Tait and Oda came on. One goal came because of a free kick one in the middle of the pitch (and outstanding form from Forrest and Shanks), and the other came from Natty cutting in with the ball (and outstanding form from Vargas). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BelgeJambo Posted February 17 Share Posted February 17 Atkinson, Oda and Vargas changed the game today. Forrest is a real grafter. Vargas now making up the goals we lost with Ginnelly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tiger Rudi Posted February 17 Share Posted February 17 58 minutes ago, Geoff Kilpatrick said: Clark - 7 - Another clean sheer Kent - 7 - Won the battle with Bair Kingsley - 7 - Much better 2nd half at LB. Linked up well with Forrest Lembikisa - 5 - Will be on the bench at Ibrox Rowles - 8 - MoM. Cleared danger on multiple occasions Baningime - 6 - Kept the ball but too many crab passes Fraser - 6 - Looked busy but things broke down for him Nieuwenhof- 7 - Good second half and used the ball cleverly throughout Shankland - 7 - Not his best game but what a header! Forrest - 7 - Marked down a point for wasting a great chance. Otherwise had a great second half Cochrane - 5 - Crowded out of the game and struggled in midfield Subs: Atkinson - 7 - Had he played the full 90 he would have probably won MoM Vargas - 7 - Good goal and his strike that hit the post was so unlucky Tait - 6 - Tidy and composed. Can replace Beni next season in that role Oda - 7 - Really busy and unlucky not to score Devlin - 4 - Rusty but made a couple of telling challenges I would agree with most of this. Beni strolled it, it was tighter in the 1st half and he deserved a bit more than 6. Dexter pretty poor tbh. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
longmalx Posted February 17 Share Posted February 17 24 minutes ago, BelgeJambo said: Atkinson, Oda and Vargas changed the game today. Forrest is a real grafter. Vargas now making up the goals we lost with Ginnelly Totally agree. The 3 above made the difference and Tait slotted in seemlessly. Really like Vargas - plays with his head up, is direct and could easily have scored another and another day would have had an assist too. Critical we sign him permanently. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wattie exploited Posted February 17 Share Posted February 17 1 hour ago, Geoff Kilpatrick said: Clark - 7 - Another clean sheer Kent - 7 - Won the battle with Bair Kingsley - 7 - Much better 2nd half at LB. Linked up well with Forrest Lembikisa - 5 - Will be on the bench at Ibrox Rowles - 8 - MoM. Cleared danger on multiple occasions Baningime - 6 - Kept the ball but too many crab passes Fraser - 6 - Looked busy but things broke down for him Nieuwenhof- 7 - Good second half and used the ball cleverly throughout Shankland - 7 - Not his best game but what a header! Forrest - 7 - Marked down a point for wasting a great chance. Otherwise had a great second half Cochrane - 5 - Crowded out of the game and struggled in midfield Subs: Atkinson - 7 - Had he played the full 90 he would have probably won MoM Vargas - 7 - Good goal and his strike that hit the post was so unlucky Tait - 6 - Tidy and composed. Can replace Beni next season in that role Oda - 7 - Really busy and unlucky not to score Devlin - 4 - Rusty but made a couple of telling challenges would give fraser 4 would rather have grant on Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BackOfTheNet Posted February 17 Share Posted February 17 “Can replace Beni next season in that role?” Bloody hell. Let’s calm down the expectations on the laddie can we? He’s been good, but not that good. I know we are playing well so we don’t have anyone to go way over the top about In criticism, but that doesn’t mean we have to go the other way and go way over the top in praise either. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Findlay Posted February 17 Share Posted February 17 Substituting Cochrane was the right call today. He was totally ineffective as an attacking force today. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carter Posted February 17 Share Posted February 17 Naismith has an ability to make in-game changes that are on a completely different level to what we endured under Neilson. He's doing very well and long may it continue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Australis Posted February 17 Share Posted February 17 Great to see Oda showing some confidence and getting more involved. