Seeing it again, so it was. He did at least manage to put in a couple of decent crosses with his right foot in the first half though.
Some thoughts after returning from a season away: Bachman did his best to rally the troops forward and showed some leadership. Attempting to do an impression of a midfielder is going to lead to him getting lobbed or ran past at least once this season though. *waves both arms forwards and runs to the half way line* That Georgi guy has some skill and sympathy. He felt so sorry for QPR that instead of shooting he passed to the ref on one occasion and on that why was the ref in the same colour as their keeper. we won’t have an easier game this season, QPR we’re dreadful and to the ground, have returned to my ancestral seat in the Rookery. The buying tickets for food and drinks at first seemed a bit silly but it did stop queues. The food whilst expensive was a decent variety. the food servers were as clueless as ever though. 5 of them at times doing one order and giving the wrong thing to the wrong person. I hope they get training… stewards seemed friendly and reasonable to me at times it looked almost as if what had been practiced on the training ground was being carried out by the players, long may that continue
The key will be how we perform when put under some pressure by better teams. QPR just stood off us so much it was relatively easy for such as Louza to pick the passes.
Louza's almost wonder goal (against the bar) was an example of how easy it was for us. QPR gave him so much space to pick his spot it was ridiculous. Given Louza already had a goal and an assist it was criminally bad.
We had just over 70% possession yesterday. Got me wondering how many times that happened last season and how we did in those games. Fbref.com says we had 73% possession against Blackpool (A), Huddersfield (H) and Cardiff (H). Total points haul from those matches? Zero. Fingers crossed we've now got rid of the arrogance that seemed to seep into performances last season and have worked out games won't win themselves. And teams who invite us onto them still need beating.
So, now I've had time to fully digest the match, it was clear, QPR were the perfect opponents for us to start our campaign against. I was hoping that would be the case, but in all honesty, I don't think I've ever seen a worse opponent in the Championship as QPR were. We destroyed them, and they didn't know how to cope. They stood off us, allowing Porteous to progress with the ball to almost the edge of the box. It was just crazy. No one came to close him down. It was like that for the entire first 45 minutes. We let them off the hook at 4-0. Bayo missed an easy chance when he headed straight at Begovic, he also missed when through on goal and lobbed over the advancing keeper but onto the roof of the net. Both Ngakia and Martins were selfish when getting to the byline very close the their goal, and instead of a simple cutback they both tried impossible shots which Begovic was able to parry. We were wonderful in those first 45 minutes, but QPR were as woeful as any team you could possibly imagine. The second half for me, was a concern. It was clear Ainsworth got into them and they actually competed. Once that happened the contest became very even. I think QPR probably had more of the play without really testing us. We still created a lot of shooting opportunities though. Louza hitting the bar with a delightful chip, and Begovic had to make several decent, but expected saves as well. QPR should have scored after 50 odd minutes when a clipped cross to the back post found Dykes unmarked, but he missed the ball completely with an air shot. Apart from that they never opened us up, but Bachmann did fade badly with his passing. He had several near misses where QPR players were just inches away from intercepting. He also delayed clearing the ball and got caught by a closing player, before presenting QPR with their best chance in the final minute. A pass straight to their striker, but luckily even though he was through on goal his tame shot was easily saved for Bachmann's only on target shot to deal with. I thought there were some very good performances yesterday. Ngakia had one of his best ever games in a Watford shirt, so credit to him for that, but I don't trust he will be consistent, as I've seen him have good games in the past, only to be followed by some stinkers. If he keeps the level up from yesterday, he'll be an asset for sure this season. Hoet was also good, but I think he tired towards the end as he made a couple of poor errors. One where he got too close and was turned on the wing. That happens to him a lot. We were very exposed after that, but luckily the move come to nothing. He also dived in, again in the final few minutes, in the penalty area. Any contact at it would have been a penalty. Had that been Vardy, we would know what would have happened. Louza was incredible. His speed, vision and quality was there throughout. I was disappointed to see him go off, but he'd done his work by then. We must retain him this season, it's vital. But his replacement wasn't bad was he? Chakvetdaze is pure quality. The way he controls the ball instantly and he's on the move. He has a trick and is not afraid to shoot. I agree with Ismael, he is going to be a special player and will get people on the edge of their seat. Bayo had one of his better games, but we do need an upgrade. He's ok, but he shouldn't be our main man. What happened to Kalu? Not even on the bench again, but avoided has the cull, so he must be someone Ismael rates. It wasn't all great though. I thought our level went down once Kone, Kayembe and Livermore came on. None of them were impressive. Good game from Martins, but I feel he does need to get better. It was a good opponent for him today, and his goal was brilliantly taken, but he does need to improve, although I think he will.
Louza felt his calf after the second-half shot that hit the bar and it prompted the sub. Hope he's OK as he was fundamental to everything we did well.
Tougher tests to come for sure, but, we are still a work in progress, with new signings to come into the team. Progress is the key, I want to see us making steady improvements in how we implement Vlad's playing style as the season goes on.
Thanks for this. I couldn’t go, so when I saw the 4-0 score line I thought we had played well and won easily. But it sounds like our pre-season concerns are justified, in that there are a host of issues and we were lucky to scrape by against an appalling team. A useful reminder that one should not draw any conclusions from the score line. Dreading next week’s game against stronger opponents.
Comments from a Baggies fan on Leventhal's very brief match report. I remember Ferguson's Peterborough doing a number on us during our failed Promotion Charge under Zola when we realised he didn't have a Plan B when teams deliberately negated your tactics. I think we'll just have to wait and see.
