What's new
PNE Online
Welcome to PNE-Online. Why not register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox! You can also join up as a forum Patron to help support in the running costs of the forum.

McCann LWB

Randall Flagg

Randall Flagg

Patron
Joined
Sep 11, 2004
Messages
20,899
Location
Preston
Be interested to hear thoughts on this today. He's clearly not the answer here. He's too good to be playing out of position but I thought he was a breath of fresh air today. Instantly improved our play, was positive, played forward passes and linked the play well. Was good to see him get minutes.
 
Thought he did alright going forward, and 1v1 was his usual self, but as when he played RWB his positioning was off again. Couple of occasions after coming on their RW got in behind because McCann wasn’t aware he was there when a long ball came over the top
 
jamesOB said:
Thought he did alright going forward, and 1v1 was his usual self, but as when he played RWB his positioning was off again. Couple of occasions after coming on their RW got in behind because McCann wasn’t aware he was there when a long ball came over the top
Click to expand...
I'd agree that the only concern I had was on his positioning when not in possession. He did look a bit lost at times but generally did OK. Going forward though he was far more positive and crucially more decisive/quicker at moving the ball than Earl. Sped up our play down that side when he came on.
 
He did well but its definitely not his position. He is a midfielder and a very good one at that.

I think he is just unfortunate at the moment that Whiteman has the holding position and is playing well and DJ & Browne are both playing well and top earners with tons of games for us at this level. His time will come.
 
Echo any sentiments that going forward he was good, 1v1 also but his positioning will put him behind Earl at LWB for me. He got lucky a few times that Hughes was there to cover and others the winger stalled his run and allowed McCann to quickly sprint back and win back possession
 
I think we needed him more in the middle today for a bit if extra bite, so I'd have preferred hencane into the middle in place of Browne.
For me, Browne had another off day, he seems easy shrugged off the ball and not in their faces enough, marks space well but not a man... He did make a great last ditch block tackle at a key moment but it seems Lowe will keep his captain on regardless of his form. A bit of a worry as, AN was very guilty of keeping his trusted players on despite their form.

I, like many others really want Earl to be the brave, strong and positive player that we hope he can be, like we're starting to see more of with Potts but I can't see Earl changing. A week link in the side and I'd much rather Ali there.
 
Hughes for me.

Had a transfer window 6 weeks ago to address the LB problem so excuses for that front are null and void.
 
baypne said:
I think we needed him more in the middle today for a bit if extra bite, so I'd have preferred hencane into the middle in place of Browne.
For me, Browne had another off day, he seems easy shrugged off the ball and not in their faces enough, marks space well but not a man... He did make a great last ditch block tackle at a key moment but it seems Lowe will keep his captain on regardless of his form. A bit of a worry as, AN was very guilty of keeping his trusted players on despite their form.

I, like many others really want Earl to be the brave, strong and positive player that we hope he can be, like we're starting to see more of with Potts but I can't see Earl changing. A week link in the side and I'd much rather Ali there.
Click to expand...

Browne also got the assist for the winner. People really underestimate his contribution. Been largely excellent since Lowe came in.
 
Thought McCann was really excellent from the moment he came on. He changed the game. We suddently upped the tempo across the whole team. Suddenly we looked positive and dangerous. McCann didnt look out if place at LWB even though hes hardly played in that position. I know that his first game in that position was a nightmare. But he's clearly a quick learner. Well done McCann and a great subsitition.
 
JK said:
I think Earl needs taking out of the firing line a little bit.
Click to expand...
I agree. He was too slow at trying to move the ball at one stage and got closed down by the touchline. Lowe went mad, instantly walked to the bench and told McCann to get ready. Earl knew he was getting hooked at that point which won't have done his seemingly fragile confidence much good.
 
NG White said:
Who plays LCB though if we push Hughes up to LWB?

Hughes for me is player of the season so far. Leave him where he is.
Click to expand...
Maybe sort term Lindsay could play LWB, played there recently & kept a clean sheet against Forrest, with Hughes playing at LWB.
 
Top