Scintillating display as Blues turn on the style
A significant event took place before the game on Friday night when Paul Richardson and Maxi Lopez moved Craig Gardener out of his seat in the directors box and sat next to one of the Chinese directors of BHS. That seemed to be a definite statement that Blues will almost definitely be in new ownership very soon.
Two tough games Blues were expected to lose and yet there they are sitting pretty at the top end of the division and looking like a proper football team at long last.
I have no idea what Eustace has done to this team but long may it continue as the skill, enthusiasm, and aggression they showed certainly enthused the Blues faithful who were in full voice urging the team on which created a wonderful atmosphere that was soaked up by the players.
Blues did start to wilt during the last twenty minutes of the game but that is not surprising after such a short period under the coaching of John Eustace. The team was well organised and apart from the goal scored by the opposition, Blues always looked in control against a very good Terriers team.
Why then is this team of players that looked so ordinary last season now playing like a Championship top six side? The new boys all played a crucial role. The defence with the addition of Sanderson and Trusty has solidified a previous brittle back three while Ruddy looks a commanding figure in goal. Placheta was one of the best players on view and deserved his goal. Hogan scored a peach of a goal but more importantly led the line well putting Huddersfield’s defence under constant pressure by chasing down the ball and looking every inch a class striker.
As he was subbed off the pitch he was rightly loudly applauded by an appreciative crowd.
Is this the start of something big? It’s too early to say but if they continue to improve on that performance Blues will have no trouble keeping a position in the top end of the division.
Eustace has stated that the team will improve and if they do then anything is possible this season and for proof of that, you only have to look at what happened to Nottingham Forest last season.
I watched Burnley and Norwich over the weekend and both played well but they are no Fulham or Bournemouth and although I think they will both have good seasons I do not expect any of the three teams who dropped out of the Premier League to dominate the Championship.
there was a lot of praise for all the players and quite rightly too and man of the match could have been any of the eleven that started the game but one player that stuck out for me was Max Colin. He hardly put a foot wrong and dominated the right-hand side linking up well with Bacunna, Placheta, Woods, and JJ,
Next up will be Norwich and the League cup at Carrow Road. I expect both teams to make wholesale changes with youngsters like Chang, Bellingham, Campbell, Oakley, Mitch Roberts, Hall if fit, together with Friend, Juke, Cosgrove, and Odin Bailey. It will be tight but on current form, Blues could easily snatch a win. 2-1 Blues.
So easy to carried away but lets not forget we are only 2 games into the season. The test will be when injuries start creeping in over the winter months but yes it has been an excellent start. We have a small squad and that alone could catch up with us.
Agree,good start BUT still a little concerned about the Placheta situation.He did have a outstanding game going forward but in the second half Huddersfield’s No.7.got in behind him so many times and it was from that side their goal came,also Placheta did drift into the middle and I am afraid that a top class side will exploit that weakness.Trusty needs to cover Placheta at all times when he ventures forward,if not we will be found out because Plachetas natural instincts are to go forward but you do need to be very disciplined.
Placheta Was pushed forward and friend went in the left back position. In those dying minutes of the game.
Thanks Tracey, another of your comments full of one negative after another. Unhappiness is what keeps you going. It is very difficult to truly support BCFC. Keep trying and you’ll get the hang of it one of these days.
It was an excellent display on Friday and with just a month into his tenure Eustace has got them playing as a whole team that each knows their jobs as opposed to a team of clueless individuals. I’m sticking by my prediction of a mid table finish and as long as we don’t get too many injuries again I really think that’s achievable this season. One thing I noticed the other night though was how much the players seemed to be enjoying themselves, long may it continue. Kro.
Thank you for your thoughtful analysis Tracey
I am a season ticket holder and entitled to my views.l want to see my team in the Premiership like everyone else but l was just pointing out in this particular instance where l thought there was a weakness and l still think better teams will exploit those weaknesses.
On the evidence of two games Placheta looks a major upgrade. Close control, skilful and effective. A crowd pleaser who plays like we’d all wish we could.
Main downside is that the energy he’s asked to expend getting up and down probably means he’s done around 70 mins. But not a problem. If it gets us more goals, it means the opposition instead of us are chasing the game more often.
Bacuna, James, Colin, Hogan and Roberts (without his long throw thank god) are other stand outs so far.
But we’re still in fingers crossed territory.
Tracey Tyler’s comments have never been negative. Over the awful seasons we have suffered TT has always come up with useful analysis. Good example is that of the ousting of left attacking wing back Steve Seddon. This player should never have been allowed to leave Blues. My advice to Tracey is never try to justify your comments- they are never negative.