Unbelievable nonsense match report in Nottingham Post
Sun Nov 26, 2017 10:18 pm
Completely deluded...
Would you rather be a Nottingham Forest or a Cardiff City fan after witnessing 90 terrible minutes at the City Ground?
Cardiff deserve to be flying in the Championship, but it was brutal to watch at the City Ground
By Paul Taylor
26 NOV 2017
Here is a difficult, but genuine question; one that might offer a small amount of perspective, following a frustrating, difficult afternoon at the City Ground.
If you had the choice, would you rather be a fan of Cardiff City right now, or a fan of Nottingham Forest?
It is not a black and white question – for many neutrals, the answer would very much be Cardiff. Neil Warnock’s side sit second in the Championship because that is exactly where they deserve to be.
They have an identity and an ethos – one that has propelled them right into the promotion fray; one that has transformed the fortunes of the Welsh side who, last season, were very much embroiled in a very real struggle, prompting Warnock’s appointment in October last year.
Wily Warnock has always had a knack of making sides greater than the sum of their parts and, more specifically, of winning promotion from the Championship along the way.
Just across the other side of the River Trent, fans of Notts County will hold fond memories of halcyon days when the Magpies mixed it with the big boys, in the top flight, thanks to Warnock and his ability to engineer togetherness, discipline, fighting spirit and unity, in the early 90s, having made the climb up from what was then the Third Division under his guidance.
And he has certainly achieved that at Cardiff, with the Welsh side very much among a clutch of sides who will probably be in the mix, when it comes to securing a place in the Premier League come May.
In the meantime, Mark Warburton is quietly going about achieving the same objective at Forest, where there has also been a significant transformation; where a side that had struggled even harder against relegation last season, have also taken significant strides in the right direction.
What was witnessed at the City Ground this weekend was some evidence that Cardiff are perhaps a little more attuned ; more accustomed to the way their manager wants them to play than Forest yet are.
Forest remain more of a work in progress. But the two men are also going about achieving the same objective in very different ways.Warnock’s tool kit, as he looks to carve out yet another promotion push, includes a wrecking ball and a sledge hammer, Warburton prefers to go about his task with a sculptor’s chisel.
To label it as football versus anti-football would be too strong.
But Cardiff’s approach was unmistakably a stifling one; they came to restrict and frustrate, to grind out three points through attrition and suppression.They were more focused on stopping Forest from playing, than on playing good football themselves. This is not entirely a criticism. Far from it. Because they did so brilliantly.
What is both unmistakable and undeniable, is that it was Warnock’s way, rather than Warburton’s, which came out on top on a bitterly cold Sunday afternoon on the banks of the River Trent – where Cardiff have now won four games on the bounce.
The Bluebirds were streetwise; they arrived with a plan and it was both perfectly thought out and perfectly implemented. This victory was no fluke, it was a well thought out, tactical masterclass.
But, goodness, was it painful to watch.
Michael Mancienne says 'cream always rises to the top' as he backs Forest to bounce back from 'horrible' game against Cardiff
Jordan Smith is beaten by Danny Ward's strike as Cardiff go 2-0 up (Image: Dan Westwell)
Forest felt that Tyler Walker had been fouled in the build-up to that goal and this was not the only occasion on which they were to be frustrated by referee Peter Bankes, who later declined to give a penalty, despite a clear handball from Cardiff defender Bruno Manga.
Daryl Murphy’s uncharacteristic failure to convert a golden chance, carved out for him by a combination of Walker and Barrie McKay, was also a pivotal moment. But the timing of the penalty decision put more focus on it, with Cardiff almost immediately lumping the ball down the other end of the pitch to Danny Ward, who produced a simply outstanding solo goal cutting inside to deliver a precise, unstoppable drive high into the corner of the net from more than 20 yards.
It was a moment of real class and quality. But it was also a rare moment of flair or attacking ambition from Cardiff. In fact, there were none, from that point on, after they had taken that 2-0 lead seven minutes before half time.
Even when the score was 0-0, every free-kick, corner, throw-in and goal kick took an age. When it was 2-0, it only got worse.
Substitutions were quite literally a Sunday afternoon stroll, with referee Bankes taking no action at all when Craig Bryson took what must have been close to two minutes, to edge his way to the touchline in slow motion.
Bankes was culpable in allowing this to happen, even if he did eventually flash a couple of belated yellow cards.
But so too were Forest culpable. Their responsibility was to find their tempo regardless; to muster the guile and creativity to overcome Cardiff’s negativity.
