In fairness to Manning he's gone to another level this season and has really turned himself into a solid winger. If he rounds out his defensive game I don't think he'll be long in the championship
Yet another example of too much expectation on young shoulders. A lot of our team are really starting to hit their stride...and the timing is perfect
I see the new manager has brought Gavin back into the teamOriginally Posted by rebelmusic
Manning does seem to have found his feet recently, but at 29 I think the he's only a baby defense doesn't cut it. He seemed to be struggling to add enough defensive solidity to his game at left back to play at the very top, and if he's instead working out as a winger then good for him. Thing is, while an in-form winger Manning is a welcome addition to the Ireland squad, I think we'd happily sell him to Qatar* if we could get an actual left back in his place.
*Yes, I know, but it's only a matter of time before FIFA relent and allow the petrostates to outright buy players.
You can't spell failure without FAI
Himself and Bazunu seemed to get in a mess at the end today to gift Millwall a win over Southampton. Hard to know which of them was more at fault for it but it was a poor either way. The defensive issues remain for Manning and Bazunu still can't put a good full 90 together and is continuing to get zero sympathy from the Southampton supporters.
Manning had cleared off the line a couple of minutes earlier. Tough game, football.
Actually, looking at the highlights and it's a bit harsh to call that a mix-up I think. Back-post header that goes between Manning's legs and gives Bazunu little time to react. I'd be more critical of the first goal - Bazunu's weakness from long shots showing again; I think he should be getting a hand on that one as it's not close to the corner.
Second Millwall goal is a peach. Emakhu seems to have played reasonably well, though he still can't actually find the net.
We are back to this old chesnut again - Southampton today were back to the defence played by Russell Martin - stand off strikers 20 yards out and allow them time to set up, pick their spot and strike the ball - when you do that the striker will score 19 times out of 20 - that is what happened for both goals today. Bazunu was at full-stretch for the first goal and couldn't get close and there was nobody within 5 yards of Azeez. When you expose a goalkeeper like that you are going to leak goals no matter who is the keeper. It is also worth noting that Bazunu made a cracking save in the first half when the score was 0-0. Southampton fans saw what was happening today and the criticism has been firmly levelled against the defence, not Bazunu (who has been playing very well since he came back into the team).
Ah, the old "It's always the defence" defence.
Yes, the closing down is poor, but that's what happens. If he's at full stretch and can't get to a ball that's about a yard inside the post, then he's not doing great. And he's not been playing very well since coming back into the team. He has a complete brain fart that cost a goal against QPR. He conceded a corner for holding onto the ball too long against Sheffield Wednesday, was also booked for timewasting at 3-1 up, and was weak for their goal (again from distance). He's right down the bottom of the league in the main metrics like PSxG, claiming crosses, making saves. He just never seems to pull off a great save that earns a point or three - you're far more likely to be looking at the shot that he maybe should have done better for but never seems to.
Right now, even allowing for him still only being 23, it's very hard to see him ever laying down a meaningful challenge to Kelleher for the Ireland jersey. Unless maybe towards the end of Kelleher's career. Caoimhin just looks to have kicked well clesr of the pack. An interesting battle for second choice though between him, Keeley, O'Leary and Travers. Any of those five would likely be the first choice keeper for some other mid rank European teams.
I am going to move my comments on Bazunu back to the Bazunu thread because that is where the conversation should be happening.
I see O'Leary has been dropped in favour of Conor Noß' goalkeeper teammate from last year. Which is a pity.
I think we're a different team if either Parrott or Kelleher get injured. Which isn't necessarily a criticism of us - there's plenty of international teams who have a couple of very good players in a squad of otherwise mediocrity. Hungary with Szoboszlai being a prime example we've seen recently. Even Norway struggled when Haaland was injured in a recent qualifying campaign (though they've now a few more very good players and I think they'll go far in the World Cup)
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