The Flying Finn

We've got a centre half on loan from Chelsea who is more than capable of filling in for Killer. For me it's probably a good thing he's missing out Sunday at QPR, as he was terrible against the pace of Kabba against Blackpool, and I imagine QPR will be a very quick attacking team too. Therefore more suited to young Mr Cork

I agree with Dave

First 25 minutes I enjoyed watching us play, but we didn't make it count. They then started to adjust to conditions and Rae and McPhail began pulling the strings, and it was no surprise when they scored. Our goal came from excellent play by Surman, he really needs to be playing left wing in place of Holmes. I've seen Holmes 4 or 5 times now and I'm really not convinced. Second half we had to soak up a lot of pressure, but did so pretty comfortably for me. Perry and Killer were very good, and Kelvin made some good saves when he was needed. Corners are the biggest concern for me, and have been for years. We just can't defend them. Johnson and Loovens both should have scored, and ultimately their winner came from a needlessly given away free kick from James, and was all too predictable. I like James playing at right back, but he lets him down with his discipline at times – it was a really stupid free kick to give away. We had a couple of chances and looked quite good on the counter a couple of times in the second half, and Killer nearly poked in Surman’s free kick. At times I thought we liked a bit of fluidity going forward and confidence, but I guess that will all come with getting used to the new system and gaining experience. All in all, I thought it was a decent display and we were very unlucky not to get a point. As for individual performances; Kelvin – Some good saves, claimed crosses and some good distribution James – Very calm on the ball, but a couple of times needed to put his foot through it rather than try and pick out a pass. Gave away the free kick for the winner stupidly too, but I like what I see from him. Surman – Great play for the goal. Pretty solid at the back. Needed to get forward more often, and I think he needs to be played in a more advanced position. Perry and Killer – Marshalled the defence well and complemented each other. Davies will have a fight on his hands to get back in the team when he is fit again. Gillett and Schiederlin– Both huffed and puffed, some decent moments but found it quite hard against McPhail and Rae. Used the ball quite stylishly at times, but also too anxious to pick a pass out quickly. Thomson – Caused all sorts of problems in the first 25 mins. Quieter after that and deserved to be subbed. Holmes – Very frustrating player. Needs to do things first time more often, doesn’t do enough for me. Lallana – Ran his socks off, some good link up play and I think he will grow into that attacking midfielder role excellently. McGoldrick – Scored a striker’s goal, and put himself about pretty well. He's a confidence player and I hope he plays and scores a couple against Exeter midweek. Some promising early signs for me, but with all these things we're going to have to be patient and give it time.