Muzzy Carayol came close with a powerful, probing shot when he had been brought off the bench, while fellow sub Ben Brereton saw a shot sent spinning wide of the post, by a deflection.
And Walker attempted to be too precise with a decent opening, as he attempted to place his shot into the bottom corner, only to be denied by a smart save.
Nottingham Forest manager Mark Warburton with Cardiff City boss Neil Warnock before kick-off (Image: Dan Westwell)
Cardiff left the City Ground with three points; they finished the week with a third win from three games and find themselves still clinging gamely to the shirt-tails of leaders Wolves, who have invested vast sums of money in building an outstanding squad.
Warnock’s investment has been more modest. He has Cardiff punching above their weight, in financial terms. Success is success, however it is earned.
And the response to this defeat was for some fans to lament the lack of physical presence in the Forest ranks; some were critical of Warburton for not fighting fire with fire; for not going toe-to-toe with Cardiff.
There was, perhaps, a middle ground to be found on that front.
But it was always unlikely that Forest would go far down that path. Because that is not the Warburton way.
Forest’s mentality under the former Brentford and Rangers boss will always be to outplay their opponent; to win with guile and creativity.
And such was the frustration and disappointment come the final whistle, it was easy to forget what had come before.
Forest had won their four previous games at the City Ground and they had done so by stamping their influence on games; by earning the right to play – by imposing their will on the opposition.
Mark Warburton has his say on the 'inexplicable' decision which went against Nottingham Forest in defeat to Cardiff City
It was Cardiff who imposed their will; their agenda on 90 minutes of awful football at the City Ground. They successfully dragged Forest down to their level – and secured a deserved victory in the process.
It is a methodology that will stand Cardiff in good stead between now and the end of the season and the fans of the Welsh club will be more than happy if it does, ultimately, lead them into the Premier League, with Warnock at the helm.
This one defeat does not mean that Forest are not yet capable of being up there with them, challenging for a place in the top six, with a big portion of the season still to play.
But, if Forest do want to be up there, they will have to find a way to overcome such stoic opposition; such stifling tactics and get back to playing the kind of football they are capable of.
If Ipswich boss Mick McCarthy was taking note of events at the City Ground today, he will be spending this week preparing his side to frustrate, when Forest head to Portman Road on Saturday.
Forest’s challenge is to produce the kind of performance that will serve as a reminder of why being a Forest fan these days is not such a bad thing either.
Would you rather be a Nottingham Forest or a Cardiff City fan after witnessing 90 terrible minutes at the City Ground?
Cardiff deserve to be flying in the Championship, but it was brutal to watch at the City Ground
By Paul Taylor
26 NOV 2017
Here is a difficult, but genuine question; one that might offer a small amount of perspective, following a frustrating, difficult afternoon at the City Ground.
If you had the choice, would you rather be a fan of Cardiff City right now, or a fan of Nottingham Forest?
It is not a black and white question – for many neutrals, the answer would very much be Cardiff. Neil Warnock’s side sit second in the Championship because that is exactly where they deserve to be.
They have an identity and an ethos – one that has propelled them right into the promotion fray; one that has transformed the fortunes of the Welsh side who, last season, were very much embroiled in a very real struggle, prompting Warnock’s appointment in October last year.
Wily Warnock has always had a knack of making sides greater than the sum of their parts and, more specifically, of winning promotion from the Championship along the way.
Just across the other side of the River Trent, fans of Notts County will hold fond memories of halcyon days when the Magpies mixed it with the big boys, in the top flight, thanks to Warnock and his ability to engineer togetherness, discipline, fighting spirit and unity, in the early 90s, having made the climb up from what was then the Third Division under his guidance.
And he has certainly achieved that at Cardiff, with the Welsh side very much among a clutch of sides who will probably be in the mix, when it comes to securing a place in the Premier League come May.
In the meantime, Mark Warburton is quietly going about achieving the same objective at Forest, where there has also been a significant transformation; where a side that had struggled even harder against relegation last season, have also taken significant strides in the right direction.
What was witnessed at the City Ground this weekend was some evidence that Cardiff are perhaps a little more attuned ; more accustomed to the way their manager wants them to play than Forest yet are.
Forest remain more of a work in progress. But the two men are also going about achieving the same objective in very different ways.Warnock’s tool kit, as he looks to carve out yet another promotion push, includes a wrecking ball and a sledge hammer, Warburton prefers to go about his task with a sculptor’s chisel.
