Was only my second game of the season

I went to Palace away and despite losing 4-0 and conceding some clown goals, we at least looked like we were buying in to the ideas of the coach, making an effort and could see some semblance of patterns/game plan. I thought on the night we could have scored a few ourselves and without Long kept the score tighter. On the whole, whilst we got battered I felt optimistic.

Yesterday, I saw nothing. OK, we are missing a proper LB but the team and squad is a total shambles. Beyond Gunn, who's had a poor season, we have a walking catastrophe in Long and Reyes who shouldn't be playing above U21 level. I felt sorry for Reyes but he is so diminutive and lacking in presence It felt like a goal would come every time the ball went in the box.
Stacey has an OK engine but when it matters doesn't deliver and is never in the right position.
The CBs are aimless, ponderous and have zero anticipation or situational awareness.
Nunez, Wright and Marcondes might be the most light weight midfield in our history and that's including teams that featured Shaun Carey. We are desperately crying out for any physicality and robustness. We do not seem to want to have to play a game which involves forcing the opposition in to mistakes or being aggressive in any way. I like the look of Wright but he'll need to be partnered by someone that can do the other side of the game effectively. I do not think that is McLean, Slimane or Gibbs.
Sainz put more effort in to his getting subbed strop - will we miss him? I slagged Dobbin off when he first came but we have sorely missed his pace and directness.
Schwartau I really liked the look of at Palace, has no pace and isn't a RW. Must be hard on him being part of this team.
The only player that really comes away with any credit is Sargent, what a player. We will miss him. Got zero service yesterday.

Perhaps it is just end of season with nothing to play for but the warning signs are ominous. We have a massive amount of work to do to overhaul the squad, remove any dissenting voices and get a team that can play the way the manager wants. I can't think of a single position where we don't need to make major additions. Really worrying.

Posted By: 51eve on April 22nd 2025 at 11:03:54

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