How Pompey 'Did A Boro'
HOW did second best Boro get anything from that game? They were simply awful for 70 minutes. They were disjointed, nervous, ponderous, wasteful and lacked any semblance of ambition for long spells.
There was rarely any attacking intent yet at the back they looked exposed and there was an air of inevitability from very early on that high-rise hitman Peter Crouch was going to break his three month goal drought and run riot.
Yet somehow Boro got out of jail to snatch a point - and they almost had three.
If was a frightened team with a mentality almost unrecognisable from the one that had gone for the jugular from the off against West Ham and Liverpool so recently.
Yet somehow that off-key Boro staged a barnstorming finale to snatch what could yet be a precious point four minutes into stoppage time when Marlon King drilled home his first goal for Boro after a chaotic scramble from a corner.
Incredibly, they could have all three just seconds later as Afonso Alves bursting through onto Adam Johnson's perceptive poke forward but as so often the Brazilian's hurried stabbed shot was weak and flew straight at the advancing keeper.
How did that happen?
A section of the fans nominated their reason as they singled out tireless Turk Tuncay as the sole source of energy, inspiration and zest. "We've only got one man," they chanted, to underline their perception that just one of the XI was reaching the bare minimum standards of effort and urgency required in such an important must win match against a fellow struggler.
That he too had squandered possession and failed to shine in the first 70 minutes (and indeed during his for a long period of winter hibernation) didn't come in to it: suddenly he was the lone figure that was endeavouring to galvanise the team and the crowd with sheer passion and work-rate.
Gareth Southgate thought that terrace assessment was 'disrespectable' and 'hurtful' to the rest of the team. The gaffer thought the victory came from the team as a collective showing patience, character and determination and that they had got their just reward for a decent display. That they dug deep, turned the game with steel and spirit and then polished off Pompey with a well timed late barrage, as if it was all part of the plan.
The reality is that the potentially important late jail-break was allowed happen because Portsmouth "did a Boro". They had the bulk of the play, showed more initiative going forward and they created a string of chances.
Peter Crouch was given free rein to torment a sluggish Boro defence - he brought a good save from Brad Jones and teed up David Nugent to rattle the post in a lively first half - while an energetic midfield were dominating the home side. We can only speculate on what may have happened down the left had tricky flanker Jermaine Pennant stayed on to torture the flat-footed skipper.
Portsmouth should have had the game wrapped up long before Boro clawed back.
But then they did what Boro fans have been railing against all season from their own side: they opted to sit back and defend what they had, a decision that Pompey coach Paul Hart later stuck up his hand to and admitted he had got wrong.
By changing the shape and tempo of the game they surrendered the initiative and invited pressure, presumably confident they could hold on to the one goal lead. You can see why they thought it was a safe move. Boro had done little to make them think otherwise while the sending off of Matthew Bates gave them a numerical superiority to add to their territorial advantage and marked edge in the chance count.
So Portsmouth made a string of changes, put defender Hughes on for Nugent and began the familiar slow-motion retreat that has led to so many late Boro collapses.
To be fair Boro boss Southgate spotted the change in dynamics early and took advantage. Adam Johnson was already on for Jeremie Aliadiere and was causing problems down the right then with the balance tipping Boro's way he made an overtly attacking change, putting Alves on for conservative Julio Arca and went for broke.
At the death Boro had two out-and-out wingers, two orthodox strikers and the creative presence of Tuncay pressing the Pompey box.
That said, they several times almost got caught on the break and another goal then would have put a steel toe cap into the rib cage of the season.
The equaliser when it came brought relief beyond belief. It kept the respectable home run going, and kept the season and the possibility of a great escape alive and as all the other results went Boro's way too it helped claw us marginally closer to the pack.
But there was little to cheer about. It was another opportunity for a vital victory against a vulnerable rival squandered, setting out not to lose when wins are imperative and time is running out quickly. It was another muted show at home when passion and spirit is needed to galvanise the crowd for the run in.
Fans want to keep the faith but will need to be shown something they can belief in.
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Anthony Vickers
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Its a shame Alfonso missed that difficult chance at the end of the game as I thought he was immense. We are certainties to stop up if Gareth persists with the Brazilian predator. He will get us the goals that will guarantee our Premiership survival.
I had a go on the predictor after the Portsmouth result. I have us and Stoke fighting out the third relegation spot. Newcastle just behind in 2nd from bottom. So I reckon our away games against those two will decide our fate.
I would assume for many supporters that yesterday's first half performance against Pompey typified how the team has seriously deteriorated under Southgate.
The lack of leadership of the Captain spread like a rash throughout the team. His weaknesses at left back were there for all to see and is made worse because Southgate has to accommodate him in the team as he won't disturb his first choice centre back partnership of Huth and Wheater. A problem of his own making.
Then we can add the absence of spirit, determination and a worrying inability to pass and move the ball forward.Up until five minutes from the end there was a meek acceptance of our fate.
Tuncay was an exception because he displayed to the crowd, a desire to win and take responsibility. This was missing from our so called 'local lads' who we are told, hold the Club dear to their hearts. Its about time Arca was banished and Walker restored to midfield.
