Rousseau

It depresses me having to look out for the results of the teams around us, but the 0-0 between Kilmarnock and Aberdeen is a good result for us.

Both loanees are doing well. Shame Shrewsbury couldn't hang on to the win (93rd minute equaliser). They have a replay, though.

This is the start of the thread if you want to read / watch through all of them. Some interesting stuff.

Positives from the 4-4-2 Diamond:

He also points out an issue with Jack that I think we all had an inkling about but couldn't quite pin-point. He's not making himself available and he's not breaking the lines. (It's something that Broony -- I know... -- did well. Sorry. )

This analysis is top class. It shows that Worral has qualities, but he's lacking in areas that get him caught. Also, the first pass is great, because Kent has dropped into the space to give an option. Like I've said above, both Davis and Arfield should be deeper, making themselves available for that pass in that very area. According to the video it was the one time that happened.

When you read the "Rangers can today confirm the signing of...", then read the end of the sentence:

Tragic.

I'm not defending/excusing the guy. He screwed up; big time. Even going back to the 'keeper or hoofing it long would've been better, but that wasn't my point. I was making a wider point -- albeit poorly -- about our general build-up play, which has been poor for a while.

Yes, of course. I agree 100%. I'm still incredulous that he did lose possession! It was more of a general point about our inability to pass it and build attacks through the phases. For me, Davis and Arfield should be in view, with the option to pass to. It's a structural issue, or player positioning.

It was sarcasm. I agree; It shouldn't being going in.

It is a joke; he should not be losing possession there. However, who can he possibly pass to? Other than McAuley?

It was only for a few minutes, then I was compelled to switch back. It was unstaunch. I apologise profusely.

RE: "The midfield three (outwith Kent, who had a roaming role) were not properly positioned to find each other; I felt they were all isolated. " I was so annoyed I switched it over to the Man City game, and although it was a slightly weakened side, you can see every time a midfielder has the ball, there are always options on the ball. Their structure is perfect: they're always 10 yards away from each other, staggered proportionally across the pitch. It means they have lots of options and easy passes to move opponents around, to work the space. When I look at us, too often there is just no options on the ball. The attacking midfielders go forward too early, meaning Jack has sideways passes to make, and the defenders start dithering. We have to build the ball up through the phases.

We were sluggish, and lacking a bit of fight -- but, anytime we do show fight we're getting booked left right a centre. We needed more urgency, though. I thought the tactics were fine, if not perfect. The Full-backs need to provide the width, but I thought they were too deep. The midfield three (outwith Kent, who had a roaming role) were not properly positioned to find each other; I felt they were all isolated. When we crossed the ball we had loads of players in the box! Which I thought we great. If the Full-backs were higher it would've been more fruitful. Even the deep crosses could've been better if the midfield/attackers could've dropped off. It seemed to me like it was just a lack of experience in the formation. Of course, he did change it: we went 4-3-3 towards the end, with more orthodox width. We maybe got in behind a couple of times, but the crosses were still not great and there were fewer players in the box. I feel like we gave them two goals. I don't know what it is about away games?

I have to disagree: when you see it again, McGregor had no chance...

Childish.

Final whistle blows. 3-2. Barasic goes down just before in considerable pain.

Palmer looks like he's just out the womb!

Poor performance overall, but the youngsters Houston and Kelly have not looked out of place. I didn't see the goal conceded, was McCrorie at fault at all? Another youngster, Palmer, comes on for Kelly,

This half has been the opposite: Quite solid defensively in a 4-3-3, but sh*te going forward.

This is when we concede...

Candeias pounces on sloppy build-up from the 'keeper, and slots in home.

I'm not sure he was intending to take on umpteen players, but I know what you mean.