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deodato Posted February 17 Share Posted February 17 13 minutes ago, Carter said: Naismith has an ability to make in-game changes that are on a completely different level to what we endured under Neilson. He's doing very well and long may it continue. THIS. We have a transfer market strategy that allows for progress (remember the years or us going backwards) And we have in-game changes that allow for progress (remember the face palms of old where the changes made you cry) We are making progress. It's because we're worth it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hmfc_liam06 Posted February 17 Share Posted February 17 4 minutes ago, Australis said: Great to see Oda showing some confidence and getting more involved. Great to see him utilise his pace and take his man on down the outside, and not just cut inside all the time like he was doing previously. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BackOfTheNet Posted February 17 Share Posted February 17 23 minutes ago, Carter said: Naismith has an ability to make in-game changes that are on a completely different level to what we endured under Neilson. He's doing very well and long may it continue. This is very true Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
upgotheheads Posted February 17 Share Posted February 17 3 hours ago, Geoff Kilpatrick said: Clark - 7 - Another clean sheer Kent - 7 - Won the battle with Bair Kingsley - 7 - Much better 2nd half at LB. Linked up well with Forrest Lembikisa - 5 - Will be on the bench at Ibrox Rowles - 8 - MoM. Cleared danger on multiple occasions Baningime - 6 - Kept the ball but too many crab passes Fraser - 6 - Looked busy but things broke down for him Nieuwenhof- 7 - Good second half and used the ball cleverly throughout 8 for me. he was immaculate,and deserved his standing ovation. Shankland - 7 - Not his best game but what a header! Forrest - 7 - Marked down a point for wasting a great chance. Otherwise had a great second half Cochrane - 5 - Crowded out of the game and struggled in midfield Subs: Atkinson - 7 - Had he played the full 90 he would have probably won MoM Vargas - 7 - Good goal and his strike that hit the post was so unlucky Tait - 6 - Tidy and composed. Can replace Beni next season in that role Oda - 7 - Really busy and unlucky not to score Devlin - 4 - Rusty but made a couple of telling challenges Naismith. 8 The subs worked. Going four at the back with Nat and Vargas operating down the right side stretched Motherwell, and although we had an uncomfortable few minutes as we adapted the game turned from then. The later subs with Tait and Oda just increased our dominance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stuart500 Posted February 17 Share Posted February 17 Not impressed by Dexter today. Absolutely nothing came off for him and rightly subbed at the break. On a positive note great to see Oda playing with real aggression and determination. Looks far more confident and has grown into the team. Kenny Vargas too. Perfect foil for Shanks and a real goal threat. Kent, Rowles and Kingsley all solid defensively. Wee Tait just great. Looks like he's been there for years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Niemi’s gloves Posted February 17 Share Posted February 17 (edited) 1 hour ago, BackOfTheNet said: “Can replace Beni next season in that role?” Bloody hell. Let’s calm down the expectations on the laddie can we? He’s been good, but not that good. I know we are playing well so we don’t have anyone to go way over the top about In criticism, but that doesn’t mean we have to go the other way and go way over the top in praise either. makes a lot more sense than “must go out and look for a replacement” if Beni leaves Edited February 17 by Niemi’s gloves Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diadora Van Basten Posted February 17 Share Posted February 17 14 minutes ago, upgotheheads said: Naismith. 8 The subs worked. Going four at the back with Nat and Vargas operating down the right side stretched Motherwell, and although we had an uncomfortable few minutes as we adapted the game turned from then. The later subs with Tait and Oda just increased our dominance. Niewinhof got a standing ovation around me today. i thought he was good but was surprised he got a standing ovation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Russ1977 Posted February 17 Share Posted February 17 2 hours ago, tiger Rudi said: I would agree with most of this. Beni strolled it, it was tighter in the 1st half and he deserved a bit more than 6. Dexter pretty poor tbh. Beni is a very good player but going down with cramp in the first half is ridiculous. I thought he’d done his hammy but they let him play on till h/t so that can’t have been the case. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Russ1977 Posted February 17 Share Posted February 17 1 hour ago, John Findlay said: Substituting Cochrane was the right call today. He was totally ineffective as an attacking force today. We should have started with 4 at the back. Naisy needs to pick one of Kingsley or cochrane at lb. I saw the line up and said we’d go to 4 at the back at h/t as we aren’t great going forward when we play a 3 at the back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gmcjambo Posted February 17 Share Posted February 17 1 minute ago, Diadora Van Basten said: Niewinhof got a standing ovation around me today. i thought he was good but was surprised he got a standing ovation. I thought he was excellent. His movement on annd off the ball and the quality of his control and passing off either foot was impressive. Not sure if the standing ovation was for him going off or Devlins return but the Hoffs recent performances are showing what he can bring. Been very impressed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BackOfTheNet Posted February 17 Share Posted February 17 6 minutes ago, Niemi’s gloves said: makes a lot more sense than “must go out and look for a replacement” if Beni leaves Not necessarily. What if we pin hopes on a youngster and he turns out to be another Harry Cochrane? For every Hickey, there’s 50 Harry Cochranes. And if we finish well in the league and cup we’d be aiming for trying to be competitive in the Europa League, so we should be aiming for better than we currently have in the transfer market anyway. As for Baningime, I have a feeling he’ll be here next season. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Niemi’s gloves Posted February 17 Share Posted February 17 3 minutes ago, BackOfTheNet said: Not necessarily. What if we pin hopes on a youngster and he turns out to be another Harry Cochrane? For every Hickey, there’s 50 Harry Cochranes. And if we finish well in the league and cup we’d be aiming for trying to be competitive in the Europa League, so we should be aiming for better than we currently have in the transfer market anyway. As for Baningime, I have a feeling he’ll be here next season. Tait, Beni, Harry Cochrane. I know which one I’d put my money on to go through a hard season unscathed, and no it’s not Beni (or HC). Tait will turn 19 early next season, so although he’s quite small he’s not a 16/17 year old laddie as HC was. And for those who like such things, Tait has much greater potential sell on value than Beni ever will do, even if he (Beni) does extend his contract. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevie Posted February 17 Share Posted February 17 Hoff was the difference again,what a signing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BackOfTheNet Posted February 17 Share Posted February 17 1 minute ago, Niemi’s gloves said: Tait, Beni, Harry Cochrane. I know which one I’d put my money on to go through a hard season unscathed, and no it’s not Beni (or HC). Tait will turn 19 early next season, so although he’s quite small he’s not a 16/17 year old laddie as HC was. And for those who like such things, Tait has much greater potential sell on value than Beni ever will do, even if he (Beni) does extend his contract. Thing is, you (or anyone) can’t possibly know Tait’s ability or potential at this early stage. He may turn out better than we all imagined, but he may turn out to be a flash in the pan like many before him. We simply don’t know. What I don’t want to do is not sign potentially quality players on the hopes of a youngster. Firstly because that’s way too much pressure on him, but it seems like a lack of forward planning. We need to give him opportunities without being reliant on him just yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yoda Posted February 17 Share Posted February 17 3 hours ago, BelgeJambo said: Atkinson, Oda and Vargas changed the game today. Forrest is a real grafter. Vargas now making up the goals we lost with Ginnelly 100% agree. Not convinced about Fraser yet. He doesn't deserve to be starting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GinRummy Posted February 17 Share Posted February 17 27 minutes ago, Diadora Van Basten said: Niewinhof got a standing ovation around me today. i thought he was good but was surprised he got a standing ovation. Was that not because Devlin was coming on after a long time out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tiger Rudi Posted February 17 Share Posted February 17 5 minutes ago, Yoda said: 100% agree. Not convinced about Fraser yet. He doesn't deserve to be starting. I think he's a decent addition to the squad..... Don't really see him as an upgrade on Grant tbh, but it's early days. Done ok today without having that much influence. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diadora Van Basten Posted February 17 Share Posted February 17 8 minutes ago, Yoda said: 100% agree. Not convinced about Fraser yet. He doesn't deserve to be starting. It does seem harsh on Grant who has been playing well. I think the formation in the first half marginalised Forrest and Fraser and the formation change in the second half was far better especially for Forrest. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bull's-eye Posted February 17 Share Posted February 17 😆😆😆😆 Kent motm again. The rest playing to a very clever gameplan thats eluded the jkb experts so far. Onwards and upwards. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArcticJambo Posted February 17 Share Posted February 17 While all of the first half back three were generally fine, I'd be favouring Frankie kent as the one above the other two. Kingsley still looks uncomfortable in that RCB position but absolutely strolled it once he moved inside as part of a back four. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WheatfieldWarrior Posted February 17 Share Posted February 17 4 hours ago, tiger Rudi said: I would agree with most of this. Beni strolled it, it was tighter in the 1st half and he deserved a bit more than 6. Dexter pretty poor tbh. Honestly thought Beni was poor today, a 4 or a 5 at best. I would still start him for Rangers though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BangkokHearts Posted February 18 Share Posted February 18 6 hours ago, Diadora Van Basten said: Niewinhof got a standing ovation around me today. i thought he was good but was surprised he got a standing ovation. Didn't make a single mistake all game as far as I could see. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hmfc_liam06 Posted February 18 Share Posted February 18 11 hours ago, GinRummy said: Was that not because Devlin was coming on after a long time out. It could also have been both? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diadora Van Basten Posted February 18 Share Posted February 18 I think Kent deserves a special mention he has been absolutely solid recently and is so consistent and reliable. A great signing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DG_HMFC Posted February 18 Share Posted February 18 13 hours ago, Carter said: Naismith has an ability to make in-game changes that are on a completely different level to what we endured under Neilson. He's doing very well and long may it continue. He's played at the top level and worked under some very good managers. He has a lot of experience and it looks like he's taken lots of knowledge on board. He'll only get better as a gaffer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DG_HMFC Posted February 18 Share Posted February 18 13 hours ago, stuart500 said: Not impressed by Dexter today. Absolutely nothing came off for him and rightly subbed at the break. On a positive note great to see Oda playing with real aggression and determination. Looks far more confident and has grown into the team. Kenny Vargas too. Perfect foil for Shanks and a real goal threat. Kent, Rowles and Kingsley all solid defensively. Wee Tait just great. Looks like he's been there for years. I think Shankland and Vargas have a really good relationship and seem to get on well. The whole squad looks together. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H2 Posted February 18 Share Posted February 18 12 hours ago, WheatfieldWarrior said: Honestly thought Beni was poor today, a 4 or a 5 at best. I would still start him for Rangers though. I agree, I wouldn't play him against Rangers, we need a ball winner who can play forward in there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OTT Posted February 18 Share Posted February 18 I find Forrest such a frustrating player, the workrate is there and the desire, effort etc. but the lack of final product is glaring. I suppose if he had everything he'd not be here, its just frustrating that he creates so many good chances for himself which he can't convert. Not by any means criticising him though, his attitude is absolutely first class and his sheer endevour is at the centre of most of what we do well when attacking. I did feel Beni was very poor today - I think he struggles when teams sit in. I don't believe he has much confidence in his own range of passing. Like, when he plays a forward pass he only ever seems to take that forward option when it is 100% on, if its anything less than that it goes backwards or sideways. Versus someone like Grant, Fraser or Hoff that can actually break lines with their passing and don't get phased when it doesn't work. If Beni could be less risk averse with how he approaches forward play, I think we would be all the better for it. Say it quietly, but I think Tait could overtake him in c18 months. Dexter really struggled, I think he got 1 very good cross in during the first half and that was about it for him. Atkinson looked very assured and through his ability to cut infield I think caused Motherwell a lot of issues. Outside of that, I think broadly speaking we did well. This was a very defensive Motherwell team that didn't turn up to give us a game. Its probably one of the many reasons I want to see a bigger league, move away from tying up so many points with so few teams and encourage teams to make more of a go of it away from home. Vargas looks like he's settled, he looks a viable option now and I'm