Amazingly, looking at the table there are nine teams covered by six points to our position in the league. We still control our fate and we can avoid relegation, despite and not because of Southgate's management. All I ask for is a genuine fight, a scrap, not gentlemanly endeavour as personified by Southgate. The time has come for boldness, and some 'bottle' Do we have any? Stoke will tell us next week
Out of internet range until now but that was dispiriting. Gate called for a wall of noise and got it in the spell after Crouch got their goal, sadly it was aimed at the Boro.
There were two poor teams on the pitch but one showed compsure for most of the match. Thankfully Pompey tried to be smart alecs otherwise they would have been away before our comeback.
The sending off for Bates seemed harsh from where I was sat. Didnt look to dive but the ref was much closer. For once I agreed with Shearer, if Bates deserved a card Pederson deserved a life ban.
I'm afraid the Land Crab needs to be benched but as with Pogatetz, the rest were little better. The energy and purpose with ten after he was subbed could be attributed to either our inadequacies or Pompey's instinct for self destruction.
The results were not too bad elsewhere but there was little sign of fight for the job in hand. As a non booer, I think Gates comments that the fans were disrespectful to the many of the players by cheering Tuncay missed the point. The alternative was a shellacking of the rest.
Oh no what another pathetic showing, a game there to be won and outplayed for long periods of time by a team at the bottom with us. Southgate the joke "Alves will get the goals to keep us up" yet another one on one which could have him an hero, but NO STILL A ZERO after yet another glaring miss, the keeper should never have had a chance. I am sorry to say, we are a very poor team, with an even poorer manager. Where were SPURS when Redknapp took over, and where are they now, half way up the league. A manager and team who know what they are doing.
I haven't time to read your piece just yet, but will save it up for later today. In the meantime, the thought occurred that if Alves had managed to score that chance at the very end, it would have been the most obvious case of larceny seen for a generation.
The first half was as dire an exhibition of football as could be imagined. People around me were wishing they had stayed at home to paint the windows. It would have been more fun to watch.
Well a point is better than none and giving three to Pompey.
I've also had a go on the predictor, I had Stoke and Newcastle going down with Boro surviving by one point. It's going down to the wire this one, no question. That said we need to play better than we did Saturday for the remainder of the season if we are to survive. Stoke next Saturday is yet another must not lose game.
The main thing here is all about the result. We scraped the point and a very valuable point it may well turn out to be. So I am chuffed that we managed to nick it when we deserved nothing at all.
We are riding our luck at the moment as some of the other results are going our way. The really depressing aspect however is that we seem to be relying on luck to save us and I really don't know how long that will last for.
There are teams in this relegation battle that you look at and you just feel that thay will survive. This isn't the feeling you get when you look at us and this is very worrying indeed.
Hopefully we will ride our luck and other teams around us won't. It isn't good though and whoever is in charge next season needs to look at some fundamental changes in order to try not just to rely always on the odd buy to turn things around.
Motivation, fighting spirit, character, pride and all the rest of it that we often talk about are all these that are missing for me and this is something that wages or money in the bank can't buy it. Wheater has it in abundance and this is what we need to transmit to everyone else. If we had 11 Wheaters on the pitch I really don't think we would be anywhere close to the relegation battle.
The sooner we look at improving these issues and the sooner this club will perform more consistently for me.
Sports psycologists are not always the answer. We need a coach / mentor / whoever who can transmit these qualities to the team and the club as a whole.
We are missing a spark, some magic, the pride and the air of the winning mentality and never say die attitude. Boeteng had this too.
Xavier talked about it often and I personally think his words ring true. We don't have a rubbish team, we actually half a half decent team that could improve more if we changed mindsets and attitudes. We have a great stadium and very good training facilities with a very good academy.
Personally, a big clearout behind the scenes with the right type of people, fresh ideas, open minds and new motivations would go a long way to solving many of our age old problems.
The pursuit of excellence is a phrase I have used in the past and I personally think that this is what we are lacking.
I don't have any vendettas and have no problems with any of the people at this club, I just passionately feel that it's way past time for big change, that's all.
TB
The situation must improve. Alves must be given game time he will score the goals needed to keep Boro up. I watched the game via satellite in SA and sometimes it seems the team don't believe they can stay up -Tuncay apart.
Some tricky fixtures coming up but Stoke Bolton and Hull and Fulham this is where 8 points plus are needed. If they show the same hunger as Stoke next week them there is 3 points to take -I will watch from a far again hoping that they will not be the battle of the Boro's this time next year, MBoro v PBoro.
I posted a while back that I was finished with football, too predictable at the top, too heartbreaking in Boro land. Then amazingly we stuffed liverpool, and I thought that at least we were trying.
Then Saturday, oh my God! if Portsmouth are only one place better than us then god help us against Stoke. The Liverpool performance was stunning in the effort, creativity and sheer guts from Boro.
I wouldn't mind losing games if we showed that endeavour every week, but we are seemingly incapable of that. Message to Southgate and team: lets at least go down fighting, kicking and screaming, let the PL know that we care. At the moment I don't think they do.
