TALKING TACTICS
MIDDLESBROUGH v BLACKPOOL
Ian Gill, 8 Dec 2009
These words ended my pre-QPR Talking Tactics ''Somehow the score of 2-2 seems a distinct possibility.''
When QPR pulled a goal back so quickly after Lita's penalty, I started to think 'no one likes a smart arse' so I didn't speak to myself for a short while.
Then Lita struck again to relieve the tension. Away we went on a 5-1 canter. All without Johnno, due to family illness. I am sure I reflect all fans as I wish a speedy recovery to his mum.
Where did that performance come from?
Column Continues Below...
The words of Steve Claridge gave several clues. To begin with, we played very well but it takes two to Tango. QPR kept going forward but they concentrated more on the attacking side of their game and showed scant regard to the defensive aspects.
It is unfair to pick out stars in such a complete team performance but a special mention must go to Leroy Lita, who hounded the QPR defence all day. Despite the missed chances of the last few weeks he has that physical presence AND desire to shoot, attributes sadly lacking in Emnes, Aliadiere and previously Alves. He also gives the ball a severe wallop.
Mark Yeates had his best match in a Boro shirt and capped it off with a fine goal, he was all energy and purpose. Kitson who looked what he is, a proven finisher at this level.
Gary O'Neil, our very own Duracell Bunny. No one should underestimate the sheer technical quality of his finish. For all the swingers from 35 yards or dead ball free kicks, that was my goal of the weekend. He had no time to compose himself, the ball was coming at him unexpectedly at an awkward height on his weaker foot. If Carlsberg did instinctive finishes...
Isaiah Osbourne dominated midfield, allowing Arca to do what he does best - keep well away from the back four and our penalty playing probing balls at their defence.
The defence were sound, apart from sloppy marking for QPR's goal and a couple of Corporalisms as Jones betrayed his antipodean roots and went walkabout.
The game underlined my Derby colleague's view of this division. Most teams have some ability going forward but, whilst they will finish in the part of the table they deserve, it is the quality of the defence that defines the actual position.
Now comes the difficult bit; taking that type of performance to the Riverside for the visit of Blackpool, and then maintaining it.
We can bask in the glory for the moment but we know that there will be player movements later this month and next and therefore the winning formula can dissipate as quickly as it came. But let's worry about the here and now.
The next difficult bit is writing the rest of this article, without the latest news from Bloomfield Road or the Riverside. As the editor is a tyrant and throws a hissy fit if the article isn't posted on time you will have to bear with me if detail is a little thin!
Blackpool arrive on the back of a home reverse against the rapidly improving Barnsley. In terms of possession, the match was fairly even but Blackpool had the lion's share of shots (23 vs. 5) but didn't make them count.
The Seasiders lie just behind us in the league and are playing well under the irrepressible Ian Holloway. Their main strength is at home, having only won once and drawn four on the road.
That solitary away win was on the banks of the Trent against Forest.
If you had to pick out the fulcrum of the team it would have to be Charlie Adam, a Scottish midfielder with a couple of international caps. In the league, he has the most goals (6), most assists (4), shots (51), fouls (39) and yellow cards (5). One could say he is the heartbeat of the team and will need to be well marked.
The rest of the goals are spread around the team with Burgess on four, and one time Boro player, Jason Ewell, on three. Another on three goals is Tangerine legend and much travelled player Brett Romero. Much travelled is a good word for the squad in general - players like full back Crainey have a wealth of experience to call on. This experience is in marked contrast to many of our callow squad.
Of the younger Blackpool players, Alex Baptiste stands out as a top prospect from the lower leagues having spent his career with Tamworth, Burton Albion and Mansfield before making the move to Blackpool. He has netted three from a centre back position.
Welsh fullback Neal Eardley is only 21, but has featured in Welsh international squads. Another younger player who might feature is Hameur Bouazza, an Algerian attacker who hasn't quite fulfilled his potential.
We can expect them to come here and try to be organised and hit us on the break. It will be up to us to break them down and getting that first goal is all important.
I cannot see us making many changes unless Gary O'Neil has a reaction to his groin strain or Johnno is available again.
We need to grab hold of games at the Riverside and not hide behind sundry excuses. The fans support is like an open door just waiting to be pushed open, all they need is some encouragement. Contrary to popular belief, the travelling Parmo Army are not some alien race in a parallel universe, they are largely made up of fans who attend the Riverside week in, week out.
A couple of good home wins will get the monkey off everybody's back and set us up for a visit to 'sponsor.anynamewilldo@sidjamespark.pantoland.com stadium' just before Christmas.
