saintant

Stephens needs to sit this one out.

Of course it was a mistake. Dobbin was a disaster on the wing. Leo just left the midfield exposed particularly Bragg because of the huge gap between him and Downes/Bragg plus he was continually clattered and risked serious injury. When Azaz plays there we look compact because he understands the need to mainly stay in touch with the two midfielders. Leo should have played on the left with Dobbin assigned for the Azaz role until the part way through the second half.

Obviously we have aspirations to be among the top 2 or to win the Play Off final. It's a tough ask and the season is long. However, we will give ourselves zero chance if we make 2 massive mistakes in games like we did today. Teams challenging for promotion do not gift 2 chances from such basic errors. Unfortunately, if we persist with Jack Stephens those errors will come regularly, it's nothing new because we've seen it countless times and there is nothing to suggest his basic mistakes won't keep on happening. (I get that Manning was also at fault big time for the second goal but Stephens covering run was woeful) Wood finished last season as a strong partner for THB yet Stephens walks straight back in to the side today. Wood may or may not be good enough - if he's not we'll need to sign a centre back to partner THB assuming he stays. If THB goes we need to sign two CBs. Stephens is ok as 3rd choice with limited game time - as a starter he is a liability we cannot afford. Today wasn't all his fault but he is the weakest link and Tonda needs to fix that.

You missed out the main cause of today's defeat which was Tonda's decision to play Dobbin on the left wing with Leo wandering about between Larin and the midfield thus leaving a huge hole which Watford proceeded to exploit. We normally look compact but not playing that system which was a disaster.

First impressions he'd beat either of them in a foot race.

Christ give the lad a chance!

Only two! Capn Jack missed two sitters on his own.

We could do with a few more players showing the passion and effort Downes has today. He's put a real shift in so let's not try to take away his full blooded commitment.

Wonder if Fellows is on his way.

Fuck sake Taylor. Lost in first half with two gifted goals and weird starting decision to play Dobbin left wing and Leo as second striker. Wake up call.

Playing Dobbin in Scienza's spot and Leo as a second striker is one issue. It's not working.

Doddin is playing left wing and Scienza wandering around the middle is not working. Take off Dobbin and Matsuki for Azaz and Fellows. Get Leo on the wing and Fellows on the other. We just don't look compact on this shape and not sure why we've taken Leo off the left wing. A draw would be a miracle now as we are losing our duels and second balls. Capn Jack has been a liability.

Huge gaps on our midfield.

Dobbin having another mare. Azaz must come on at half time.

We are just gifting the ball to them with ridiculous passes.