Survival depends on getting points on the board, most of us were looking at four from Pompey and Stoke. After 92 minutes we were needing all four from the Stoke match!
Defeat at the Brittania is as unthinkable as would have been the loss to Pompey.
We need some wins, going into the last five matches with the current relative positions would leave us exposed to say the least. We were looking at needing 9 or 10 points in the run starting with last Saturdays match. That dynamic has not changed, we now need an average of at least two points a match before the visit to Arsenal.
Saturday was dire but it is gone now, luckily we are no further adrift. I was going to get my ticket for Stoke after the match but the need to get to the pub over rode such considerations.
A thought on Alves, when he was played through for a one on one on James there was only ever likely to be one outcome with the best shot stopper and against the best goalie hitter. I am surprised Alves doesnt take over the role of warming the keeper up pre match, that would be another off the wage bill.
To Paul Bell, if you think Alves is going to get goals to keep us up, you are on cloud nine. get real man the guy is not good enough, how many chances does he want, or for that matter how many have you given him this season.
How dare he criticise the fans after the torrent of dross he has managed to turn out over almost three seasons. Where is the chairman taking him to task ?
McClaren was slagged after a three game unbeaten run , I think this man should think himself lucky that we have not turned long ago. The non sacking of him after the Cardiff debacle will always be Gibsons folly..
It is amazing it has taken so long for the crowd to turn on the players. Possibly if it had happened earlier in the season Mr Gibson would have had to do something(remember Robbo). Therin lies the reason for our demise.
The buck stops at the top in this game as in all other enterprises. It should have been obvious to SG that GS was not the man for the job earlier in the season(after the Chelsea home humiliation for example) but he has been stubborn in his backing not wanting to be proven wrong.
I hope that if we do go down (as seems inevitable) that SG comes out and apologises to the fans for getting it wrong. I remember Keith Lamb saying that inevitably the fans will get the club they deserve, my reply to that would be that the club deserves the fans they get,which is entirely different.
KL also has put the missing 10,000 fans down to the ridiculous notion that we get crowds in good prortion to the size of the town (150,000) but may i remind him there are 650,000 people in the Tees Valley region alone all within easy reach of the stadium.
It is about time the people running the club started to come out and accept their responsibility over the clubs decline,and stop blaming other pie in the sky reasons.There is still time (although it is likely too late) to get someone in that the players wiill respond to.Over to you Mr Gibson.
"Paul Bell said:
Its a shame Alfonso missed that difficult chance at the end of the game as I thought he was immense. We are certainties to stop up if Gareth persists with the Brazilian predator. He will get us the goals that will guarantee our Premiership survival"
Is this some kind of wind-up comment from a Mackem??
Paul, the only thing immense about Alves is the size of his transfer fee. If you define yet another weedy contribution and yet another ghastly miss as "immense" that must make Peter Crouch the equivalent of Eusebio. Alves shows no sign of improving or changing and has been, sadly, a disaster.
An increasingly inept manager demonstrated again his inability to motivate and focus a team to do a job. It is getting worse and worse, and all those that are desperately trying to extract 'positives' - i.e. a point is better than nothing - surely know very well that it is wins and wins only that give teams in our position a chance.
The only thing positive about Sat is that it keeps my 35 point prediction well and truly on track.
I think that the general feeling after Saturday's match was relief that we managed to secure a point but frustration that Pompey were there for taking three points.
But at the end of the day we are in this situation because we are not taking these points. We gave Pompey so much space and respect it was obvious they were going to score. One good outcome was that the team never gave up fighting until the final whistle.
I understand the fans frustration at the players on Saturday but I cannot support the fans chanting "we only have one player" - we seem to have a great team spirit at the Boro and they seem to want to support each other. If the fans start to single out players we are going to start getting cracks appearing. Don't we have enough to contend without losing the dressing room.
We are in a dog fight now until the end of the season so lets get our sleeves rolled up and put up a good fight. Remember the European nights when we were dead and buried - the fans carried the team through the early rounds. Lets do that again and secure Premiership survival !!!
How dare GS have a go at the only people in the ground who have remained consistent - this season and we pay for that privilege.
He praises his team every single week and we are second bottom.
He defends clangers by looking back and praising other performances.
He plays players out of position as the pass from Taylor to Alves confirmed.
He picks faces not form, which he actually admitted was one of his biggest mistakes.
He has taken us to a position where we are there for the taking if any team passes the ball.
We are slowly been hanged and no-one seems to give one iota inside the club. When they do speak they end up saying it wrong as they lack a communications person. Only Steve Gibson says it right, but its all gone quiet over there.
I am keeping the faith though.
For the first time this season, Southgate appeared to be positively seething in his post match interview. Unfortunately though, he was seething with the fans and not the players! Unbelievable.
The abcence of GON is extremely fishy. It would surpise me if he tore his hamstring running to meet the Pompey reps on Friday night.
A team wanting to stay up need togetherness, to scrap, a team spirit, and an inspirational captain. A squad including a collective of players who wish to leave and know they won't be here next year shouldn't be in the squad. By this reasoning I'd leave Alves Shawky and GON at home, make Tuncay Captain. I don't include SD in this as although he won't be here, he obviously cares and had an off day on sat.