gutted he didn't score that superb effort, but very pleased he got on the score sheet. Naismith seems to have a real knack for making game changing subs and changes to structure. I believe Savage or McKinley made this point early in the season when he was under a lot of fire and IMO we hadn't seen much evidence of that at that point, we most certainly have now. I'm really intrigued on how we get on against Celtic & Rangers in the games coming up. I don't think either have looked like world beaters in recent weeks, difficulty is that they generally find a way to win and much like our game against Celtic at Celtic Park, we need to outclass them start to finish to actually have any hope of taking all 3 points (which is obviously a tall order given the quality and depth they have). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlphonseCapone Posted February 18 Share Posted February 18 14 minutes ago, OTT said: I find Forrest such a frustrating player, the workrate is there and the desire, effort etc. but the lack of final product is glaring. I suppose if he had everything he'd not be here, its just frustrating that he creates so many good chances for himself which he can't convert. Not by any means criticising him though, his attitude is absolutely first class and his sheer endevour is at the centre of most of what we do well when attacking. I did feel Beni was very poor today - I think he struggles when teams sit in. I don't believe he has much confidence in his own range of passing. Like, when he plays a forward pass he only ever seems to take that forward option when it is 100% on, if its anything less than that it goes backwards or sideways. Versus someone like Grant, Fraser or Hoff that can actually break lines with their passing and don't get phased when it doesn't work. If Beni could be less risk averse with how he approaches forward play, I think we would be all the better for it. Say it quietly, but I think Tait could overtake him in c18 months. Dexter really struggled, I think he got 1 very good cross in during the first half and that was about it for him. Atkinson looked very assured and through his ability to cut infield I think caused Motherwell a lot of issues. Outside of that, I think broadly speaking we did well. This was a very defensive Motherwell team that didn't turn up to give us a game. Its probably one of the many reasons I want to see a bigger league, move away from tying up so many points with so few teams and encourage teams to make more of a go of it away from home. Vargas looks like he's settled, he looks a viable option now and I'm gutted he didn't score that superb effort, but very pleased he got on the score sheet. Naismith seems to have a real knack for making game changing subs and changes to structure. I believe Savage or McKinley made this point early in the season when he was under a lot of fire and IMO we hadn't seen much evidence of that at that point, we most certainly have now. I'm really intrigued on how we get on against Celtic & Rangers in the games coming up. I don't think either have looked like world beaters in recent weeks, difficulty is that they generally find a way to win and much like our game against Celtic at Celtic Park, we need to outclass them start to finish to actually have any hope of taking all 3 points (which is obviously a tall order given the quality and depth they have). Another way to look at Forrest, he naturally has the attributes you can't train but needs to work on the ones you can, not a bad place to be if you've got a good coaching team and players around you, which we do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
south morocco Posted February 18 Share Posted February 18 7 minutes ago, AlphonseCapone said: Another way to look at Forrest, he naturally has the attributes you can't train but needs to work on the ones you can, not a bad place to be if you've got a good coaching team and players around you, which we do. Yeah and it shows this season. Vastly improved Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
liam11 Posted February 18 Share Posted February 18 Forrest has been brilliant this season, good again yesterday. Not exactly “bad” but he needs to get the head up more still. e.g. great chance late on yesterday and was a decent save from the keeper, but really should have laid it on a plate for Oda - game was still alive at 1-0 then Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
