Victory v Newcastle 26/10/07

[Chops]

Lost 0-2
As frustrating as most games have been this season. In 10 games, victory has probably played 40 minutes of good soccer.
Opposition scored early then went defensive as expected.
Victory lacked the flare and imagination needed to beat a side thats camped in defence. Some questionable refereeing but I don't think Victory deserved it. Panteledis was sent of for flying elbow.
A late Newscastle second from a defensive blunder sealed it.

[The Coon Dog]

Ernie, watching the game on TV, it seems as tho the Telstra Dome doesn't allow the ball to travel smoothly over it. Many balls last night didn't make it to their intended targets. Is the grass too long?

[The Underdog]

Couldn't make the game last night as i had to work, but doesn't sound too flash.
A likely Pantelides suspension is going to leave them awfully thin at the back. Even moreso than they already are.

[Chops]

Ernie, watching the game on TV, it seems as tho the Telstra Dome doesn't allow the ball to travel smoothly over it. Many balls last night didn't make it to their intended targets. Is the grass too long?

The surface was worse at the start of the season. Think the grass is ok, no problem for Newcastle in passing the ball.

[Chops]

Couldn't make the game last night as i had to work, but doesn't sound too flash.
A likely Pantelides suspension is going to leave them awfully thin at the back. Even moreso than they already are.

Ljubo will have to play next week. Panta is only a fill in anyway and his form hasn't been crash hot.
VPL defenders are being drafted by all states, it seems so Victory may go that route.

[Sockeye Salmon]

Well that was fun.

If that is all soccer has to offer I think my number 1 summer sport will remain counting the days until footy season starts again.

[borgy]

What would you guys give to get Fred back. His influence on the game is whats been lacking this season for the Victory. Who could step up and provide that role this year? No one looks capable yet...

[The Coon Dog]

What would you guys give to get Fred back. His influence on the game is whats been lacking this season for the Victory. Who could step up and provide that role this year? No one looks capable yet...

Definitely missing Fred for sure borgy. Anyone know how he's going in the States? I haven't seen enough of Hernandez, but what I have seen he lacks Fred's vision. Muscat is probably the best one Victory have who can play someone in with a pass.

[borgy]

Definitely missing Fred for sure borgy. Anyone know how he's going in the States? I haven't seen enough of Hernandez, but what I have seen he lacks Fred's vision. Muscat is probably the best one Victory have who can play someone in with a pass.

When is Muscat due back? He didnt play on Friday but earlier in the week he was almost certain to play.

His experiance will be enormous for the team and thats another spark that is missing from last year, leadership. As soon as the Jets got that early goal heads started to drop.

[Sockeye Salmon]

When is Muscat due back? He didnt play on Friday but earlier in the week he was almost certain to play.

His experiance will be enormous for the team and thats another spark that is missing from last year, leadership. As soon as the Jets got that early goal heads started to drop.

He played last night. He didn't play very well (not Robinson Crusoe there!) but he played.

[dog town]

I think we really lacked a bit of width all game but Ernie obviously has his reasons for not bringing on Caceras earlier. The only time we got a little bit in the second half was when Panta pushed forward and got in behind the defence.

Fred has been slaying them in the MLS. Started a little slowly but saw a report a few weeks ago that had him killing it over in the states.

Hernandez has been good for a few weeks now IMO. He is a different type of player to Fred so should not be compared. Has been brilliant lately holding the ball up and releasing players and has shown some very nice touches. It just took them a while to find the right role for him. Just doesn't have the tank to link up with the strikers all day the way Fred did so they are playing him in more of a genuine midfield role where he can use his creativeness. He is very good on the ball.

I would like to see them play Patafta in a similar role to what Fred played last season.

[Chops]

Definitely missing Fred for sure borgy. Anyone know how he's going in the States? I haven't seen enough of Hernandez, but what I have seen he lacks Fred's vision. Muscat is probably the best one Victory have who can play someone in with a pass.

I'm told he is doing well in the States. Scored and created a few as well.
He is gone forever.
He was a brilliant runner, tireless. Anyone that watch 3-3 draw with CCM last season would atest to that. With 9 men vs 11 after 40 minutes he was everywhere (like 2 men). Its difficult to play with 10 v 11 but to score and create a number of chances with 9 v 11 still boggles me.

Hernandez might be a good player when fit but he is a poor imitation of Fred. Merrick's blunder was to try and replace Fred with someone similar. You can never get the same type. Should have changed the system completely and had 1 or 2 other options for his midfield.

[Chops]

I think we really lacked a bit of width all game but Ernie obviously has his reasons for not bringing on Caceras earlier. The only time we got a little bit in the second half was when Panta pushed forward and got in behind the defence.

I honestly thought the width was better this week than other games. Just to slow in moving it.
I think Caceras is a good bench player and thats it. He has the same impact in the first 10 minutes of a game starting as he does coming off the becnh. He is poor defensively and a bit of a one trick pony.

I would like to see them play Patafta in a similar role to what Fred played last season.
One was a man the other has the body of a little boy. The A-league skill quality might not be great but there is no doubt the Australian game is a physical one and he has already and will be found out here.

[dog town]

One was a man the other has the body of a little boy. The A-league skill quality might not be great but there is no doubt the Australian game is a physical one and he has already and will be found out here. Your probably right but we really need someone with the running ability to be able to link up with the strikers especially on the break. Patafta is the only guy I can see who has the running power and the ability to take guys on with the ball.

Or do we need to play a completely different way and forget about last seasons style of play? Looks like we are already going down that path a little. The last few weeks it looks like we have concentrated on slow patient build ups and knocked the ball around alot more.