You also need a midfield that can scrap, run, and pass accurately and intelligently. Arca does not meet any of these criteria and is poor beyond belief
Most of the teams at the bottom have this already, particularly Stoke and Blackburn. I only hope that King's last gasper can instill this amongst them this week. We will certainly need it in abundance on Sat, or we will be turned over
On to Stoke. I say go at 'em early doors to quieten their fans as "we know that the tests have been done and their ground has the best atmosphere in the league this year". The last quote is Southgates own so let's see what he does about it.
How dare Southgate critisice the fans in any way after the rubbish served up for 85 mins, and for nigh on three seasons.
He's extremely lucky we havent turned on him although I heard a few "bye bye Southgate" chants. Maybe the fans should have turned on him two seasons ago and possibly we might not be in this dire position.
His transfer dealings have been a disaster, £20m spent on Alves and Mido are testament to his nous in the market. Its not the fans, Keith Lamb or Viduka's wage demands, he only has himself to blame.
I would play Alves from now on - he might just get a couple of 'lucky goals'. At least he hits the target. We certainly won't score the goals required to stay up from the rest of the team, so we might as well give him yet another chance.
That was clearly pointed out on MOTD on Saturday. Where are the goals coming from?
Across the season I've seen the odd reasonable performance but the majority of it has called out for better attacking options.
One of the games where I thought we looked dangerous, even though we didn't score, was the Man City game. That formation, that style, I feel is what is missing.
AV, for 70 mins you said Boro were useless. The remaining 20 mins we improved with two out and out strikers on the pitch and I think that is what we need.
Too many times this season we have failed to get the best out of the players we have. At the end of last season, when Alves scored 6 in 7 games, I thought we finally had that player who was going to finish for us.
This season he's been a huge disappointment. Yet when I see him play, I still feel he could be important to the team. But he is limited. I feel he needs to have a big man up front, someone to do his work for him so that he doesn't have so much to do but apply the finish.
Tuncay, a player who everyone seems to love because he runs around like a headless chicken, has failed this season. I feel the problem is that he is neither a striker nor a midfielder. For him to play I think he needs a striker up front who he can work off and Alves is not that player.
We've lacked invention in midfield, considering all of our midfielders are defensive minded and our "star" player, Downing, has failed to hit the heights of last seasons nine goals. In fact he's failed to hit the net at all and has only just raised his game since the January fiasco.
I feel if we want to stay up then consistency is the key and we need to just pick our strikeforce and stick with it. Alves up front with either King/Aliadiere would be my preference but it has to be two strikers. I think this is the only formation that will get us goals. Downing and Johnson on the wing.
Where does this leave Tuncay? Maybe he needs to be in midfield, since we lack midfielders now, along with a holding midfielder.
Again Alves missed against Portsmouth, but not one of our other strikers would have made the run in the first place so I'd go with Alves because he's the best of a useless bunch and his luck has to change soon!
Without this, continuing with our current formation, I fear we will go down.
Apparently thieves broke into Alves' house. Nothing was taken but they did leave behind some DVDs:
"Not hitting the 'keeper - a strikers guide" and
"The crap forward's guide to getting the ball in the net"
There was a lot of disrespect at the Riverside on Saturday - but from the Manager and his so called professionals!
To actually expect support for a weak, insipid, uninspired, frightened, clueless shambolic excuse for a football team totally amazes me. Another soft goal from set play, Alves missing another "one on one", Arca actually included in the squad, Tuncay finally proving what a true midfield player looks like (after 18 months of myself and others on here begging Gareth to give it a try). Come on Gareth, get real, you are the most fortunate individual to ever manage a Premiership team.
The Boro fans started their vocal discontent after a few years, most clubs fans start dishing out stick after half a dozen games of poor results.
The tactical views and opinions of the fans have been ignored, fair enough if you are doing the business but when its abundantly clear that it isn't working and that you have no alternatives of your own to offer then something has to change.
I still hope we can stay up but it depends upon other teams being a lot worse than us because Gareth certainly does not possess the skill, knowledge and experience to alter the current situation. The very fact that the players turn up when it suits them (e.g. Liverpool) only highlights this.
We fans seen the signs over a year ago, we advised and warned about it yet still continued to support the Team until it became untenable on Saturday.
As a Boro fan I feel totally and utterly disrespected. Where is the heart and fight in those players? if Tuncay can show determination, pride and "never say die" then what on earth is going on in the heads of the rest of them. There is no leadership on or off the pitch, (and the unthinkable) even SG's leadership is now being questioned.
Stoke City's fans as Gareth has pointed out create a tremendous atmosphere and asks that Boro's fans do the same. There is a major difference between the two clubs however. Stoke's players and Managemennt team are performing way above the level of their Fans expectation. Every game they fight, battle and scrap for every point as though it was their last opportunity to survive.
We have a far superior squad on paper, as a club we have an established Premiership pedigree versus Stoke being odds on for the drop before they even kicked off the season. So what then what separates the two clubs sets of supporters? It's easy! passion, spirit, belief, attitude, hunger, willingness, etc. etc. but its not from the terraces, its from the Stoke players on the pitch emanating it out towards the terraces and their fans responding.