To label it as football versus anti-football would be too strong.
But Cardiff’s approach was unmistakably a stifling one; they came to restrict and frustrate, to grind out three points through attrition and suppression.They were more focused on stopping Forest from playing, than on playing good football themselves. This is not entirely a criticism. Far from it. Because they did so brilliantly.
What is both unmistakable and undeniable, is that it was Warnock’s way, rather than Warburton’s, which came out on top on a bitterly cold Sunday afternoon on the banks of the River Trent – where Cardiff have now won four games on the bounce.
The Bluebirds were streetwise; they arrived with a plan and it was both perfectly thought out and perfectly implemented. This victory was no fluke, it was a well thought out, tactical masterclass.
But, goodness, was it painful to watch.
Michael Mancienne says 'cream always rises to the top' as he backs Forest to bounce back from 'horrible' game against Cardiff
Jordan Smith is beaten by Danny Ward's strike as Cardiff go 2-0 up (Image: Dan Westwell)
Forest felt that Tyler Walker had been fouled in the build-up to that goal and this was not the only occasion on which they were to be frustrated by referee Peter Bankes, who later declined to give a penalty, despite a clear handball from Cardiff defender Bruno Manga.
Daryl Murphy’s uncharacteristic failure to convert a golden chance, carved out for him by a combination of Walker and Barrie McKay, was also a pivotal moment. But the timing of the penalty decision put more focus on it, with Cardiff almost immediately lumping the ball down the other end of the pitch to Danny Ward, who produced a simply outstanding solo goal cutting inside to deliver a precise, unstoppable drive high into the corner of the net from more than 20 yards.
It was a moment of real class and quality. But it was also a rare moment of flair or attacking ambition from Cardiff. In fact, there were none, from that point on, after they had taken that 2-0 lead seven minutes before half time.
Even when the score was 0-0, every free-kick, corner, throw-in and goal kick took an age. When it was 2-0, it only got worse.
Substitutions were quite literally a Sunday afternoon stroll, with referee Bankes taking no action at all when Craig Bryson took what must have been close to two minutes, to edge his way to the touchline in slow motion.
Bankes was culpable in allowing this to happen, even if he did eventually flash a couple of belated yellow cards.
But so too were Forest culpable. Their responsibility was to find their tempo regardless; to muster the guile and creativity to overcome Cardiff’s negativity.
Muzzy Carayol came close with a powerful, probing shot when he had been brought off the bench, while fellow sub Ben Brereton saw a shot sent spinning wide of the post, by a deflection.
And Walker attempted to be too precise with a decent opening, as he attempted to place his shot into the bottom corner, only to be denied by a smart save.
Nottingham Forest manager Mark Warburton with Cardiff City boss Neil Warnock before kick-off (Image: Dan Westwell)
Cardiff left the City Ground with three points; they finished the week with a third win from three games and find themselves still clinging gamely to the shirt-tails of leaders Wolves, who have invested vast sums of money in building an outstanding squad.
Warnock’s investment has been more modest. He has Cardiff punching above their weight, in financial terms. Success is success, however it is earned.
And the response to this defeat was for some fans to lament the lack of physical presence in the Forest ranks; some were critical of Warburton for not fighting fire with fire; for not going toe-to-toe with Cardiff.
There was, perhaps, a middle ground to be found on that front.
But it was always unlikely that Forest would go far down that path. Because that is not the Warburton way.
Forest’s mentality under the former Brentford and Rangers boss will always be to outplay their opponent; to win with guile and creativity.
And such was the frustration and disappointment come the final whistle, it was easy to forget what had come before.
Forest had won their four previous games at the City Ground and they had done so by stamping their influence on games; by earning the right to play – by imposing their will on the opposition.
Mark Warburton has his say on the 'inexplicable' decision which went against Nottingham Forest in defeat to Cardiff City
It was Cardiff who imposed their will; their agenda on 90 minutes of awful football at the City Ground. They successfully dragged Forest down to their level – and secured a deserved victory in the process.
It is a methodology that will stand Cardiff in good stead between now and the end of the season and the fans of the Welsh club will be more than happy if it does, ultimately, lead them into the Premier League, with Warnock at the helm.
This one defeat does not mean that Forest are not yet capable of being up there with them, challenging for a place in the top six, with a big portion of the season still to play.
But, if Forest do want to be up there, they will have to find a way to overcome such stoic opposition; such stifling tactics and get back to playing the kind of football they are capable of.
