Azerbaijan V Republic of Ireland - Sat, 9th October 2021 - 2022 World Cup Qualifier

[Olé Olé]

3-4-3 I assume. I just don't get the Horgan pick. He has been okay on the counter for us when games open up. He is not good enough to pick teams apart. McGrath has seemed far more inventive to me. I would have rathered Stevens too but McClean was good v Serbia. Worryingly, McClean seemed very frustrated with the options Horgan provided him against Serbia. On top of that, we don't shout goals with that front three.

[third policeman]

Horgan and MaClean should never be selected. Believing that either of them is at this level is more than a blind spot it’s delusional.

[pineapple stu]

I don't think any front three would really shout goals in fairness.

The bench is Kelleher, Travers, Stevens, Hourihane, Parrott, N Collins, Christie, Arter, McGrath, J Collins, Ogbene and Connolly.

Stevens and maybe McGrath are the obvious ones who could have started. Other than that, I don't see anyone really improving the starting line-up.

[Olé Olé]

I don't think any front three would really shout goals in fairness.

The bench is Kelleher, Travers, Stevens, Hourihane, Parrott, N Collins, Christie, Arter, McGrath, J Collins, Ogbene and Connolly.

Stevens and maybe McGrath are the obvious ones who could have started. Other than that, I don't see anyone really improving the starting line-up.

McGrath would be the one for me but I would take Ogbene or Connolly over Horgan if McGrath were out of the equation. I hope I'm wrong but I can see Horgan flailing here and coming up with nothing.

[tetsujin1979]

confirmation of the lineup
No real issues with it, apart from Horgan
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[Eirambler]

I don't think any front three would really shout goals in fairness.

The bench is Kelleher, Travers, Stevens, Hourihane, Parrott, N Collins, Christie, Arter, McGrath, J Collins, Ogbene and Connolly.

Stevens and maybe McGrath are the obvious ones who could have started. Other than that, I don't see anyone really improving the starting line-up.

You don't think Aaron Connolly is a better player than Daryl Horgan?

I don't get the Horgan pick. I don't get the McClean pick. I don't get the 3-4-3 that may see us overrun in central midfield depending on what Azerbaijan are like. But then again I don't really get Kenny either.

That team and formation makes me feel like we're hoping for a bit of luck now, or just hoping that Azerbaijan are maybe, hopefully just as poor a team as their ranking and results suggests. But then that would then make our failure to beat them at home (and need for a late equaliser to nick a draw) even worse than it already looks.

[Briuk]

Knight is a bit of a surprise, unless he's injured?

No Keane is a way makes no sense. Why make a bit of a song and dance about a new forward option and then leave him out of the squad entirely?

0-0.

Because he wanted to meet him, see how he fits in the system and then, probably, to try him in a friendly that we have next week. Before risking his head with a guy, he has only spoken on the phone with

[tetsujin1979]

Because he wanted to meet him, see how he fits in the system and then, probably, to try him in a friendly that we have next week. Before risking his head with a guy, he has only spoken on the phone with

If the manager has called up a player that he's only spoken to him on the phone (and he hasn't - he's been seen at Wigan games recently) then he should be moved on.

[pineapple stu]

You don't think Aaron Connolly is a better player than Daryl Horgan?

Honestly, no.

Connolly has done little enough at club or country to suggest he really has an international future.

Horgan is limited too for sure, but I like attitude far more. That doesn't count for much I know, but he overachieves in the green whereas Connolly flatters to deceive. Horgan has even scored.

Ideally neither would be in the squad of course, but needs must

[liamoo11]

Horgan and MaClean should never be selected. Believing that either of them is at this level is more than a blind spot it’s delusional.


You don't think Aaron Connolly is a better player than Daryl Horgan?

I don't get the Horgan pick. I don't get the McClean pick. I don't get the 3-4-3 that may see us overrun in central midfield depending on what Azerbaijan are like. But then again I don't really get Kenny either.

That team and formation makes me feel like we're hoping for a bit of luck now, or just hoping that Azerbaijan are maybe, hopefully just as poor a team as their ranking and results suggests. But then that would then make our failure to beat them at home (and need for a late equaliser to nick a draw) even worse than it already looks.