Take a long hard look in the mirror Gareth, you have a very short time frame to grab a hold on reality and become what we collectively all originally had hoped for you! You once done it on the pitch now take that same spirit from deep within, forget what your coaching badges have drained out of you and go back to being Gareth Southgate, inspirational Captain and Leader.
God knows what Beattie and Ricardo Fuller will do to that defence on saturday. There will be so many high balls fired into the box Wheater and Huth will have headaches for a month.
Our midfield was awol against Pompey. Arca is a liability and why was Downing switched to the right,he never got one decent cross in after johno came on. We looked relegated on saturday and any more performances like that we could be too far behind to catch up before the month is out. I will go so far as to say if we dont beat stoke the games up.
Well, not only do we not get three points, but a kick in the face.
Is Southgate saying "its disrespectful to the rest of the players" for basically shouting tuncay was the only one working his socks off? How he has the cheek is completely beyond me. We expect performances, or at least a level of determination. Nobody was trying, and only Tuncay looked as though he wanted to win that game.
I still think King is not our answer, and dont rate him at all. And for everyone saying Alves' chance was a glaring miss, really have no idea what they are on about. If he didnt hit the ball when he did, the keeper would have narrowed the angle and he would have stood less chance of scoring. He didnt get the contact he wanted, and it was unlucky, but, we didnt even deserve a point out of that game.
Southgate has to go attacking minded at stoke. You can start with Alves on the bench, because although he has missed a few, he still looks like the most likely person to score cause he always gets himself into the right places.
I hear we are short of midfielders, so why not go attacking and play Downing, Tuncay, Walker and Johnson in midfield, with Alves and either Aliadiere or King upfront. Attack! we need the points, simple as that!
COME ON BOROOO!!
Hi AV, always enjoy your column. Keep up the good work.
Having thought about it, why don't we have the following formation?
Jones
Hoyte, Huth, Wheater, Taylor;
Walker;
Johnson, Tuncay, Downing;
King, Alves
That's attack minded, removes the redundant Arca, and King takes the "physical work" off Alves' plate. We know that we'll get a committed performance from Walker and Tuncay in central midfield, and is a better alternative to Shawky and Arca. What do you think?
PeterboroAngel and John
Even given Alves shortcomings and his 'I'm off to Benfica' stuff, I have to say I agree with you that Alves should play at Stoke.
3 reasons:-
1) Finding an eleven that have got any form and haven't said they want to be away will be impossible anyway.
2) Alves v. any decent Prem goalie is 'no contest' in favour of the goalie. But Sorensen isn't a decent Prem goalie. If the twelve million Brazilian can count on any Prem goalie to be in the wrong place when he belts the ball straight at where they should be (what is laughingly referred to as Alves' technique) it's Sorensen. If he gets one on one with him he might even be able to beat him too.
3) The only hope I saw for the loan of King was to partner him with Alves. Neither are much cop but at least they complement each other. Alves can't head the ball and starts left to come in to the centre. King is the opposite. Because of the benching of Alves and the unavailability of King there has been no chance to give this a real chance.
So, (and I'm having my bumps felt as I type this!!) I would start those two up front.
Tuncay has to play. So, I would play a midfield 'diamond' with Tuncay at the head of it and 'in the hole' behind the front two. Tell him to roam where he likes and do his thing.
The Stoke defence - like the rest of their side - is built for aerial attack not for the sort of cleverness on the ground that Tuncay can provide and even an Alves run might trouble them - if he can manage one or two without the imaginary 'boot laces tied togther' stumbles he usually produces.
I'd play Stewie on the left of the diamond and a bit narrower than he normally plays. We need to counter Etherington on their left so I'd start Josh Walker on the right of the diamond with Gary O'Neil injured.
At the base of the diamond you need a Matt Bates or a Digard who has the discipline to hold and nothing else - but neither are available. Assuming O'Neil is crocked, and though it galls me to say it - because he's not that good and he's another refusenik - I think that means Shawky, with instructions to limit his role.
The only other alternative is to 'square peg' another defender - either Wheats or Huth.
Arca and Aliadiere have to be benched. I'd like to find a place for Johnno but can't and I'm afraid Emnes has to warm the bench again.
The back four will probably be as last Saturday. Pogi is vulnerable at left back but his height will be needed to contest the set pieces and long throws. He will likely be against Lawrence rather than a tricky winger. If Pogi's injured then I guess it will be the back four that finished the game on Saturday. If Wheats or Huth get square pegged into midfield then Pogi comes into the centre and Tayls to left back.
I'd like to say that I'm confident but I just think the above is just making the best of a bad job.
At least Boro will be absolved of the responsibilities and terrors of playing at home!
I don't care if he's a nice bloke. HE CANNOT MANAGE A FOOTBALL TEAM. This has been obvious for over two years. Even now, he should show he has some dignity and not hang on for the big payoff that will come with the sack. Given the hash he makes of every single aspect of managing, having no one at all would be preferable.
