Middlesbrough Vs QPR

Boro boss on the dole queue very soon
What a great result that was

I said this last week, but since Watford we’ve seen that there really is a side quietly beginning to emerge here. And there are lots of elements to like too. I think this team will become a 3-4-1-2 when Dykes returns. And I think we’ll cause a bit more damage. May be one of those season where we’re better away from home. But it’s coming. It’s clicking. I’d like to see more of that from Dozzell. Not saying he’ll score worldies every week. But just be braver to assert himself with the ball. Be brave to shoot.

Would still like us to take somebody like Nyambe or Dabo on a free just to tie us over. But really pleased for those boys, they’ve been terrific for a few weeks. Really really pleased for Gareth too.

That is bonkers.

With a bit of luck we could have had 8/9+ points.

Watford was the only game we deserved to lose, could have won all the others.

If we continue with this level of application and a game plan each week we will have a half decent season.

Hull beating Leicester, Huddersfield beating West Brom, Sunderland smashing 5 past Southampton... There is perhaps not as much to fear as we thought.

You did indeed!

Finally got the Ainsworth style team you were after too. It took him a while but it does feel like he's building a team we can be proud of and who won't lose matches without a fight.

Fingers well and truly crossed!

👍

"Are we a better team without Dykes?"

I think the thing to remember is that over the course of a season you have to change things up... If you do the same thing every game then you get found out... Unless your team is so good it doesn't matter.

So I'm hoping that when Dykes and the rest get back that GA just has more options and more ways of setting us up

Out of possession we're probably a little better. Dozzell drops in often, and Chair tucks to cover the full-back/winger advancing. But I think in possession Dykes would improve this team. Firstly, he gives us a target to hit. Secondly, by occupying another forward area it should reduce the length of the runs that Armstrong has to make -- currently he's being asked to run the entire line, with Dykes occupying an area those areas will be more concentrated to a particular area. This should, theoretically, mean that Armstrong doesn't tire himself out as easily as he has been. And then thirdly, with Armstrong and Dykes occupying both centre-backs, it affords Chair the ability to drop into pockets and space, as the gap between midfield and defence will increase with two players to mark. That should, again theoretically, maximise his ability and allow him to establish himself more on proceedings. With Colback and Field holding, that would then give greater attacking license to Paal and Smyth too.

But I agree we look good in the system we've got. Admittedly I do think Dozzell has looked better in an advanced role, I do still think what he offers is minimal. But that may well increase as he gets in to a consistency of playing games. Whatever the case, it's a positive for the depth of the squad. If he stays in we're saving someone in reserve to impact the game. If he drops out, you're confident that Dozzell can do something when coming on too. So it's a win win.

Elsewhere on WIN-WINS, Ilias Chair has not been called up by Morocco for the latest round of internationals. Sinclair also hasn't made the full Ireland squad either, albeit he has made the U21 team.