I thought that the form of Ollie Rathbone had a massive part to play in our long unbeaten run and particularly the early part of that run when we were demolishing teams. Maybe it was just a coincidence, but it struck me that our form dipped a bit when he missed a couple of games. I dont think he has been at his high energy best since coming back into the side and perhaps that has been a factor in us sneaking wins in games rather than dominating as we once were. I know it was only a subs appearance but he looked right back on it when he came on at Crewe, relentlessly pressing the opposition. I really rate the lad and think he can play at a high level. I see him as the new Lee Frecklington. Assuming he plays at QPR it will be interesting to see how he gets on against a good Championship side.
The same could be said of Josh Kayode and Chieodzie Ogbene. They both came off the bench at Crewe last Tuesday night in the Papa John's Trophy game. Chieo chipped the ball over from the right for JJ to head the ball home for his first goal!! Most of the playing squad do have a part to play. Even Freddie Ladapo struck the ball so coolly to score at Crewe. Up to that point he hadn't been firing on all four cylinders especially at home to Bolton in the league. Most players have the odd bad day at the office.
As for the FA Cup game with QPR. Anything can happen. And it most probably will.
I thought that the form of Ollie Rathbone had a massive part to play in our long unbeaten run and particularly the early part of that run when we were demolishing teams. Maybe it was just a coincidence, but it struck me that our form dipped a bit when he missed a couple of games. I dont think he has been at his high energy best since coming back into the side and perhaps that has been a factor in us sneaking wins in games rather than dominating as we once were. I know it was only a subs appearance but he looked right back on it when he came on at Crewe, relentlessly pressing the opposition. I really rate the lad and think he can play at a high level. I see him as the new Lee Frecklington. Assuming he plays at QPR it will be interesting to see how he gets on against a good Championship side.
Happy New Year Smiler! I'm with you on Rathbone - he was sensational in his first few games. His absence was due to Covid I think and it may well be that it has taken him a while to shake off the after effects. For the remainder of our season, it's imperative that our midfield operates to its full potential and that we play through them rather than over them - as has been the case recently. We have the ability to knock the ball around the midfield to counter the oppositions' high press - something sides of late have been deploying against us - so let's use that skill to our advantage.
HNY Glenn. He's a good footballer and he seems to be the one who triggers our own high pressing. When he goes we all go. I wondered myself whether it might have been the after effects of Covid but he hasnt seemed to have the same impact recently. Get Barlaser plus any two from Wiles, Lindsay and Rathbone firing and we will generally be alright.