As Cromwell said to the Long Parliament and some lord said to Chamberlain:
"You have sat too long here for any good you have been doing. Depart, I say, and let us have done with you. In the name of God, go!"
Maybe the players will have taken heed of their fans when they heard 'we've only got one player' being chanted. If all eleven showed the energy levels Tuncay displays results may just start to come our way.
Midfield against Stoke? Well we wont need a ball winner because Stoke bybass midfield via the aerial route, so Arca and Shawky (it doesn't bear thinking about!!)
Like Paul Bell and others above I think Alves played well. But that's not what we bought him for!
I've replayed his last minute shot several times in my head and he scores every time. I was in the North Stand directly behind the shot and it looked a horrendous miss. It looked a bit more difficult on MOTD and he really didn't have more than a milisecond to get his shot away. As someone pointed out above, at least he got there. I too would continue to give him his chance, and I too would pair him with King, with Tuncay supporting.
JP - you are a brilliant tactician! Can you take over as manager next season? Sadly, I'm not sure GS shares your vision. I really hope I'm wrong, but I sense that he will play a defensive formation at Stoke. I'll be there, cheering on the lads (all the lads, not just one), but I can't say I approach the game with any optimism.
Pompey's goal typifies our team under GS.They take a short corner, player unmarked and given time to cross, Crouch given time to pick his spot and scores.How many times has this scenario happened this season?
Our full backs all season have been getting caught in no mans land and when the inevitable cross comes in our opponents may have two 2 players in the box against our five defenders and yet they are still given space to score.
It really is schoolboy stuff and the manager should only be allowed to get away with once or twice a season if at all, yet it seems to be happening every game almost. This raises the question of whether SG has a football brain (he obviously has a business brain), or whether he is being stubborn in his backing of GS.
I notice that Terry Venables is fancying another go at managing again and has been linked with Newcastle. I think he would keep us up and would be a good bet for the short or long term future of the club whereas on the evidence of this season we dont have a future.
If GS does stay he has got to play the following team:
Jones, Mcmahon, Grounds, Wheater, Huth, Johnston, O'Neil, Tuncay, Downing, King and Alves - and he has got to tell them to be positive and go for broke.But therein lies another question. Do the players take any notice of what GS says to them? If not he should have resigned or been sacked ages ago.
I wonder what Southgate is telling the lads ? "You're a good team," "Be cool and calm in your approach" "Believe in your ability" ?
Well I'm afraid we're not, and they shouldn't !!!
We have proved in too many games this season that we dont have the bottle to take a game by the scruff of neck and dominate the opposition. If not skillfully then by physically wanting it more than them.
Half our squad seem to be already looking for new clubs. Alves, Downing, Johnson, Tuncay. O'Neil, Shawky - all linked with other clubs. Wheater will have offers although, I dont think he's had a great season.
This to me looks like a mass walkout, even if we do manage to scap our way out of this. It doesn't sound like anyone's willing to stick around for Southgate or Gibson. Maybe it is the empty seats and lack of atmosphere that they are fed up with? Perhaps Cattermole and Woodgate have been gloating about what its like to play for a progressive club? Maybe they have lost faith in the clubs direction as stated by Downing and Mido?
What I do know is so far in every six pointer they have not looked up for it, no matter what the manager says. The other team have wanted it more than us and that can only be coming from the way the team prepares and the message the the management give out.
I was all for giving Southgate the benefit of the doubt, but even his calmness is starting to wind me up. Time for some fighters but it could be too late..
It cant get any worse so against Stoke we might as well go for it
What ever happens this season we need to clear the dead wood -
Southgate, Arca, Shawky, Alves, Poggy, Huth, O'Neil and along with downing going. Let's have a fresh start for the championship.
It's time to get real
"We've only got one player"? Bloody right!
Anybody else heard about a £10 Million bid from Liverpool for David Wheater come the summer?
"Mally P said:
It is about time the people running the club started to come out and accept their responsibility over the club's decline and stop blaming other pie in the sky reasons".
Here, here. The business model that the club operates under is way, way past its sell by date and in any other business would have been changed long before now. Let's face it, the more things stay the same, the more things stay the same. If we do actually stay up, does anyone honestly expect anything any better next season?
Terrible game yet again. We have the worst midfield in the premiership hence why we are in the position we are in. I don't blame the strikers we don't create anything. In the summer we sold our 3 first choice midfielders and replaced them with one midfielder who had been crocked for nearly a year.
However - at last - Southgate decided to play Tuncay where he should have been playing him all season, in the centre of the park. His energy and drive from that position revitalised the team. He must play here from now until the end of the season with two up top, Alves and Aliadiere.
If Southgate had got his tactics right, if he had played Boro's strongest team in every match we would be nowhere near the position we are in. It's damn bad management and a sad indictment on our manager that we are in the position we are in. Tuncay played brilliantly for Turkey in the summer, where did he play? In midfield yet Southgate in all his wisdom decided to convert a centre back who rarely played into a central midfield player rather than play an established international in that position. It makes no sense.
I am so disillusioned with his management. Look at Newcastle another team that on paper is far too good to go down. But a bad manager and instability at the club means it doesn't matter how good your team is on paper you struggle.