If Ipswich boss Mick McCarthy was taking note of events at the City Ground today, he will be spending this week preparing his side to frustrate, when Forest head to Portman Road on Saturday.
Forest’s challenge is to produce the kind of performance that will serve as a reminder of why being a Forest fan these days is not such a bad thing either.
Re: Unbelievable nonsense match report in Nottingham Post
Sun Nov 26, 2017 11:17 pm
Why do every team we play expect us to stand around admiring their beautiful tippy tappy football. It beggars belief 
Re: Unbelievable nonsense match report in Nottingham Post
Mon Nov 27, 2017 12:35 am
not sure what you find so unbelievable..
he does give us plenty of credit in there just points out it isnt champagne football which it really wasnt.
he doesnt call us dirty or cheats...he says we are 2nd which is exactly where we deserve to be...true.?
Warnock has the knack of building a team greater than the sum of their parts through togetherness,discipline and fighting spirit...true?
and we go out to restrict, frustrate and grind out results...true?
what exactly should people be saying...its one up top and no playmaker..it works and long may it last as far as i am concerned but Barcelona we aint..
he does give us plenty of credit in there just points out it isnt champagne football which it really wasnt.
he doesnt call us dirty or cheats...he says we are 2nd which is exactly where we deserve to be...true.?
Warnock has the knack of building a team greater than the sum of their parts through togetherness,discipline and fighting spirit...true?
and we go out to restrict, frustrate and grind out results...true?
what exactly should people be saying...its one up top and no playmaker..it works and long may it last as far as i am concerned but Barcelona we aint..
Re: Unbelievable nonsense match report in Nottingham Post
Mon Nov 27, 2017 1:06 am
I want us to win. I want us to get promotion. I’m not massively fussed how we do it in terms of style. For what it’s worth I think we are perfectly capable of dominating teams however we are missing 3 pretty much nailed on starters, 2 of whom are very effective attacking players and one is the chap that lets it happen.
Despite that we have had others step in, sometimes out of position and Warnock has done what any good manager should do. Look at what he has. Play to their strengths and win tactical battles. At the start of last season we couldn’t buy a goal. Under shade I don’t think we played a pass forward. Under Warnock we do what we need to do to get a result.
Despite that we have had others step in, sometimes out of position and Warnock has done what any good manager should do. Look at what he has. Play to their strengths and win tactical battles. At the start of last season we couldn’t buy a goal. Under shade I don’t think we played a pass forward. Under Warnock we do what we need to do to get a result.
Re: Unbelievable nonsense match report in Nottingham Post
Mon Nov 27, 2017 1:22 am
“Warnock’s tool kit, as he looks to carve out yet another promotion push, includes a wrecking ball and a sledge hammer, Warburton prefers to go about his task with a sculptor’s chisel.”
^One the most bollocks statements I have ever read
.
Add this Forest fan to the deluded pile along with almost every Wolves fan.
^One the most bollocks statements I have ever read
.Add this Forest fan to the deluded pile along with almost every Wolves fan.
Re: Unbelievable nonsense match report in Nottingham Post
Mon Nov 27, 2017 7:25 am
I see no mention of the fact that Forest should have been down to 10 men after a 2 footed challenge before we scored ?
At least the writer has given us credit even if begrudgingly !
I really don't care what opposition fans and media say if we continue to pick up the points , just need to keep the winning run going this month and see if we can create a bigger gap from 3rd place and the 7th place teams.
hopefully Neil can do some deals in January to strengthen where he feels he needs to !
At least the writer has given us credit even if begrudgingly !
I really don't care what opposition fans and media say if we continue to pick up the points , just need to keep the winning run going this month and see if we can create a bigger gap from 3rd place and the 7th place teams.
hopefully Neil can do some deals in January to strengthen where he feels he needs to !
Re: Unbelievable nonsense match report in Nottingham Post
Mon Nov 27, 2017 8:06 am
billy ronson wrote:I see no mention of the fact that Forest should have been down to 10 men after a 2 footed challenge before we scored ?
At least the writer has given us credit even if begrudgingly !
I really don't care what opposition fans and media say if we continue to pick up the points , just need to keep the winning run going this month and see if we can create a bigger gap from 3rd place and the 7th place teams.
hopefully Neil can do some deals in January to strengthen where he feels he needs to !
Hiya Bill, I hope you're well and, no doubt, ecstatic with the season so far!
I don't think the report was unduly scathing on us, albeit smelling faintly of sour grapes. I think if the writer had been totally impartial he would have written about how fascinated he was to see a dual between two contrasting styles: one being a no nonsense pragmatic approach and the other, overly idealistic.
Everyone knows by now that Warnock will encourage his players to play with strength, tempo and commitment and he likes them to try their best to undermine their opponents strengths in anyway they can. He will also cut his suit according to his cloth. If his teams are more than the sum of their parts then so be it. It's not anti-football by a long way. It's careful and adept game management. Given that he has four or five of his best players sidelined, he demonstrated a masterclass in getting the best out of the hand played to him. With a fully available squad we are a different proposition entirely.
I might be seeing something different to many other people but with Mendez, Gunnarsson, Zohore or Bogle on song we are not just formidable but highly entertaining too, particularly at home. That 11 point gap is wonderful to see
Re: Unbelievable nonsense match report in Nottingham Post
Mon Nov 27, 2017 8:22 am
Quite flattered actually by that report! I can see why it would annoy many City fans!
Re: Unbelievable nonsense match report in Nottingham Post
Mon Nov 27, 2017 12:49 pm
got too many damn snowflakes on here nothing wrong with it really.
the only thing id point out from a Forest perspective, is that the shouldnt run away with the fact that they lost to a particular style of football. this is their 4th home defeat so they obviously have deficiencies in their team. also their run of 4 home games included matches against Burton and QPR two of the worst away records in the league
nothing wrong with it really.the only thing id point out from a Forest perspective, is that the shouldnt run away with the fact that they lost to a particular style of football. this is their 4th home defeat so they obviously have deficiencies in their team. also their run of 4 home games included matches against Burton and QPR two of the worst away records in the league
Re: Unbelievable nonsense match report in Nottingham Post
Mon Nov 27, 2017 3:03 pm
Don’t see any problem. Fair assessment in my opinion.
Re: Unbelievable nonsense match report in Nottingham Post
Mon Nov 27, 2017 4:20 pm
Funny the neutral English media on the radio said Cardiff played very well
Re: Unbelievable nonsense match report in Nottingham Post
Mon Nov 27, 2017 5:24 pm
If we play anti-football, then I'm an anti-football fan.
Hard, committed, energetic and street-wise - and then fast, strong and skillful in the final third. But not tippy-tappy so must be anti-football!
Sure there was some time wasting yesterday - but no worse than other teams protecting a lead - and we did get 2 yellow cards and 6 minutes added time at the City Ground so the ref did right by Forest. The other complaints we usually get from bleating opposition fan and media about thuggery and long balls are rubbish as shown by the Championship stats. We are bang average for both fouls and long balls.
I don't know if they should have had a penalty for a Bruno handball (at the time I thought it would have been a very hardsh call if given) but I am sure that we should have been playing ten men after the studs up tackle on Patterson by Traore.
Hard, committed, energetic and street-wise - and then fast, strong and skillful in the final third. But not tippy-tappy so must be anti-football!
Sure there was some time wasting yesterday - but no worse than other teams protecting a lead - and we did get 2 yellow cards and 6 minutes added time at the City Ground so the ref did right by Forest. The other complaints we usually get from bleating opposition fan and media about thuggery and long balls are rubbish as shown by the Championship stats. We are bang average for both fouls and long balls.
I don't know if they should have had a penalty for a Bruno handball (at the time I thought it would have been a very hardsh call if given) but I am sure that we should have been playing ten men after the studs up tackle on Patterson by Traore.
Re: Unbelievable nonsense match report in Nottingham Post
Mon Nov 27, 2017 5:36 pm
jon1959 wrote:If we play anti-football, then I'm an anti-football fan.
Hard, committed, energetic and street-wise - and then fast, strong and skillful in the final third. But not tippy-tappy so must be anti-football!
Sure there was some time wasting yesterday - but no worse than other teams protecting a lead - and we did get 2 yellow cards and 6 minutes added time at the City Ground so the ref did right by Forest. The other complaints we usually get from bleating opposition fan and media about thuggery and long balls are rubbish as shown by the Championship stats. We are bang average for both fouls and long balls.
I don't know if they should have had a penalty for a Bruno handball (at the time I thought it would have been a very hardsh call if given) but I am sure that we should have been playing ten men after the studs up tackle on Patterson by Traore.
????????????????????...where does it say we play anti football...have you read the article..
Re: Unbelievable nonsense match report in Nottingham Post
Mon Nov 27, 2017 6:41 pm
dogfound wrote:jon1959 wrote:If we play anti-football, then I'm an anti-football fan.
