Post match thoughts against Chelsea

Written by kirsikka

With safety all but mathematically secured, the big question was whether GON could inspire the same hunger in the team that they’ve shown in recent weeks, West Ham apart when scrapping for survival. After the demolition of Leeds, it seemed fair enough to keep the same starting XI.

We have a conundrum wrapped inside a left (wing) back role to solve. Zemura always looked decent going forward but was suspect defensively. When Kelly played there, he didn’t get forward enough and the team looked much less potent as a result. Vina seems to be in the Zemura role, only better. I think his attacking play is even more dangerous and he has a genuine eye for goal. However, I said before I’d yet to be convinced by his defensive work and yesterday compounded that. His winger repeatedly had him on toast.

I think what we decide to do with him will tell us a lot about the direction GON wants to go. Unless we stumble across a diamond, the reality is we’ll always have to make a trade-off somewhere with a player in this position. If we sign Vina, then it’s a sign that we intend to try and attack more in the future. If, as mooted on here previously, we pass up on him and try someone else it’s an indication that the defensive side of the game is being sought as more important.

In some ways, it’s hard not to disagree with that considering our goal-scoring record this year is actually pretty decent, despite the barrage of criticism aimed at the man who leads our line. We’re currently ranked 13th on goals scored. Whereas we’re a disaster wrapped inside a shitshow at the back, ranked 19th for goals conceded. And yet, I still hope we go for Vina. He has the excitement factor to his play that can get you on your feet.

Moving onto the game in more general terms, we stood toe to toe with Chelsea and exchanged punches. They had more of the ball, we had the better chances. It was a contest where we competed with them as equals and took them all the way. One that could have gone either way, but unfortunately for us it wasn’t our day. I’m not too upset at that as do that ten times you’ll likely get as many wins as losses. Admittedly, they’re a mess with a hilariously incompetent manager in charge but they also have some incredible individuals. So to take them on and not simply shut up shop was encouraging.

The penalty shout was… well, it wasn’t the most egregious of the ones not given to us this season but I never for a moment thought we would get it. After the match, I was asked by a Chelsea supporting friend if a team has ever gone through a Premier League season without being awarded a penalty. It’s a good question, anyone care to dig out the answer? Short of one of our remaining opponents selecting William Webb Ellis in defence, I don’t see how we’re going to get one. Even then VAR would probably rule against us. So it might become our own little piece of history. In fact, I almost don’t want us to get one now so the stat continues to stand out as so shocking and isn’t brushed away with a pointless pen in a game that no longer matters.

I’d also be interested in the stat for the most goals conceded to set pieces in a Premier League season. If we haven’t already secured it, we must be closing in fast. Almost in joking, I suggested several months back that we get Pulis in as a consultant to organise the defensive set pieces. With the caveat that he was kept away from everything else.

I think he still lives locally, right? He’ll obviously see himself as a manager but I don’t think anyone is going to come knocking again. Therefore a big offer might tempt him. Offer him a million basic with a million bonus if he keeps goals conceded from set pieces below ten next season. He’ll drill them to within an inch of their life, terrify them into getting it right, and if we let in twenty fewer goals we’re comfortably midtable so it’s £2 million well invested. A crazy and stupid idea? Probably, but it’d be a damn sight better than what we’ve currently got going on.

So yes, another set-piece goal was conceded. Ho and indeed hum.

We pulled out another of the classics, with Smith getting done to a cross. Not quite the back post this time but all the same it still resulted in a goal. He’s never going to learn that at this stage in his career so I guess we simply have to accept it as a concession to playing him. He still offers a lot, and I would assume with Stacey undoubtedly off in the summer he’ll have some new competition for his place to arrive over the coming months.

Our goal was a thing of beauty. Genuinely one you could watch and rewatch time and again. If that’s the pattern of play GON wants to instill in our attacks then I’m all for it. Wonderful.

When Sterling came on I was expecting him to score, but instead, it turned out he was using some kind of magic that attracted all our players in his direction but prevented any of them from trying to tackle him. Kelly possibly being the worst proponent, leaving Felix to fix it for a goal that closed the game out.

So, a defeat but after recent results, not an especially damaging one. We looked good in patches, we looked vulnerable in patches. We didn’t look outclassed though.

—– Positive Performances —–

Vina (going forward) – Looks dangerous and that was a very tidy finish considering it was with his right foot.

Rothwell – Has been the glue that stuck the team together in recent weeks.

—– Room for Improvement —–

Vina (defensively) – Seemed to be pretty exposed. If we bring him in permanently it’s something to work on, and something we may need to look at tactically how we can support him.

Neto – Is he training with Mr Miyagi? It’s been one week on, one week off lately. Excellent last time out, unsure and a touch weak this time. Maybe he should bear in mind one of the karate master’s sayings, “It’s okay to lose to opponent! Must not lose to fear!” as yesterday he looked scared to come for anything.

—– GON Watch —–

I don’t really have too many complaints about that performance. He set us up well, happy to let them have more of the ball but not completely dominate the game. It felt like a much more balanced approach to a game like this, although you may argue that was as much to do with their form and lack of confidence. Still, I’d prefer to give GON the credit. Hopefully, we see more performances like this against the six, starting with Man Utd in a couple of weeks.

I will bang the drum on set pieces again. I’ve made my point above, and I don’t care if the Pulis idea is ridiculous and to be dismissed out of hand. Something must be done. The bottom nine this season was an insanity we’re unlikely to see repeated next year. However, if we repeat our weakness as set pieces then we’re going to struggle. Positive action is required on the coaching front. More of the same is not the answer.

GON can rightly point to VAR as a complete piss-take through the whole season., at both ends. In fact, he should. Loudly and repeatedly or it won’t change. It’s time to take a stand and accept the fine and censure from the FA as it’s got to the point where if we don’t start kicking down the interview background sponsor board in frustration then it will be glossed over and ignored because “it’s only Bournemouth”. However, do something that upsets the sponsors and people will pay attention pretty quickly.

A decent day at the office for GON, regular complaints notwithstanding, even if the result didn’t go our way.

Your say…

table wrote…

I thought we played some good entertaining football yesterday, Gary O’Neil is starting to get us playing some wonderful one-touch football. With the sit-back style of football, we are reliant on taking the clear-cut chances we create, it’s the difference between 4-1 against Leeds and 1-3 against Chelsea. I’m very pleased with the progress GON is making, there are things that can be improved, and mistakes to be ironed out, I’m sure he’s aware of that more than I am but he’s gradually getting it done : )

He’s only had one transfer window, no pre-season ( that was the Parker Posse domain ) in charge. I think he’ll be judged by Bill Foley around Christmas time, I for one hope he’s judged as “outstanding” because that’ll mean my club are doing bloody well : )

If we stay up on the Eddie average of 42 points, that’s good : )
If “They” go down and we stay up with an Eddie average, that’s bloody satisfying and almost all we wanted ( at least it was about 10 matches ago ) : )

In other news, had a hotdog, very much improved on previous efforts. The pies and burgers have also had an upgrade : )

Well done to the Halftime quizzers and the under-18s on their trophy win : )

Liked the Chelsea ironic chants “We’re staying up”, and “How shot must you be, we’re winning away” : ) – To join the conversation, click here.