* The Unofficial "Official" Boro v Preston [09/24] Programme and Match-Day Thread *

Disappointing overall. I think it's clear we're still gelling as a team so it's good that we're still well in touch with the top but we need to improve in this next run of games.

The most frustrating thing about the game was the way we slowed the game down once we went ahead, usually we're desperate to get in the lead because teams then have to open up, we had that and then chucked it away. We also can't afford to not have Morris in the side, I do understand why he hasn't played but we look a different side with him in it, Hackney and him look our best midfield pairing since Leadbitter and Clayton.

It certainly wasn't as bad as any of the nonsense being put on here though.
 
When are we allowed to start questioning Carricks managerial ability ? So much talent but never harnessed
You can't question his ability on here.

No matter how many inept performances Boro turn in, stubborn refusals to change it when it's not working, same old mistakes being made every game, lack of plan B every week, same old over complicated tactics - he's above criticism and you'll be shouted down for even suggesting he's not doing a good job.
 
Need to find our strongest 11 and stick to it as much as possible, not going to gain consistency and momentum tinkering about.
 
Ah we all say that. But that’s the downside of supporting a club like us. Very very frustrating but we will go again. Sunderland have cheered me up.

They’re 4 points ahead of us and have only lost once. We’ve failed to beat Portsmouth, Derby & PNE and now we’ve got a tricky run of games coming up.

I think I’d rather be in their position tbh.
 
Not sure I would worry too much or that we need subs. We are all over these and I'll be amazed if we don't go on and win comfortably. Pne are not very good.

I do think that lath has been a little ineffective so far. Would like to see a bit more from him. I would also say the same about hackney
Says it all doesn’t it.
Got to be ruthless in front of goal.
 
I thought we played well but finished poorly.

Tactically, I don't see much wrong. Changing tactics might get us 20 shots instead of 16. If you don't finish them, not sure what the manager can do.

The goal we conceded was poor and either the defenders don't listen or that is something Carrick should do something about or we have players missing. Who knows.
 
Not sharp or clean enough with our passing. Haven’t really hit our straps yet this season. Need to improve if we want challenge for the top spots.
We seem to collect slow left backs for some reason!
 
Well that's disappointing. We spent too long passing it about at the back. Midfield didn't take a hold of the game.
Conway was our best player but I don't think he's a ten. We need a strong lad who can hold the ball up. Give us someone to hit and play off.
Carrick took too long to bring subs on. We were a lot more lively with some fresh legs. He manages like we have three subs. It's just a numbers game. If they've got fresher players on than us they'll dominate.
Doak looked promising.
They were tactical fouling all over the pitch. Thought the ref bottled a second yellow when the lad fell into Conway.
Clarke was the poorest I've seen in a while too.
 
They’re 4 points ahead of us and have only lost once. We’ve failed to beat Portsmouth, Derby & PNE and now we’ve got a tricky run of games coming up.

I think I’d rather be in their position tbh.
Remember Leicester last year.
We are going to be playing teams that want to play, there will be more space .
We do need to start hitting the back of the net though.
 
I’ve been so disappointed with Jones so far this season. I was hoping he was going to kick on - 25 now.

Time to rotate him and take a look at Doak / Hamilton

Agree.
Doak's first thought when he gets the ball is to attack the full back, Jones's first thought is to pass it back to a midfielder, or Ayling.
 
Wonder why we’re not scoring and we’ve got Azaz in there as the ‘creator’. He’s awful.
I think what I am about to say is a little harsh, but I just said on another thread that while I don’t dislike Azaz, whenever I see him I think he feels like a rusty wheel. Not that he is rusty, but that his technique seems clunky and just under-paced. He can find space well, and when given space he can pick a pass as well as anyone. But I want to see a number 10 that is smooth and rapid and can work in tight areas, and I am not completely convinced that’s Azaz yet.

Note: not blaming Azaz for todays result, just mentioning this because I’m piggybacking off Kaluzny’s post.
 
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