Roy needed that result. I've felt sorry for him recently, he's not been himself.

Post match interviews with the players spoke of the pre match preparation. The hard work in preparing the team and setting them up. At 0-2 so early in the second half, it all looked in vain, but once we got a goal back, the plan was on again. It was good to see Hodgson go for City when making those subs.

Very pleased with David Ozoh. My main gripe with Academy football is the difference in physicality from that of first team football. Ozoh has no problem in that respect. And he was neat and tidy with the ball as well as using his strength.

Promising cameo from Franca too. He looked much more in tune with proceedings than before. Hopefully he can build on that and get some more minutes in the next few games.

Old, Ungifted and White

I’m sorry but I just don’t agree that it was a Roy tactical masterclass. He started the match with Ward out of position and yet again Richards out of position. During this period we were getting absolutely battered and they were picking us apart at will. 2-0 was the minimum they could have expected from that period.

It was only when he was forced to sub Ward off, move Richards back and bring Ozoh on that we started to get some traction in the game. We looked so much better in transition and more solid at the back. I posted at half time that Franca should come on for Schlupp and Ahamada for Riedewald and finally got my wish in the 81st minute. Again, what a difference. City may well be the best passing team in the world but they still don’t like being pressed hard and we pressured them into a couple of mistakes and took advantage of it.

There is a pattern with Roy, he doesn’t trust younger players but as with AWB, he has to be forced into trying youth and then sure enough appears shocked when they play well. At least he made the subs this time around albeit on 81 minutes., I’m sure we’d have seen Hughes for Riedewald if available and Franca would have remained benched.

Square pegs and all that seems to be Roy’s forte but we do look more balanced with a midfielder in midfield a centre half where he should be and some pace and width on the left.

Anyway, a fantastic much needed away point and hope that Eze will be fit to start next game. Clyne played ok and he will probably start right back.

Agree 100%. Hodgson sycophants will no doubt point to Roy's uncanny tactical abilities and crystal ball skills, knowing that it was ok to be 2-0 down after 75 mins because Mateta was going to actually run about for once in a blue moon and Olise was going to pop up with a 95th minute converted penalty.
The fact of the matter is that Hodgson's hand was forced - the injury to Ward is a blessing in disguise as far as the structure of the team goes, if he'd stayed on the changes in energy and formation wouldn't have happened and City were strolling to a straight forward victory.
If Roy is responsible for this tactical masterclass then it follows that he also responsible for the fine displays against Luton, Bournemouth, Forest, Fulham etc etc.
As you say, it's simply a matter of playing the right players in the right places - a common complaint against Roy, going back as far as his first stint, is that he has his favourites and will try to fit square pegs in to round holes. Well, the spotlight is now on him, as the youngsters have shown what they can do given the opportunity and support.
Nevertheless a welcome point, and the way forward has been now been lit - it's very much "You can't go back to what you were doing before Roy, because it isn't working anymore, these youngsters are now the future".

Edited by southnorwoodhill (17 Dec 2023 11.58am)

Well I guess you can include Dean Henderson, Danny Murphy and Shay Given as ''sycophants '' then after what they said on MOTD last night.

It obviously wasn't '' ok '' to be 0-2 down with 15 minutes to go, but having pulled a goal back, it was time to have a go - we did and got the reward.

In his position, Hodgson takes responsibility for performances and results which include the matches you refer to.

It's a pity that having attained such an unexpectedly good result away to the current Champions, you can't get away from your negativity and constant sniping at a manager who will be gone by next season in any case.

Old, Ungifted and White

All the criticism Roy gets is reasonable, our current league position of 15th (soon to be 16th) illustrates where we are at this moment in time.
But let's be generous and see how the next few games pan out. Roy is in a good position now to reflect on the players available and what they bring to the party, and of course, how he approaches each game.
For me now there's a clear dividing line of what there was before, and the possibilities for what is to come in the future, should the opportunity be taken. Saying that, it will likely be down to the new manager to exact the details, but Roy can at least lay the path. Don't get me wrong, I'd be more than happy for him to leave on a high, and after that performance during the latter stages of the game against City the way is fairly well delineated.

Needs must and finally, finally Roy releases the kids and the potential, plays round pegs in round holes and low and behold we look a different team - full of pressing, energy and “not a little” skill..!!

Ward going off - we looked far more assured and secure at the back - just how long have we been saying/calling for that..!!

Similarly how long have we been crying out for Franca, Ahamada and Ozoh to be given a chance..!!

This wasn’t a tactical masterpiece from Roy - he had no more proven mediocrity to bring on - so he happened upon it by chance and necessity..!!

Now I just hope that the youngsters will be given more chances and bigger parts to play going forward - they can do it against City away they can do it against anyone in the League..!! This is / they are the future - and very bright it looks too..!!

I’m not saying start them all against Brighton, but at least start Ozoh and drop Ward - even if he is fit..!!

On Franca - this boy will be a star - trust me..!!

But knowing Roy will just revert to type against Brighton - simply because he is so stubborn and set in his ways - this is why irrespective of yesterdays result - which was both wonderful and unexpected in equal terms - jury is still out for me on whether we should be looking to replace Roy and bring in someone that will make use of the talent that is undoubtedly there..!!

COYP