Fingers crossed the suspension and injuries means Southgate's hands are tied and he is forced to play Tuncay in midfield as otherwise Southgate would have him back up front next game when his guile and cunning in the middle of the pitch could make all the difference.
For what it's worth, can I support the line up suggested by Dean at 2.41pm?
We don't have the quality of players (with a few exceptions) in the team to be challenging near the top of the League. However we should not be at the foot of the table.
The players are underperforming. The responsibility for that rests partly with the players (some of whom are letting themselves down) and partly with management (which doesn't seem capable of motivating the players apart from the once-in-four-months Liverpool performance). The one group of people who couldn't possibly be to blame is the crowd, even if GS tried to be diplomatic about it.
Next season, most of us will be still be here, though maybe 5 or 6,000 will be shaved from the crowd. Maybe the manager will be here, too, on the basis that the Board knows he is operating under constraints imposed by them.
The better players are not likely to be here, and so there will be a considerable saving on the wage bill. Some sales will perhaps help to reduce the club's debt, so not much will be available for replacement players unless they are from the lower leagues.
We will have a squad consisting of a few players prepared to give it another year or so, and a load of the academy graduates. They are likely to show more heart and commitment than has always been evident this season, but will lack the experience which is likely to be needed to get out of a tough Championship. We will have a parachute payment, but will be aware it is limited in size and in time.
Most of us on here realise it will be VERY bad for the club to be relegated, and that it is likely to be a long term relegation. We are not going to able to buy a player the match of a Merson this time around, and the remaining squad wouldn't be on his wavelength even if we did.
All in all, then, does anyone on this blog think there is the remotest chance that the "people in charge" might do something about it? Because, remarkably, we are still not cast adrift and it is within our hands to get out of this situation. That will not remain the position for much longer - if we keep on failing to win the "must win games" there is only one possible result (and it is spelt "Barnsley", "Preston" or "Blackpool").
However bad our situation is, it would be incomparably worse as a result of relegation. So where is the fight to avoid it?
It would have taken a Raul-like split second reaction but AA's last minute chance might have succeed if he had dummied to the left as James came out leaving an open goal to roll into.
But we didn't buy Raul or anyone like it.
John, Aus
Paul puts forward a strong arguement for playing Tuncay in midfield, but I reckon it will be a miracle if GS does it against Stoke.
We'll almost certainly play one up with maybe Tuncay behind. My guess is that we will have Arca and either Walker/Shawky central, not exactly a line up to strike fear into the opponents!
Same old same old: Players wearing lead boots fearing a loss instead of going for it and playing the type of football that we can play- that is the most frustrating thing.
I dont think you can fix it Gareth but would love to be proved wrong. Just out of interest- we are gonna get relegated unless you Gee the players up and get more attack minded. If we dont think you've got it Gate then do the players ?
Most of the team seems ill with fear.
I think Southgate has a point that Saturday's chant " we've only got one player" was disrespectful to the rest but I would suggest he looks at a video of the first 70 minutes. If he does he will surely realise that at many other stadia " what a load of rubbish or Southgate out " might have been heard.
Take Downing out of the equation and what is left in midfield is the worst in 11 years in the Premier League. Of course it's sods law that the two who are good enough Digard and O'Neill are injured but in dead legs Arca and two others playing out of position it is woeful.
It's time to take the shackles off and if we are going to be demoted at least do so by attacking and trying to win the four games needed to try to stay up. I'm totally with John Powls-play two forwards with Tuncay as the attacking midfielder behind for the next four games.
**AV writes: The point made in your first paragraph is one I have addressed at length in my Gazette Big Picture column today.
AV and Stockton Red
I posted earler: "As a non booer, I think Gates comments that the fans were disrespectful to many of the players by cheering Tuncay missed the point. The alternative was a shellacking of the rest."
There is a mix of frustration, fear, resignation and that is just the players. For the fans there is also anger.
It was interesting to watch Uncle Eric on the pompey reaction video. The fact it seemed the studio was shrouded in mist just about summed up the fact he is as baffled as the rest of us.
I await delivery of my Stoke ticket with some trepidation. The last away match I saw live at West Brom was appalling and the uber loyal fans vented their spleen, a repeat would bring on a chorus of disapproval we have not heard for some time.
It is difficult not to have sympathy for the fans, they keep turning up but the players dont. John Powls last banter about will the club be joining Gazette's campaign to keep the faith hits the nail firmly on the head.
And I still will support it, no booing from me but it is difficult to condemn others when served up with such rubbish.
If the Liverpool and Portsmouth games revealed one thing its that in the League the team is crippled by fear. It's not that they can't play but without confidence and belief it becomes impossible to play to your ability.
Whatever else, we have to go for broke - two strikers, two wingers, no disabling defensive 'can't afford to lose' mentality but a positive attacking 'fight to the death' approach in which we accept we'll lose some but might just win some as well.
What's been tried this season hasn't worked, and still isn't working - we have to change it. There is no more time, and for now the post-mortem can wait. For fans and players alike the approach from now until the end of the season has to be that 'failure is not an option.'