colinmaroon Posted February 20 Share Posted February 20 (edited) Clark - 7 - Another clean sheet Kent - 7 - Won the battle with Bair Kingsley - 7 - Much better 2nd half at LB. Linked up well with Forrest Lembikisa - 5 - Will be on the bench at Ibrox Rowles - 8 - MoM. Cleared danger on multiple occasions Baningime - 6 - Kept the ball but too many crab passes - largely his job. Retained possession and he did break forward when there was an opening. He was also heavily marked Fraser - 6 - Looked busy but things broke down for him Nieuwenhof- 8 - Good second half and used the ball cleverly throughout, also ran at the defence. Contributes in and around the box. Shankland - 7 - Not his best game but what a header! Forrest - 7 - Marked down a point for wasting a great chance. Otherwise had a great second half Cochrane - 5 - Crowded out of the game and struggled in midfield Subs: Atkinson - 7 - Had he played the full 90 he would have probably won MoM - Agreed, he must play at Ibrox Vargas - 7 - Good goal and his strike that hit the post was so unlucky Tait - 6 - Tidy and composed. Can replace Beni next season in that role Oda - 7 - Really busy and unlucky not to score Devlin - 4 - Rusty but made a couple of telling challenges Edited February 20 by colinmaroon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pasquale for King Posted February 20 Share Posted February 20 The GK had practically nothing to do, didn’t come for one easy ball then nearly conceded from a looping shot he should’ve caught. No way Rowles was MoM. Forrest missed a sitter also. Hard for the players though when we take threes attempts to get the formation right, we then looked much better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheBigO Posted February 20 Share Posted February 20 On 18/02/2024 at 11:12, H2 said: I agree, I wouldn't play him against Rangers, we need a ball winner who can play forward in there. Not sure I agree on dropping Beni for Rangers. It's exactly the type of game we DO need him for. Motherwell at home, I see an argument, but Rangers, Celtic, even Hibs, Aberdeen, he's controlling that midfield. He's the calm head, he's always where he should be. He was massive against Celtic in our win. On 18/02/2024 at 11:38, OTT said: I find Forrest such a frustrating player, the workrate is there and the desire, effort etc. but the lack of final product is glaring. I suppose if he had everything he'd not be here, its just frustrating that he creates so many good chances for himself which he can't convert. Not by any means criticising him though, his attitude is absolutely first class and his sheer endevour is at the centre of most of what we do well when attacking. I did feel Beni was very poor today - I think he struggles when teams sit in. I don't believe he has much confidence in his own range of passing. Like, when he plays a forward pass he only ever seems to take that forward option when it is 100% on, if its anything less than that it goes backwards or sideways. Versus someone like Grant, Fraser or Hoff that can actually break lines with their passing and don't get phased when it doesn't work. If Beni could be less risk averse with how he approaches forward play, I think we would be all the better for it. Say it quietly, but I think Tait could overtake him in c18 months. Dexter really struggled, I think he got 1 very good cross in during the first half and that was about it for him. Atkinson looked very assured and through his ability to cut infield I think caused Motherwell a lot of issues. Outside of that, I think broadly speaking we did well. This was a very defensive Motherwell team that didn't turn up to give us a game. Its probably one of the many reasons I want to see a bigger league, move away from tying up so many points with so few teams and encourage teams to make more of a go of it away from home. Vargas looks like he's settled, he looks a viable option now and I'm gutted he didn't score that superb effort, but very pleased he got on the score sheet. Naismith seems to have a real knack for making game changing subs and changes to structure. I believe Savage or McKinley made this point early in the season when he was under a lot of fire and IMO we hadn't seen much evidence of that at that point, we most certainly have now. I'm really intrigued on how we get on against Celtic & Rangers in the games coming up. I don't think either have looked like world beaters in recent weeks, difficulty is that they generally find a way to win and much like our game against Celtic at Celtic Park, we need to outclass them start to finish to actually have any hope of taking all 3 points (which is obviously a tall order given the quality and depth they have). Agree with a lot of this. I think we saw the difference between Nat and Dexter. Nat is simply a more rounded player right now, whereas Dex is raw (but still very effective). Two good options there, but Nat shades it, especially in a big tight game. On Beni, as above, think a lot of his work is overlooked. I do agree we've looked a bigger threat with Tait than Beni during a match. Two things there, firstly horses for courses, so do we NEED Beni at home against the teams below us? Not sure. Secondly, in a way it's easier to come on and be positive after Beni has controlled the game and moved the opposition around