wilko154 Posted September 18, 2018 Share Posted September 18, 2018 On 16/09/2018 at 13:57, Trickster said: He scored a set piece, which is great of course, but he is only starting week in week out for me if you can guarantee goals most games because his general play doesn't offer enough. Saying a player is a certain starter because he scored from a dead ball I always find a strange reason. He might deserve his chance to reclaim his spot because of it but it wouldn't change my mind much about him playing every week. He pretty much can guarantee goals most games though... He scored 11 goals in 46 appearances last season with 2 assists, the first centre midfielder since David Platt in 90/91 This season he's scored 2 goals with 2 assists in 9 games, yet only played 390 minutes (effectively 4.5 games) Without Hourihane in the side we are missing out on goals, as of yet McGinn hasn't started chipping in with any. As I've said numerous times though, Hourihane and McGinn should be playing together as our midfield with Grealish ahead of them, its almost the complete midfield. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hoof hearted Posted September 18, 2018 Share Posted September 18, 2018 I wonder, whenever we set up with Jedinak as DM, isn't it basically telegraphing our intent to the opposition? "We're set up not to concede, we'll be on the back foot from minute one, have at us!" Just once I'd like Bruce to switch to 3 attack minded midfielders (Hourihane/McGinn/Grealish) with like minded wide players. Tonight will no doubt be the usual defensive line up with Jedinak winning lots of headers but creating nothing going forward with Elmo and Albert running Marathons the wrong way. Hourihane has to start for me but not at the expense of attacking intent. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
villabromsgrove Posted September 18, 2018 Share Posted September 18, 2018 Hourihane is doing his best, but his beard will never be a replacement for Jedinak's. Steve know's his stuff, and get's his priorities right! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hoof hearted Posted September 18, 2018 Share Posted September 18, 2018 30 minutes ago, villabromsgrove said: Hourihane is doing his best, but his beard will never be a replacement for Jedinak's. Steve know's his stuff, and get's his priorities right! I'm all for a nice chin strap but Jedinaks gone a bit overbeard with his, turn his head upside down and he looks like Jedward (either one). Hourihane has the right amount of quoffage so should start imo. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Killeen30 Posted September 18, 2018 Share Posted September 18, 2018 (edited) Start Hourihane tonight. He deserves to start. I like his attitude too, doesn’t moan about being replaced, he’s impressed me when given a chance this season. Two goals and two assists. Keeps his head down and tries to do his talking on the pitch. Drop Jedinak. Start Hourihane. Edited September 18, 2018 by Killeen30 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparrow1988 Posted September 18, 2018 Share Posted September 18, 2018 1 hour ago, Hoof hearted said: I'm all for a nice chin strap but Jedinaks gone a bit overbeard with his, turn his head upside down and he looks like Jedward (either one). Hourihane has the right amount of quoffage so should start imo. His beard doesn't have blonde highlighted tips does it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VILLAMARV Posted September 18, 2018 Share Posted September 18, 2018 Best game in ages. Everywhere tonight and some lovely passes. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikeyp102 Posted September 18, 2018 Share Posted September 18, 2018 Him and McGinn did really well today 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Czechlad Posted September 19, 2018 Share Posted September 19, 2018 Playing a DM with our squad is overrated. That first half was total dominance by us. Rotherham barely even got into our half. If we can play that way, there is no need for a DM. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
villaglint Posted September 19, 2018 Share Posted September 19, 2018 (edited) I think a DM or a third player in midfield will be needed at times this season. Sometimes its not so much about extra defensive cover but more about being able to dominate the ball. As you say we certainly did dominate the game first half. However second half it was clear that their manager got into them at half time. Told them to get tight to McGinn and Hourihane and force our full backs, CBs to play it long (which is pretty much their default setting). Suddenly the 4 in midfield looked very rigid and we were struggling to find space to get on ball and play through the lines as we had in the first half. It meant the ball spent most of the time sailing over their heads until the game got slightly more stretched in the last 15-20mins. At times a Whelan/Bjarnasson/Jedinak type figure will help us be more attacking as paradoxical as it sounds. Other times they might not be needed and McGinn, Hourihane and Grealish in the middle might be the way to dominate a game. Other times we might be able to blow teams away with a 4 4 2. It nice to have the option and now a decent player in the right role to make all these systems work. Edited September 19, 2018 by villaglint Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StefanAVFC Posted September 19, 2018 Share Posted September 19, 2018 Was surprised by his range of passing. Runs his arse off, scores goals and a quality passer. What is there not to love? 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Czechlad Posted September 19, 2018 Share Posted September 19, 2018 Hourihane is also quite good defensively. He made 3 good tackles and those were the only ones I noticed. If McGinn or Hourihane can improve their defense, I think we have a good midfield. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr_Pangloss Posted September 19, 2018 Share Posted September 19, 2018 2 hours ago, Czechlad said: Playing a DM with our squad is overrated. That first half was total dominance by us. Rotherham barely even got into our half. If we can play that way, there is no need for a DM. Spot on but Bruce is too negative to see this for the most part. This level of football doesn't necessitate a defensive specialist for the vast majority of games. Having Hourihane, McGinn and Grealish in there should see us keep the ball, add that to a higher press and we'd be much better off than having Jedinak or Whelan in there. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobzy Posted September 28, 2018 Share Posted September 28, 2018 On 19/09/2018 at 16:43, StefanAVFC said: Was surprised by his range of passing. Runs his arse off, scores goals and a quality passer. What is there not to love? He's **** woeful unless it's a set piece situation. Utterly frustrating player. Gets the ball anywhere within 30 yards and just looks to shoot. Scores great goals, basically does **** all else. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr_Pangloss Posted September 29, 2018 Share Posted September 29, 2018 (edited) He's shit at everything apart from shooting and the odd set piece. Edited September 29, 2018 by Dr_Pangloss Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Albrighton Posted September 29, 2018 VT Supporter Share Posted September 29, 2018 Good assist. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr_Pangloss Posted September 29, 2018 Share Posted September 29, 2018 12 hours ago, bobzy said: He's **** woeful unless it's a set piece situation. Utterly frustrating player. Gets the ball anywhere within 30 yards and just looks to shoot. Scores great goals, basically does **** all else. He'd be perfect if the game had kickers like in the NFL. Other than that, he makes zero impact on football matches from open play. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lerner's Driver Posted September 29, 2018 Share Posted September 29, 2018 5 minutes ago, Dr_Pangloss said: he makes zero impact on football matches from open play. You're exaggerating again, aren't you? 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rodders0223 Posted October 2, 2018 Share Posted October 2, 2018 I am a fan but that was one of the worst 30 mimutes of footbal I have ever seen from any midfielder in my life. I cannot understand the logic of being down a man down, being run ragged, in desperate need of a breather...then finally getting the ball, and instead of putting a foot on it or finding a short simple pass just clearing in the woods it to their back line. please explain the thinking. anyone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
villaglint Posted October 3, 2018 Share Posted October 3, 2018 He played about 70mins on the right wing yesterday. So presumably Steve Bruce thinks Conor Hourihane is the best RW at the club (this week anyway). Discuss. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts