vs Chesterfield Fans Report

[textbookdave]

This report really highlights some of the re-occurring fundamentals that have been visible in the recent games against Hartlepool and Notts County as well as Chesterfield and is open for discussion.

 

The game vs Chesterfield on the whole was great to watch as an Oldham fan and very frustrating at the same time. Latics controlled the play well in the first half and the goal conceded early on was the result of the fundamental slow start at the back especially the communication between CB’s and the goalkeeper’s leadership or questionable lack off?

 

Cisak still looks too apprehensive with the defence (mainly the centre backs)? I know the team is quite young but goalkeepers are the last line of D, Cisak is the eyes of his defence minimising silly ball watching syndrome.

 

Cisak needs to take grip of his defence and we should be hearing him from the stands a lot more, allowing the defenders to get into shape quicker and not getting caught out time and time again, especially early doors.

 

With Parker, Scapuzzi and Kuqi starting the game on the bench it was interesting to see the 4-4-1-1 formation Dickov is clearly working with. The play looked more fluid with Taylor right wing supported by Lee and Black offering support on the left to Morais. Furman’s work in the middle caused plenty of unwanted pressure and Chesterfield resulted in long ball play at best.

 

The jury is still out on this style of play as ideas appear to run out once we are 20yards out from goal?

 

The full backs appear to clash space with our wingers and play is forced into the centre, ultimately followed by a lofted ball to the penalty spot. Are the wingers playing too low or are the full backs not confident to overlap?

 

The ball was and is constantly played in from the left/right midfield into the penalty area where the strikers back is against goal? The formation is designed to promote crosses into the box where players like Kuqi/Smith can attack the ball, flick it on, control the ball in the box or cause defensive errors under pressure. Of which Morais delivered and Smith finished very well drawing level 1-1 at half time.

 

The second half started with Chesterfiled pressing hard and looking for a quick reply, the Latics did well to gain control of the game 10mins and we returned to dominate play. Simpson was outstanding and looked a cut above everything else on the pitch, his signing will pay dividends!

 

Kuqi is a talent and may offer a lot off the pitch to the lads however, I do see everything going through him and up until his arrival after 65mins vs Chesterfield, the Latics did not seem to miss him whatsoever.

 

It was great to see the team playing football and the ball remaining on the deck for a number of passes, good patience. Once Kuqi arrived in play after 65mins we looked 2D and predictable attacking the goal.

 

More off ball movement was desperately required. Taylor, Simpson and Scapuzzi showed great off the ball movement and space awareness. However, they were not all on the pitch at the same time? The winner simply did not come our way.

 

Match officials were once again on another planet….Seriously! Although as a team we really need to have more aggressive finishing strategies and put games like Chesterfield to bed. Let’s not rely on decisions from officials who shy away from responsibility.

 

I enjoy seeing Dickov on the touchline; his presence is felt by the players fair to say. However, it is difficult to really see your teams shape in all aspects of the game from ground level. Dickov, please spend a game (soon) in the stands with your men on the touchline awaiting direction and see the obvious? We are not that far away of being a dangerous team and I look forward to the forthcoming game Vs Liverpool.

 

Good Luck Latics……Enjoy the big show!

[textbookdave]

WOW.... No feedback/discussion or critisism??? Is the report too long

[BP1960]

This report really highlights some of the re-occurring fundamentals that have been visible in the recent games against Hartlepool and Notts County as well as Chesterfield and is open for discussion.

 

The game vs Chesterfield on the whole was great to watch as an Oldham fan and very frustrating at the same time. Latics controlled the play well in the first half and the goal conceded early on was the result of the fundamental slow start at the back especially the communication between CB’s and the goalkeeper’s leadership or questionable lack off?

 

Cisak still looks too apprehensive with the defence (mainly the centre backs)? I know the team is quite young but goalkeepers are the last line of D, Cisak is the eyes of his defence minimising silly ball watching syndrome.

 

Cisak needs to take grip of his defence and we should be hearing him from the stands a lot more, allowing the defenders to get into shape quicker and not getting caught out time and time again, especially early doors.

 

With Parker, Scapuzzi and Kuqi starting the game on the bench it was interesting to see the 4-4-1-1 formation Dickov is clearly working with. The play looked more fluid with Taylor right wing supported by Lee and Black offering support on the left to Morais. Furman’s work in the middle caused plenty of unwanted pressure and Chesterfield resulted in long ball play at best.

 

The jury is still out on this style of play as ideas appear to run out once we are 20yards out from goal?

 

The full backs appear to clash space with our wingers and play is forced into the centre, ultimately followed by a lofted ball to the penalty spot. Are the wingers playing too low or are the full backs not confident to overlap?

 

The ball was and is constantly played in from the left/right midfield into the penalty area where the strikers back is against goal? The formation is designed to promote crosses into the box where players like Kuqi/Smith can attack the ball, flick it on, control the ball in the box or cause defensive errors under pressure. Of which Morais delivered and Smith finished very well drawing level 1-1 at half time.

 

The second half started with Chesterfiled pressing hard and looking for a quick reply, the Latics did well to gain control of the game 10mins and we returned to dominate play. Simpson was outstanding and looked a cut above everything else on the pitch, his signing will pay dividends!

 

Kuqi is a talent and may offer a lot off the pitch to the lads however, I do see everything going through him and up until his arrival after 65mins vs Chesterfield, the Latics did not seem to miss him whatsoever.

 

It was great to see the team playing football and the ball remaining on the deck for a number of passes, good patience. Once Kuqi arrived in play after 65mins we looked 2D and predictable attacking the goal.

 

More off ball movement was desperately required. Taylor, Simpson and Scapuzzi showed great off the ball movement and space awareness. However, they were not all on the pitch at the same time? The winner simply did not come our way.

 

Match officials were once again on another planet….Seriously! Although as a team we really need to have more aggressive finishing strategies and put games like Chesterfield to bed. Let’s not rely on decisions from officials who shy away from responsibility.

 

I enjoy seeing Dickov on the touchline; his presence is felt by the players fair to say. However, it is difficult to really see your teams shape in all aspects of the game from ground level. Dickov, please spend a game (soon) in the stands with your men on the touchline awaiting direction and see the obvious? We are not that far away of being a dangerous team and I look forward to the forthcoming game Vs Liverpool.

 

Good Luck Latics……Enjoy the big show!

 

It would also avoid him spending most of the match arguing with the 4th official.