for an hour. In tight games where we'll be under pressure, I'm very very happy we have Beni. Like yourself and previous poster, I also would love him to just take a risk or two more. Well, not even a risk, just that trickier pass sometimes. I slightly disagree on Forrest, I have to say. I think the narrative is poor final ball, poor end product. But I'm not sure it's the case, really. His crossing is largely excellent, right and left foot. Most of his shots on goal are somewhat self-created, while others would be looking to be a bit safer. He needed to pass to Oda on that big chance, definitely, but I think his finishing and his final ball have come on leaps and bounds. He sometimes takes one extra step is my only criticism - he could work on that. Hes doing really well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LokamotivRobbo Posted February 20 Share Posted February 20 6 hours ago, TheBigO said: Not sure I agree on dropping Beni for Rangers. It's exactly the type of game we DO need him for. Motherwell at home, I see an argument, but Rangers, Celtic, even Hibs, Aberdeen, he's controlling that midfield. He's the calm head, he's always where he should be. He was massive against Celtic in our win. Agree with a lot of this. I think we saw the difference between Nat and Dexter. Nat is simply a more rounded player right now, whereas Dex is raw (but still very effective). Two good options there, but Nat shades it, especially in a big tight game. On Beni, as above, think a lot of his work is overlooked. I do agree we've looked a bigger threat with Tait than Beni during a match. Two things there, firstly horses for courses, so do we NEED Beni at home against the teams below us? Not sure. Secondly, in a way it's easier to come on and be positive after Beni has controlled the game and moved the opposition around for an hour. In tight games where we'll be under pressure, I'm very very happy we have Beni. Like yourself and previous poster, I also would love him to just take a risk or two more. Well, not even a risk, just that trickier pass sometimes. I slightly disagree on Forrest, I have to say. I think the narrative is poor final ball, poor end product. But I'm not sure it's the case, really. His crossing is largely excellent, right and left foot. Most of his shots on goal are somewhat self-created, while others would be looking to be a bit safer. He needed to pass to Oda on that big chance, definitely, but I think his finishing and his final ball have come on leaps and bounds. He sometimes takes one extra step is my only criticism - he could work on that. Hes doing really well. Agree with this. And re the perception about Forrest’s lack of end product - let’s not forget it was his pinpoint cross from the free kick that made the opener. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sub4TiddlerMurray Posted February 20 Share Posted February 20 6 hours ago, TheBigO said: Not sure I agree on dropping Beni for Rangers. It's exactly the type of game we DO need him for. Motherwell at home, I see an argument, but Rangers, Celtic, even Hibs, Aberdeen, he's controlling that midfield. He's the calm head, he's always where he should be. He was massive against Celtic in our win. Agree with a lot of this. I think we saw the difference between Nat and Dexter. Nat is simply a more rounded player right now, whereas Dex is raw (but still very effective). Two good options there, but Nat shades it, especially in a big tight game. On Beni, as above, think a lot of his work is overlooked. I do agree we've looked a bigger threat with Tait than Beni during a match. Two things there, firstly horses for courses, so do we NEED Beni at home against the teams below us? Not sure. Secondly, in a way it's easier to come on and be positive after Beni has controlled the game and moved the opposition around for an hour. In tight games where we'll be under pressure, I'm very very happy we have Beni. Like yourself and previous poster, I also would love him to just take a risk or two more. Well, not even a risk, just that trickier pass sometimes. I slightly disagree on Forrest, I have to say. I think the narrative is poor final ball, poor end product. But I'm not sure it's the case, really. His crossing is largely excellent, right and left foot. Most of his shots on goal are somewhat self-created, while others would be looking to be a bit safer. He needed to pass to Oda on that big chance, definitely, but I think his finishing and his final ball have come on leaps and bounds. He sometimes takes one extra step is my only criticism - he could work on that. Hes doing really well. 98%! ...the other 2%, he needs a wee bit of composure when through on the keeper...which is one of those marginal gains that I'm certain SN will be working with him on Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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