Agree with this. We had massive central areas of the pitch in the middle and forward thirds with no orish players on them at home against these making us totally disjointed. Play 2 up top and 3 in central midfield leave tge spaces out wide not centrally for the wingbacks to move into

[zero]

this seems a strange position to take. SK has been given an incredibly long leash behind integrating new players.

the team selection says two things to me : 1) he realises the gravity of the situation in that he needs a win.

2) he has bottled it by selecting lads he knows will give their all for him.

he may get away with it because Azerbaijan are clearly garbage and I suppose all will then be forgiven.

[tetsujin1979]

I'm confused by McGrath starting on the bench. He's good enough to start against Portugal and Serbia, but he's not good enough to start against Azerbaijan?

We played badly in his absence against Azerbaijan at home as well, after a good performance against Portugal

[Eirambler]

I'm confused by McGrath starting on the bench. He's good enough to start against Portugal and Serbia, but he's not good enough to start against Azerbaijan?

We played badly in his absence against Azerbaijan at home as well, after a good performance against Portugal

It's a product of the switch to 3-4-3. If we're only picking two central midfielders there isn't room for a McGrath type. Don't agree with it myself, but presumably that's the reasoning.


Agree with this. We had massive central areas of the pitch in the middle and forward thirds with no orish players on them at home against these making us totally disjointed. Play 2 up top and 3 in central midfield leave tge spaces out wide not centrally for the wingbacks to move into

Incidentally I agree with every word of this.

[Olé Olé]

I'm confused by McGrath starting on the bench. He's good enough to start against Portugal and Serbia, but he's not good enough to start against Azerbaijan?

We played badly in his absence against Azerbaijan at home as well, after a good performance against Portugal

And he can score a goal. And he can unlock a defence with a pass. He just feels like a far better option (and player) for this game than Horgan.

[centre mid]

Any sort of win will do nicely plese lads.

[tetsujin1979]

It's a product of the switch to 3-4-3. If we're only picking two central midfielders there isn't room for a McGrath type. Don't agree with it myself, but presumably that's the reasoning.
True, but we could play Cullen and McGrath in midfield, with Hendrick behind the front two, or Hourihane, or rotate Hendrick from midfield with either of those two in the support role

[passinginterest]

Positive start and a goal! Keep it up!!

[passinginterest]

High press causing them huge problems. Worry we’re a bit open to a counter though. Otherwise perfect start.

[centre mid]

What a goal great stuff

[shakermaker1982]

What a goal.

[passinginterest]

Worrying still when they break, with Cullen and Hendrick pressing there’s a big hole when we lose the ball cheaply. Happened with Doherty a few mins ago and they were effectively 3v3 immediately.

Hopefully knocks to Cullen and Robinson are not serious. They’re both very important to this system.

[centre mid]

Been poor since the goal. Tempo dropped and not much link uos

[shakermaker1982]

Starting to let them back into the game…

[liamoo11]

Horgan and MaClean should never be selected. Believing that either of them is at this level is more than a blind spot it’s delusional.

Horgan having a brutal time

[Nesta99]

Blunted that burst of momentum. Need to be better shifting the ball around the corner to not have the Azerbaijanis bombing forward on the break. Coughing up some silly fouls.

[zero]

been awful since the goal. we might win here but again, little to no evidence of progress so far.

[Nesta99]

Horgan looks like he is struggling with the pace of the game, heavy legged very early.

[zero]

this is garbage. we're as bad as ever under SK.

[passinginterest]

Hopefully that settles them down again. A team desperately looking for a win will always be a bit nervy at 1-0.

[Olé Olé]

Robinson should dedicate that goal to Joe Duffy.

[pineapple stu]

Robinson!

Now get a vaccine you dopey ****. :)

Awful keeping, even with the deflection

[passinginterest]

Robinson!

Now get a vaccine you dopey ****. :)

Awful keeping, even with the deflection

Most convincing argument not to get it I’ve seen put forward yet 😄

[zero]

fair play to Callum. a bright spark.

[Olé Olé]

This position suits Robinson. Idah isn't doing much bar occupy the defenders in front of Robinson. But it is working. If Horgan was better we would be flying.

[osarusan]

Super start, like we knew we were just better them and were going to dismiss them. Super goal too.