Agree with rest about Alves and King. They did well without scoring at city but it was their first game together. Having the two out and out strikers regardless of their obvious limitations caused concern in the Pompey defence.
With the Turk in behind them will at least prevent Stoke pushing too many up.
I think we can suprise Stoke 2-1
Steve Gibson is widely admired for his loyalty to his managers. Compared to clubs like Newcastle, Tottenham amd Man City, the resulting stability is to be applauded. However, you can have too much of a good thing - Gibson perserveres when managers are past the point of no return.
Robbo was well on his way to a second relegation before Venables belatedly saved us. McClaren gave us early success but then lost the plot. The team and results were in decline by the time England baled us out.
In contrast, Southgate hasn't had a sniff of success - even when given a clear route to Wembley last season. After nearly three years the squad is significantly weaker and performances and results have deteriorated. Southgate advocated fluid, attacking football. In reality, two-thirds of games have been drab and boring, while several have been dire. Worse, we are the lowest scorers in the entire league.
His player judgement has too often been faulty, Alves being the obvious example. However many others are barely adequate and none, with the probable belated exception of Tuncay, that have made an impact. Unlike Bolton, Everton, Blackburn and Stoke, Southgate's teams have rarely made the best of limited resources.
My fear is that we escape relegation and Gibson might still back Southgate. We are clearly heading in the wrong direction and there are no 'green shoots'. Gibson's loyalty is so misplaced there is the possibility he would stick by Southgate even if we're relegated!
Av
Where do we find the big picture column?
**AV writes: It doesn't usually go on gazettelive, what with it being a premium bums-on-seats added value element of the print product but I will dig it out and stick it up as a new blog for all you exiles.
Never booed and never will.
Watched Peterboro go down to 10 men after 7 minutes on Saturday. They should have lost by four or five goals, but the spirit shown was immense. Three goal line clearances in added time, with defenders throwing themsilves in the way of shots.
Peterboro won 1-0.
What a contrast to what happened at the Riverside. The lack of spark and spirit is the most concerning thing. I hope Saturday isn't a repeat of the West Brom game, but it could easily happen.
I agree with the earlier point that we should go into a game to win it, not to try not to lose it - especially against the teams around us.
Only a point against Pompey only prolongs the agony for me. It delays the inevitable because it gives us that little bit to hang on to. I said before the Pompey game that we need 9 points from the next five games. One down eight to go!
I agree with tim from sa and Nigel (Mumbai).
Against Stoke we need to play two strikers and Tuncay in midfield, we need to send a big signal to our own players and to Stoke that Boro have turned up to win, put Stoke on the back foot and play some football.
Is there a credible alternative to Tuncay in midfield? Is Arca better than Tuncay in the middle? Clearly not. It's time for some bravery now from GS.
Alves: record price, makes Maccarone look capable. Southgate promised attacking, entertaining football. If Alves was the fulcrum for that: total failure.
Jones & Turnbull: as everybody feared - not Premiership standard. Cost us goals & crucial points. Southgate stuck his neck out with this decision and has been proven wrong.
Fragile keepers, the failure to score, lack even of any goal threat is costing us our Premiereship place. Managers live or die by player judgements - Southgate has consistently got it wrong.
AV
Is the Gazette going to be like MFC? Just because I live 140 miles away am I a second class citizen
You can support all you like, you can have a season or Boro Pride card, you can buy as much merchandise as you like, travel the length and breadth of the country to support your team, you can pay to watch football matches (nearly choked on the football bit!) but if you want anything meaningful out of the MFC website you have to pay more and subscribe to Boro World.
In Lambs words you are either with us (but show us your subscription) or agin us (and get no commentary cos you wont pay extra).
Maybe the Gazette will become pay as you read.
**AV writes: Shhhh, don't give them any ideas. The Gazette is a multi-platform operation and you cyber-sussed web-site users get loads of things the paper only readers don't get... Untypical Boro for instance.
With respect to team sports, the breakdown of collective teamwork ultimately is the most significant factor surrounding Failure. And by “collective” I refer to fans, management, players and directors alike.
To see and hear the fans revolting against the management and the players is sorry evidence of a complete loss of faith and loss of support.
And to see it happening at Boro at such a crucial stage of the season is very disappointing. The rival relegation battlers must be loving it.
"we only have one player" ... was that chant a more motivational factor, than what has been given by the manager in the dozen or so games prior to Liverpool?
We have heard many times of post match comments made along the lines of we must learn from our mistakes. So now we need to win games, so could two up front, two genuine wide players, and Tuncay in a midfield without Arca be the way to get points? We only need to achieve three more than West Brom, Stoke, and the Mags between now and the end.
I have already posted on this but I just have to say nikeboro is totally wrong. I havent agreed with a lot of Southgates decision making, but i have to say, sticking with Turnbull and Jjones has been a very good decision. Look at how sorenson plays, and we were linked with him. He is awful.
Anyway, good luck at the weekend Boro
Nugent was offside as well as interfering with play when Crouch 's " goal " was given.
I totally agree with Dean about team selection. Bates sending off was harsh and typifies the attitude of refs & linesmen towards Boro players. Maybe they have all bet on us to be relegated !!