Away Match Day Thread +++ L1 29/12/2019 AFC Wimbledon v OUFC +++

[ttg17]

Long was our starting RB pretty much the entire second half of last season, when we were generally in pretty good nick - playoff form IIRC? Could definitely slot in for us if needed, but agree that it would fit the team better to have another attacking FB.

 

[Grumpy Git]

Yup. Long hasn't contributed enough attacking output this season. Just the two goals and an assist vs Wimbledon.

We do need another right back if Cadden goes. Just like we need another left-back, despite Ruffels being excellent there all season.

He’s hardly had any game time!

 

[beyondthefourth]

He’s hardly had any game time!

Sorry, it's difficult to properly show sarcasm online. 2 goals is obviously quite good for a full back across half a season.

 

[Scotchegg]

Love it Mr Egg.

When you say Long/Sykes can be as effective as Cadden/Henry, I think I get exactly what you mean but I have to say that the latter is by far the preferred combination for me. My main issue is that Henry does such a superb job as a goalscorer and chance creator. If you rest Taylor and Henry at the same time then Sykes/Hall and Mackie provide a steep drop off in goals. We end up relying on Baptiste/Brannagan/Fosu or a more unusual source (twice if we should concede!). We've had some luck with those players hitting wonder strikes but I would not like to depend on them to win matches too often.

Henry is currently my player of the season. I am happy with Long as a RB at this level in his own right, but working out how to bring the best out of Henry would make the next six months a lot more enjoyable.

I'd agree that the Cadden/Henry partnership would be my preferred starting option. Long/Sykes are effective in a different way, and suit different games.

My main point, and one that many don't understand, is that we shouldn't compare every player on a like for like basis. Robinson clearly prefers an attacking full back which is why he is looking for a replacement for Cadden. But that doesn't make Long rubbish, and we certainly shouldn't be putting the blame on him for Man City goals for example.

Much of our success this season has been down to the strength of our squad to bring players in when needed, and to adapt to the way other teams set up. Yesterday was an example of a battling win, Lincoln away was a showcase for the quality of our midfield playmakers - but both were worth 3 points.

We are blessed with some fantastic players, and others who are not at the same level, but everyone has contributed this season and all have been valuable in their own way.

 

[Big Ronaldo]

Although I do agree about their being a need for Cadden’s place to be filled, To say that Long was found out against Man City is f*****g ridiculous. As if any player could be expected to not be put under serious pressure from them?
They are Premiership champions FFS!!
Half of the game he was exposed by city because of an overload on his side that was caused by our midfielders not tracking back and as I remember it, I think he had a hell of a game against players who’s net worth is over £250million.

Cadden is a great player, one who will command a big big fee at some point soon, but to rubbish Sam Long like some on here have is bang out of order. Both are class act players who bring different styles to their position.
We are blessed to have one of them, let alone two.

 

[Thomas/Brock/Jones]

Long also lost his man for the goal - add the two goals that came from his side against City and you can see why KR wants a new starter for Cadden

I am not sure that the big centre forward Piggott was actually his man , and if he was where were the centre backs ? Think he is was doing someone elses job tbh

 

[Reynolds97]

Easily the worst ground in EFL couldn't see a thing but great 3 points - Good time to be an Oxford fan.

 

[jayhi1810]

Long also lost his man for the goal - add the two goals that came from his side against City and you can see why KR wants a new starter for Cadden

Wow
That’s some very lazy and crude analysis
Long is as solid as they come, cadden the way he plays leaves far more exposed at times.

 

[DannyW]

Wow
That’s some very lazy and crude analysis
Long is as solid as they come, cadden the way he plays leaves far more exposed at times.

And the midfielders had the chance to close down the crosser and made little effort. Still asleep all over we were from the kick off IMO

 

[ZeroTheHero]

Still asleep all over we were from the kick off IMO

Yoda? Is that you?