After a fine performance at Milwall, we can look forward to the Hull game with some confidence. Scoring three at one of our bogiest grounds is fantastic, but to manage the game in the way we did must give the lads a lot of confidence for the rest of the season.
The worry for me is Ayling. He missed almost every challenge against Milwall, and was rescued by Gnonto and Ampadu after making basic mistakes. He seems to 'flop' almost every game and was lucky not to be penalised for it on Sunday. Connolly in particular will relish the challenge. Look how he demolishes Blackburn here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wwl0wZDVjpY&ab_channel=HullCity
The other aspect of this Hull team is their ability to work the space around the penalty area. They are patient in their build-up play and deliberately play the ball out wide to stretch the opposition. This is where Ayling will be exposed, because he can be easily turned and often gets caught out by short through balls played to runners.
I think Ayling has to come out for this game. We can play Shackleton there, we can even bring Byram across, play Pascal at left back and bring Cresswell alongside Rodon. But Ayling will cost us a goal if he is the first choice.
Is this being unfair to Ayling? Some commentators thought he was solid at the weekend, but I thought he was a liability. Was this a one-off or are a regular match-goers seeing these issues as well?
Ironically, after years of crying out for a left back, it may be the right back that proves our undoing at Hull.
Let's talk about Luke Ayling
posted on 20/9/23
We wouldn't have scored the first goal without Ayling!
posted on 20/9/23
I never want to see Struijk at LB ever again!
posted on 20/9/23
comment by Outwood White (U9610)
posted 3 minutes ago
I never want to see Struijk at LB ever again!
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Couldn't agree more. Marsch nearly destroyed the lads confidence insisting on playing him there when everyone could see it was not working
posted on 20/9/23
One of the many impressive things about Bill is his
fitness and availability (the best ability of all). He's
a stalwart. And a true leader. In the absence of Coops,
his leadership on the pitch is key.
He's very active and involved in so many attacks.
But, like every player who ever played, father time is
catching up. He gets caught out a lot. It's been that
way the last two and a half seasons. While Spence
is unavailable, we just have to deal with it.
And we will.
posted on 20/9/23
comment by Batty (U4664)
posted 28 minutes ago
One of the many impressive things about Bill is his
fitness and availability (the best ability of all). He's
a stalwart. And a true leader. In the absence of Coops,
his leadership on the pitch is key.
He's very active and involved in so many attacks.
But, like every player who ever played, father time is
catching up. He gets caught out a lot. It's been that
way the last two and a half seasons. While Spence
is unavailable, we just have to deal with it.
And we will.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
While I agree he is slowing down, I do belive the past 18 months, he has be dealt a bad hand.
Even now, we still seeing the right winger drifting inside, meaning Ayling his playing a wing back role, but with only two centre halfs.
In the same way Trent gets stick for his defending, the amount of ground he is having to cover, due to tactics, means they exposed
posted on 20/9/23
Ayling and Cooper are both past their prime and eventually will need to make way for younger players.
However, they're not done yet, especially Bill - they will be emphasising and impressing Farke's tactics, they will steady the ship in a storm, but most importantly, they will be leading by example, like sticking their heads in dangerous places and giving it 110 during every game and every training session.
Perhaps if we were still in the PL, then Farke might have to be a bit more ruthless, but in the Championship, I think there is still work for them to do.
The only changes I'd make would be maybe Kamara for Gray and Anthony for Gnonto because it's such a long season.
posted on 20/9/23
Right then, Ayling winner incoming!
posted on 21/9/23
comment by LIW Rad a %#@% and so is Orta (U8453)
posted 20 hours, 41 minutes ago
comment by Batty (U4664)
posted 28 minutes ago
One of the many impressive things about Bill is his
fitness and availability (the best ability of all). He's
a stalwart. And a true leader. In the absence of Coops,
his leadership on the pitch is key.
He's very active and involved in so many attacks.
But, like every player who ever played, father time is
catching up. He gets caught out a lot. It's been that
way the last two and a half seasons. While Spence
is unavailable, we just have to deal with it.
And we will.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
While I agree he is slowing down, I do belive the past 18 months, he has be dealt a bad hand.
Even now, we still seeing the right winger drifting inside, meaning Ayling his playing a wing back role, but with only two centre halfs.
In the same way Trent gets stick for his defending, the amount of ground he is having to cover, due to tactics, means they exposed
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Precisely this.
posted on 21/9/23
Why the hell is everyone saying Ayling is old?
He turned 32 less than a month ago.
Why does everyone act like he is 35 going on 36.
He looked in poor shape Last year because they all did cause Marsch was an idiot who didn't think fitness training was important.
He will be fine, he like the other players look better cause they are fitter
posted on 21/9/23
Wish I was 32 again ! FFS.. that was 33 years ago … I can’t even remember that far back! But my wife says I was ‘fit’ in those days 😁