A few things: 1) Weren't WBA quite unlucky in that they created plenty of chances but just couldn't take them? 2) We don't look like a carbon copy of WBA (or Barnsley for that matter), we aren't playing anywhere near as direct 3) Maybe I'm being naive here, but surely our expectations are lower than WBA? Even if it does go **** up, I don't think it'll be Ismael's fault at all given the squad depth
Don’t think anyone else has done player ratings (sorry if I’ve missed them), so here goes - my opinion only obviously! Bachman - 7 - first game playing a new role and I thought he deserved some credit. Yep he looked shaky at times and will make some mistakes but yesterday I’ll give him a tentative well done. Ngakia - 8 - from around 20 minutes on I’d up this to a 9. Looked so comfortable getting out of tight spaces either with a little turn, dummy or give and go. Martins had a word with him for 2 moments in the space of 10 seconds for not going past him as Morris had been doing on the other side. Ironically we scored within another 10 seconds of that. Didn’t have to defend much so will hold back on thinking he’s nailed that position. Morris - 8 - what he lacks in some elements physically (mainly speed) he makes up with a good footballing brain. Always seemed to be in the right space at the right time and didn’t put a foot wrong. Was surprised he was subbed at HT, but hopefully just an opportunity to give Andrews a full 45 Hoedt - 7 - Had an easy ride first half and looked comfortable with it. Seemed the most likely to put his foot through it on the very rare occasions we did (not always a bad thing). Looks a little clumsy and slow in the tackle and lucky not to give a penalty away. Porteous - 7 - Again comfortable ride, even when in possession. Wanted the ball and wanted to play it out. I think QPR had maybe identified him as the one to allow to have the ball, but he wasn’t scared of the responsibility and it probably backfired on them. Had a good old moan at Bachman twice in 5 minutes second half for playing it long. I read that as him saying “that’s not the game plan!” Sierralta - 7 - interesting one this. First 20 minutes just sat in front, happy to lay his part in moving the ball around. Looked a little bit like a CB on the ball at times, but grew into the game and started looking like a fairly cultured CM. Loved him showing up in the box and at first I thought it was a skewed shot, but seeing it on TV, looks like a great cross. (Little add on here, would be interested to see the aerial dual win % for the 3 CB’s as looked like they lost more than they won) Louza - 8 - I really rate him and I’d go as far to say he could be the leagues player of the season, but for that he needs to want the ball just a bit more, because when he gets it he’s a class above most. Unbelievable assist, goal and nearly a 2nd. TDB - 7 - Great start, read the move, good movement, calm finish. Looked good in tight spaces. Maybe 7 is almost harsh, but was upstaged by Louza. Sema - 6 - not because he played bad, he didn’t at all, and I reckon he’s a managers dream. Worked hard and seemed to be where he should be. In fairness a 7 might be a better score, but the thing is, I just don’t think he’s going to be effective on the right. I think less assists / goals. But I like him and I really hope it works for him. Martins - 7 - The QPR right back had a torrid time and just tried to hold onto him (literally). Worked hard and chased back on the rare times he lost the ball. Sure we’ll see some exciting moments with him this season. Took his goal well. Bayo - 7 - Clear he’s meant to stay as central as possible and link play when needed, which he did well. Hardly lost the ball and his touches were quick and precise. Good poachers goal, nearly got another. Andrews - 7 - very steady much like Morris, dealt with the QPR winger pretty well when they did attack. Livermore - 6 - he did fine, from what I saw only gave it away once. Looked positionally sound. Main gripe, never looked to pass anywhere but sideways. Kayembe - 5 - the one I least remember seeing, hence the low score. Was on last though so less time. Georgie (apologies I’ve not got his surname nailed yet) - 8 - slightly generous but he looks the real deal, all his touches were great and he makes things happen. His spin off his marker was class and the QPR man had to revert to rugby to stop him! I think he gives us something similar to Asprilla, but possibly more advanced in terms of his progress (has only been half an hour though!) Kone - 6 - a little bit more involved than Kayembe, but this was a great game to come on and impact (like Chak did) and he didn’t do that much.
Not being negative, just tempering expectations after 1 game. One swallow not making a summer and all that. Just some interesting opinions from someone who has a different perspective.
I know it’s all about opinions but I can’t let a set of ratings that puts Morris on the same score as Louza after that game slide without commenting! Morris was solid enough at the back against very limited opposition but offered Martins little help as he barely got past the halfway line, got booked and was hooked at half time for his efforts. Louza scored one, set up another, hit the bar and generally ran the game from midfield. No way they can come out scoring the same, surely?
I’m going to buck a forum trend and say I’ve got that one wrong! Think I started very generous, then got less generous, then finished generous - but the comments told more of the story (I think)
Although disagree with the bit where you say he didn’t help Martins much going forward. Got passed him a few times both to receive and to act as decoy. It’s why Martins got frustrated with Ngakia twice early on when he drifted that side as Ngakia held his position instead
I think it was a combination of that and him also being on a booking - thus Ismael wanting to avoid the chance of him getting a pointless red card.
I hadn't posted initially - the confusion was that reg varney sincerely believed your post wasn't being sarcastic. Then echoed your sentiments, but genuinely.
Did someone say that ITV also have extended highlights too ? More than just the 30 seconds just showing the goals. Or was that my imagination, and it’s only sky who have this ?
Just watched the highlights and as much as I was over generous to Morris I’ve underplayed Louza who was a 9! Class act
I keep seeing Baggies fans talking about Valerin Ishmaels tactics being long balls but I can't remember playing it long once on Saturday. It seems the gaffer may have adjusted his style of play.
Except for one delicious one from Louza putting Bayo through when he nearly lobbed the advancing keeper.
