Saturday’s 3-2 defeat to Brentford wasn’t just a disastrous result, but an awful performance to go with it.
I’ve already covered four major concerns from the match in a piece posted yesterday, however, despite what was generally a miserable and unacceptable display, there were a couple of positives to take into tomorrow’s trip to Spurs.
Good: Sven Botman and star duo
Despite the general failings of the defence, it was encouraging to see Sven Botman score for the first time since January 2024 on his 100th appearance for the club. Janelt unfortunately peeled off the back of him to get Brentford’s equaliser, but the cross was a wicked one and you would’ve thought there’d be more desire to stop the cross at source by Kieran Trippier.
The Dutchman completed the most passes in the match with 54, recovered the ball five times, and made eight headed clearances in what was a solid individual display despite that lapse.
Despite Thiago roughing him up at times, he won the majority of his battles against the big Brazilian and all the goals came down the opposite side. For a man who has suffered terrible injuries over the last two years (and on the back of a significant new contract), he appears to be slowly building back up to the player he used to be.
Hopefully, he won’t get burnt out playing too many games as we really need to protect him if he is to reach those 2022/23 heights again.
Perhaps not enough to write an entire section on, as we know how good they are at this stage, but Saturday was also a reminder of Lewis Hall and Bruno Guimaraes’ importance. While so many others were hiding or putting in stinkers, the pair were giving their all, trying to drive us on and looked visibly gutted at the full-time whistle.
Good-ish: Nick Woltemade in the 10
There seems to be a scapegoat campaign when it comes to Nick Woltemade, (something I completely disagree with), but I thought he looked fresh and willing to try things when he came on playing a little deeper than he has been used in the main this season, Bournemouth in the FA Cup aside.
He showed some neat touches and found more space than he has for weeks but he still seemed a little shy in pulling the trigger when he was well placed. He linked up well with Osula when he came on too, and I was surprised when he didn’t take the penalty which may just be a sign of how low his confidence is at the minute.
I feel like we need to play the lad to try and find him some form as we can’t risk losing him in the summer as there is a hell of a player in there, he is only 23, and in my opinion, he will become one of the best in Europe.
Perhaps we need to look at how he is used for the German side for some inspiration.
Big Nicks situation reminds me a lot of Jon Dahl Tomasson when he was here another 10 who the then manager couldn’t get the best out of.
He looked poor for us playing CF (due to injuries)he lost his confidence and we sold him, he ended up being a great player, now it’s down to Eddie to unlock the Big Nick puzzle before he too leaves and goes on to great things.
Absolutely glorious(Quote)
We need a centre forward that’s the problem, paying £55m for 29 year old Wissa who did an “Isak” on Brentford just shouldn’t have been entertained.
Woltemade is a different kettle of fish as he is not a centre forward, he is young and a good player but needs to play in midfield, observations of him, he needs to toughen up and put his frame to better use.
Osula is more of a centre forward than either of the above and should be given the chance to grow into the position.
Similar could be said of Neave?
For the time being we have no one else other than using Gordon as a false 9.
Joseph(Quote)
I don’t want to be negative…but Woltemade has a mountain to climb to make it in the PL.
Top players in our league are immense athletes. I don’t see Woltemade becoming one – he’s simply too slow. His size is pretty pointless because it doesn’t work to his advantage at all – he scored a screaming header to begin with but generally isn’t special in the air and can’t hold up the ball or hold off players.
Maybe with a great pre season and loads more confidence he would come good. But if we could get most of our money back for him I would get rid sadly.
Howe the toon(Quote)
Re Nick, sometimes I watch him and think, yeah he’s got something, especially when he first arrived, other times he looks clumsy and lightweight. Jury still out for me.
kimtoon(Quote)
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Perhaps we need to look at how he is used for the German side for some inspiration
yeah, and also Tonali , look at how well we works for italy … compared to us
Da9el88(Quote)