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August
Results
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To say our opening run of fixtures was difficult would be an understatement. The season opener at home to
Manchester United was a tough way to begin the campaign, we never really showed up and their quality showed on the day, the most disappointing aspect of the result was our performance, 36% possession, only 2 shots on target, much work was needed.
Then came
Chelsea at home, I was delighted with our performance on the day, Gustede not only grabbed a goal but he lead the line well and held the ball up when needed, earning him an impressive MotM award.
I felt that we deserved more from the match at Anfiled against
Liverpool, I was disappointed with our frailty at the back and Gustede missed a couple of guilt-edge chances. One positive was the impressive introduction of Sakho, he was lively when he came on late in the second half, bagging a goal 4 minutes into making his debut.
I decided to give the majority of our first team players a run out for the cup tie with
Shrewsbury, mainly because I want to take the cup competitions seriously this year. The match was as one sided as the result suggests, great performances from Gueye and Hutton epitomised our performance and that man Sakho popped up again to grab a brace to make it 3 goals in two appearances.
Lastly we faced
Tottenham at home for the last match of the month, this was a close game that in truth I felt we might take something from. We went in at half time 1-0 up after another fantastic header from Gustede, but unfortunately we let our performance slip in the second half and often gifted them much of the possession. On another day, we could have taken one, maybe even three points from this game.
League Table
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Considering we have already faced four of the ‘Top 6’ teams in the league, I am happy with our position so far. Many would not have given us a chance of taking 3 points away from that opening schedule and I am chuffed that we have our first win of the season under our belts, especially as it was against Chelsea. Our morale seems to have stayed largely intact over that turbulent period and I will really be looking for us to kick on and start getting more points on the boards in September.
Player of the Month
Ashley Westwood
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It was a tough choice for our PotM this month, especially as both Gustede and Sakho had impressed me with their performances. In the end I had to give it to Ashley, his work rate has been impeccable, he is covered every blade of grass, his pass succession rate was fantastic and he bagged a couple of assists as well.