To the first round of the Jets campaign for the year. Unable to make it up to Newcastle, Lee and I watched from the comfort of Quest North Ryde. My memory fails me on the details but I distinctly remember Griffo's brilliant free kick (would've won me a substantial amount of money if Heart hadn't already scored!) and his follow up probably of equal quality but from open play. It was refreshing to see the passing game we love so much finally producing some goals rather than the last few years of playing well with no final product. The second half was more of the same and I honestly believe the Jets deserved their win but agree that the nature of the winner was more than a little fortuitous. I don't think we have a new crowd favourite like Song, in Byun but at least the enthusiasm and excitement is there, not sure whether you can claim that goal though mate...
Overall round 1 was a solid performance and showed the work of a long off season. Which at the risk of inciting some anger can only be credit to Cullina Snr. Regardless of your feelings on the matter the performance in round 1 could of only been his (and the players) doing. Players don't organise themselves that way in 4 days, and there was no way Craig Deans could've developed that understanding off the bat! I am one (of a minority?) that is sad to see Branko go. We most likely will never know the full story but you can reasonably assume that it had something to do with knowledge of Jason's injury. I wish the Cullina's all the best, and Jason in particular a speedy recovery, it would be sad to see such a great career ended on these terms.
If round 1 was solid, round 2 was as a soft as the extra kilos I've piled on since the wedding (no I won't try and convince you they're muscle tone). I don't buy in to the whole a trip to Wellington is hard so it's OK argument. I'm sure if I turned up to work and under performed a comment like "It's a long drive through traffic to Botany" wouldn't go down well with the manager! I will premise this by noting that I'm not a huge Craig Deans fan, but don't for a minute consider it coach bashing. HOWEVER, when you trade in one of your defensive midfielders for an attacking option further up the pitch, leave your back four as exposed as the Jets were, AND not produce any attack of meaning or quality, you've got to admit defeat and reshuffle. Wehrman worked hard and was probably the best player in gold (sorry memory lapse, in blue and red) out there, but what he provides in commitment and strength he unfortunately gives up in pace. He was over run all day and unable to provide adequate cover to the back four. Additionally the more attack minded players up the pitch gave up the ball to easily to compound this problem. I cannot for the life of me figure out how Kantarovski wasn't pulled back to help screen the back line. It wouldn't of helped the attacking stocks, but lets be honest the attack wasn't solid all day anyway, but may of shored up the chances that kept flowing from the Phoenix midfield.
Against the Mariners this weekend another performance like the one across the ditch on Sunday will be crucified by the Jets faithful. A lot has already been written this week about the players not being 'up for it' only they can answer those comments. All I would ad is that if your not up for the F3 Derby, you're going to struggle all season... Good luck this weekend Jets, Round 1 showed what you were capable of, Round 2 showed a performance not to be repeated, I'm sure the challenge of the Mariners will bring out the best in you all!
ASIDE: as alluded to above, the Soapbox will be dedicated to holiday travels for the rest of the 2011 year. I would appreciate somebody posting the Jets results as replies to our travel posts if they don't mind. Starting this weekend as we will be en route to Singapore during the game. Stay tuned...
No comments:
Post a Comment