I’ll split this post into different sections focussing on various elements of the game that I found interesting…
Back to the Eighties
Wycombe had a player with long hair. Disappointingly, if predictably, this led to constant comments throughout the game from some: “oh, gyppo’s got the ball”; “don’t let gyppo score” etc. There were also occasional chants of “where’s your caravan” and “gyppo” from the Kop. The chants and comments weren’t funny – they were tedious and detracted from a good City performance.
Apparently, for some “kicking racism out of football” means not abusing black players. Gypsies / travellers are still fair game. As far as I’m concerned, these fans can fuck off back to the 1980s where they belong.
Luke O’Brien
City’s homegrown youngster is in fine form at the moment and was my man of the match yesterday. A tigerish performance saw O’Brien make several important interceptions, clearances (one off the line, IIRC), and tackles – as well as making several marauding forward runs. O’Brien’s performances on days like yesterday make me think he’s the best full back we’ve had for a long, long time. At times, he looks so accomplished it’s difficult to believe he’s still only 22 years old. O’Brien also (along with Flynn) played an important part in City’s goal (which I will be watching again when the BBC make the video available online).
The new boys
Dobie impressed me with his movement, his work rate and his footballing intelligence. Ellison was strong and hard-working. He might not have the flair of Omar Daley, but it looks like he will “put in a shift” for City. And scoring on his debut won’t have done him any harm.
Injuries
It was good to see City’s leaders back in the starting line-up together – Flynn and Ramsden have been badly missed this season. The downside is that we have picked up at least two further injuries (I’m not sure whether Worthington was substituted at half-time due to injury or anonymity). James Hanson went off early to be replaced by the enthusisastic Gareth Evans and David Syers was substituted for Williams later on. Both will be missed should they be out of action for forthcoming games.
The officials
I thought the officials had a good game yesterday. I thought the nudge by Lewis Hunt probably merited a penalty, and that Luke O’Brien was unfortunate to be penalised for a foul late on in the game as he ran at the Wycombe defence. Generally though, a good performance from the officials (and that’s not something I say too often).
Work rate
Having attempted to stroll through the Barnet game (with disastrous consequences), City actually went out on Saturday and worked. They got the three points their effort deserved, but the next time I go to Valley Parade I won’t know whether the players are going to turn up or not. It’s no good giving 100% against Wycombe if you come back two weeks later and give 50% against Stockport. That’s how we lost to Barnet…