Then we just retreated and slowed down, and just let them into the game without earning it at all, inviting needless pressure onto ourselves. Lucky they are so toothless up front.

A bit lucky with the second, keeper had a howler really.

Hopefully we don't just try to invite and soak up pressure in the second half. This could be a 4-0 or 5-0 win if we go for it.

Horgan has been woeful.

[liamoo11]

Horgan and MaClean should never be selected. Believing that either of them is at this level is more than a blind spot it’s delusional.

Surely horgan comes off now let mcgrath come on , have 3 in midfield and let Robinson play off idah.

[centre mid]

Liveline callers will ve fuming

[Insidetherock]

I've always wanted Horgan to do well because he looks like an honest pro who gives his all.. but his all here is so far short it's ridiculous. We're basically two up with ten men because he's been terrible. And even worse he's causing trouble for Mc Clean behind him. He surely has to go at the break. Might be the perfect game to get Connolly on and maybe break his duck in a green shirt

[passinginterest]

I think the criticism of Horgan is a bit over the top. Hasn’t been great but he is making intelligent runs that are creating space. Unfortunately he’s made some really poor final balls after getting into good spots. Wouldn’t be sad to see any of McGrath/Ogbene/Connolly

[Olé Olé]

I think the criticism of Horgan is a bit over the top. Hasn’t been great but he is making intelligent runs that are creating space. Unfortunately he’s made some really poor final balls after getting into good spots. Wouldn’t be sad to see any of McGrath/Ogbene/Connolly

I think the criticism is more down to the fact that most people bar Kenny saw that coming I.e. not producing enough. McGrath coming in at half time sees the penny drop with Kenny.

[DCWA]

We love the boss, we love Ireland, we love CalRob

[passinginterest]

Couple of great chances this half. Really hope we don’t end up regretting those. Can’t believe McLean didn’t square it.

[osarusan]

I was just thinking that I'd love to see Ogbene come on, somebody with the pace to run at this tiring and stretched defence.

[passinginterest]

All these missed chances are causing me serious anxiety! Interesting now with Ogbene on. I thought Idah was having a good second half but he’s obviously not 100%

[Nesta99]

I think the criticism is more down to the fact that most people bar Kenny saw that coming I.e. not producing enough. McGrath coming in at half time sees the penny drop with Kenny.

Horgan is probably better as an impact type sub at this stage, have him run at tired defenders when space can open up. Im not so sure he was subbed due to performance than maybe there was an issue prior like injury or low energy after a dose. SK is not usually the quickest with subs. Idah was always going to happen earlier than normal.

Need to make better decisions up front to ake those sort of chances count. You'd expect it with younger attackers learning their trade, McClean should have the experience to have squared that chance. It was a serious effort to get in to that position in fairness after that flick round the corner that Kenny likes to use to have the opposition sit deeper. Seems unfair to moan but we should be out of sight and be 4 up with that Duffy chance too.

[liamoo11]

Horgan and MaClean should never be selected. Believing that either of them is at this level is more than a blind spot it’s delusional.


Horgan is probably better as an impact type sub at this stage, have him run at tired defenders when space can open up. Im not so sure he was subbed due to performance than maybe there was an issue prior like injury or low energy after a dose. SK is not usually the quickest with subs. Idah was always going to happen earlier than normal.

Need to make better decisions up front to ake those sort of chances count. You'd expect it with younger attackers learning their trade, McClean should have the experience to have squared that chance. It was a serious effort to get in to that position in fairness after that flick round the corner that Kenny likes to use to have the opposition sit deeper. Seems unfair to moan but we should be out of sight and be 4 up with that Duffy chance too.


Horgan s issue is his total lack of quality in his final ball . He can run all day at tired defenders and cut back and loop hopeless balls in but that can't be good enough at this level

[pineapple stu]

There's Bazunu's howler for the game. Wojus attempt at a save - but give him credit; he's a lucky keeper, and that counts for something

[tommy_c12000]

This was needed. Well done Kenny

[pineapple stu]

That Azeri keeper is possibly the worst I've seen since the Gibraltar lad who scored for us.

Not a great performance and Portugal won't be scared, but **** it. We need this

[zero]

desperately needed win. the home side were poor and we looked shaky at times but results matter.