Are We Peaking At Exactly The Right Time?⁷

[ElectroClaret]

I've been as critical as anyone about our lack of goals in certain matches and our inability to finish teams off.

However, with 13 goals in the last five league games, I reckon
we're really coming to the boil at the right time.

They're all Cup Finals from now till seasons end, so with a colossal game next month v Blades, we need to keep
this form going. UTC.

Thoughts on this?

[Notsosuperstevedavis]

I’d certainly agree, that it feels like we’re the form team. I thought WBA draw was more damaging. But with with our win today, Sheff U still to play, and Leeds dropping more points today it feels like ‘game on!’

[alwaysaclaret]

Absolutely agree with this, but imperative I think that we get top 2,because there could be another team that's peaking just that little bit more than us, "The sky blues" but get that top 2 spot and it doesn't matter, but have to say, I'd fancy them to go up through the play offs.

[IanMcL]

We are getting men forward and in the box at speed, rather than fannying about while their defence yawns. Goals come from such moves.

[Elizabeth]

The team now has a clear identity at the most important part of the season

[Elizabeth]

The team now has a clear identity at the most important part of the season. The Peak is now in view

[Quickenthetempo]

I'm not sure I would say peaking, as we improved as soon as Edwards came in and balanced the side up.

We certainly seem to use less energy than the other top sides which can only help in the last few games with burn out.

[Colburn_Claret]

I certainly hope so.
At this time of the season it's mental strength as much as ability. We have a young team, it can work either way, inexperienced or fearless. We do seem to be very together and SP has a very calm persona. It all helps.

[Firthy]

Our defence is superb so I don't think we'll lose many. I think Cullen and Laurent together in midfield is key because it gives us the stability. Anthony and Edwards make the attack tick and create the chances so we just need to everyone to stay fit and put those chances away.

[dougcollins]

I’d certainly agree, that it feels like we’re the form team. I thought WBA draw was more damaging. But with with our win today, Sheff U still to play, and Leeds dropping more points today it feels like ‘game on!’

I was worried that the WBA draw was displaying the approach that has held us back in so many games.

We look so much better when we're at teams.

[Ric_C]

I was thinking this the other day. I thought we were regressing after the 2 0-0's against Leeds and Pompey in Jan/feb, since then we have played 8 and won 6 drawn 2, scoring 2 goals per game.

Leeds now seem to be great one week and average the other, and Sheff Utd have had a lot of luck in tight games recently and are creaking at the seams.

I do get the feeling that there is more to come from us. Whether the players start feeling the pressure, who knows? But the signs are good.

The only fly in the ointment is that we have been unlucky in the fact that our next three games are Bristol City, Coventry and Derby who are all now bang in form.

Lots of twists and turns to come yet.

[warksclaret]

I posted 3 weeks ago that the final straight of about 14 games, as it was then, would come down to the composure of the manager, and whilst we did not necessarily have the best starting 11, we had a manager more composed and motivational than Wilder, and in the case of Leeds we saw them fall off a cliff 11 months ago, which will be playing on that team right now

[mdd2]

Next three games are really big for us
High flying Coventry 9 wins in 11 and a full of fight Derby- three straight wins will be tough ones and thus far we have struggled at home against the present top 12
Three to play at home and so far 3 wins and 5 draws making IMO Brizzle and Scott Twine a tough one with a potential for yet another draw

[Colburn_Claret]

Our defence is superb so I don't think we'll lose many. I think Cullen and Laurent together in midfield is key because it gives us the stability. Anthony and Edwards make the attack tick and create the chances so we just need to everyone to stay fit and put those chances away.

Hannibal is fine in midfield, but it's horses for courses.
He needs to play the defensive role as his speed and range of passing is an asset, and it allows Brownhill to carry on the attacking role.
In games where we play back street bullies, such as the Blades are likely to be, we need Laurent on the pitch for his physicality and his calmness. In the less intense games Hannibals skill could make all the difference.

[mybloodisclaret]

Been saying for about 4 weeks on here that we are just arriving at the right time.

The other two are shaking and creaking.

The experience in our group is now absolutely vital and is what will see us over the line.

Step forwards;

Ashley Barnes
Josh Cullen
Josh Brownhill
Jaidon Anthony

And with two promotions out of this league, of course Scott Parker.

[Goliath]

I think he's slightly tweaked the system as well. The wingers are staying slightly higher at times, Pires is sometimes bombing on and making huge overlapping runs which has led to a few goals.

They aren't big chances but on average over a period of time they lead to more chances and more goals. Along with the added depth of Edwards and a fit Foster we suddenly look a good side.

[Devils_Advocate]

Lets see where we are after the next 3 games as we haven't beaten a top half team since Blackburn back on the 4th Jan. If we can get 7pts out of the next 3 games then I'll really fancy us for automatic but if we only pick up 4 or 5 pts we could easily be 4pts adrift of second and have a real uphill battle on our hands

[Ric_C]

Been saying for about 4 weeks on here that we are just arriving at the right time.

The other two are shaking and creaking.

The experience in our group is now absolutely vital and is what will see us over the line.

Step forwards;

Ashley Barnes
Josh Cullen
Josh Brownhill
Jaidon Anthony

And with two promotions out of this league, of course Scott Parker.

And Connor Roberts

[FCBurnley]

Lets see where we are after the next 3 games as we haven't beaten a top half team since Blackburn back on the 4th Jan. If we can get 7pts out of the next 3 games then I'll really fancy us for automatic but if we only pick up 4 or 5 pts we could easily be 4pts adrift of second and have a real uphill battle on our hands

Just a pity we don’t have any games against Leeds left to play. 4 points and no goals conceded

[Spijed]

At the same time last season Leeds had two points more after thirty eight matches.

They only got a further eight points from their last eight matches.

Let's hope history repeats itself.

[Goliath]

Lets see where we are after the next 3 games as we haven't beaten a top half team since Blackburn back on the 4th Jan. If we can get 7pts out of the next 3 games then I'll really fancy us for automatic but if we only pick up 4 or 5 pts we could easily be 4pts adrift of second and have a real uphill battle on our hands

Very true. In the most recent games against the bigger teams I think we've been overly cautious. If we do that at Coventry and home to Sheff Utd it could cost us. Those are the 2 trickiest fixtures.

[Woodleyclaret]

Yes getting better every game WBA was a wakeup call and I don't feel SP will make mistakes again
I fancy a win v Coventry and Derby .4 home wins and we are on course for automatic promotion

[NewClaret]

I was worried that the WBA draw was displaying the approach that has held us back in so many games.

We look so much better when we're at teams.

Agree, it was incredibly frustrating. Everything sideways and backwards and sideways again.

If I’m honest I still don’t think we look anywhere near threatening enough against the better sides. I don’t see where the goals are coming from or, at least, I think if we do manage to create something we’ll need to be clinical which we’re often not (Swansea proved what we could be like if we were).

Too early to say things are coming together. Let’s see how we do vs Bristol at home and against in form Coventry away before we draw any conclusions.

[Commy]

Teams needing points might play into our hands as they can't afford to sit back and hope for a point or a breakaway.

[gawthorpe_view]

I'm not sure we've peaked yet, I think there's more to come from this squad.