Hard, committed, energetic and street-wise - and then fast, strong and skillful in the final third. But not tippy-tappy so must be anti-football!
Sure there was some time wasting yesterday - but no worse than other teams protecting a lead - and we did get 2 yellow cards and 6 minutes added time at the City Ground so the ref did right by Forest. The other complaints we usually get from bleating opposition fan and media about thuggery and long balls are rubbish as shown by the Championship stats. We are bang average for both fouls and long balls.
I don't know if they should have had a penalty for a Bruno handball (at the time I thought it would have been a very harsh call if given) but I am sure that we should have been playing ten men after the studs up tackle on Patterson by Traore.
????????????????????...where does it say we play anti football...have you read the article..
Yes I read it. And the Forest comments under it. And the post match interview with the reporter (where he covers the same ground, with the same lame bleating and one-eyed criticism of the ref).
So when it says 'To label it as football versus anti-football would be too strong' you think that phrase was introduced to quash the idea that Cardiff play anti-football, not to introduce it? Come on! It is written like that because he wants his readers to latch onto that description and use it - and weaselly as that is, it works.
Re: Unbelievable nonsense match report in Nottingham Post
Mon Nov 27, 2017 7:44 pm
jon1959 wrote:dogfound wrote:jon1959 wrote:If we play anti-football, then I'm an anti-football fan.
Hard, committed, energetic and street-wise - and then fast, strong and skillful in the final third. But not tippy-tappy so must be anti-football!
Sure there was some time wasting yesterday - but no worse than other teams protecting a lead - and we did get 2 yellow cards and 6 minutes added time at the City Ground so the ref did right by Forest. The other complaints we usually get from bleating opposition fan and media about thuggery and long balls are rubbish as shown by the Championship stats. We are bang average for both fouls and long balls.
I don't know if they should have had a penalty for a Bruno handball (at the time I thought it would have been a very harsh call if given) but I am sure that we should have been playing ten men after the studs up tackle on Patterson by Traore.
????????????????????...where does it say we play anti football...have you read the article..
Yes I read it. And the Forest comments under it. And the post match interview with the reporter (where he covers the same ground, with the same lame bleating and one-eyed criticism of the ref).
So when it says 'To label it as football versus anti-football would be too strong' you think that phrase was introduced to quash the idea that Cardiff play anti-football, not to introduce it? Come on! It is written like that because he wants his readers to latch onto that description and use it - and weaselly as that is, it works.
youve been reading too many spy novels ..
Re: Unbelievable nonsense match report in Nottingham Post
Mon Nov 27, 2017 10:35 pm
City Slicker wrote:billy ronson wrote:I see no mention of the fact that Forest should have been down to 10 men after a 2 footed challenge before we scored ?
At least the writer has given us credit even if begrudgingly !
I really don't care what opposition fans and media say if we continue to pick up the points , just need to keep the winning run going this month and see if we can create a bigger gap from 3rd place and the 7th place teams.
hopefully Neil can do some deals in January to strengthen where he feels he needs to !
Hiya Bill, I hope you're well and, no doubt, ecstatic with the season so far!
I don't think the report was unduly scathing on us, albeit smelling faintly of sour grapes. I think if the writer had been totally impartial he would have written about how fascinated he was to see a dual between two contrasting styles: one being a no nonsense pragmatic approach and the other, overly idealistic.
Everyone knows by now that Warnock will encourage his players to play with strength, tempo and commitment and he likes them to try their best to undermine their opponents strengths in anyway they can. He will also cut his suit according to his cloth. If his teams are more than the sum of their parts then so be it. It's not anti-football by a long way. It's careful and adept game management. Given that he has four or five of his best players sidelined, he demonstrated a masterclass in getting the best out of the hand played to him. With a fully available squad we are a different proposition entirely.
I might be seeing something different to many other people but with Mendez, Gunnarsson, Zohore or Bogle on song we are not just formidable but highly entertaining too, particularly at home. That 11 point gap is wonderful to see
Hi Phil, I am really enjoying this season , the victories over Leeds and Villa in particular ! no way were those games won by a team who play in the limited style that we are often been portrayed as playing !! To think we were without at least 3 starters and still won 3 games this week without conceding!
Not going to get carried away as we are not even halfway thru the season yet (I still have sad memories of Dave Jones team imploding after a great start
) but Warnock has got the very best out of his squad and if he can keep this going , it would be a fantastic achievement to get his 8th promotion 