After the excellent start to the new season Tuesday nights game against QPR was a big disappointment. QPR were better than us in all areas of the field. The game was very similar to the one against Newcastle last season. Men versus Boys. For a home game it was strange to only play one up front (Jason Scotland) and then proceed to play high balls up to him which he had little chance of winning.
If he did win a header there was never another Ipswich player near enough to collect or challenge for the ball. The Ipswich midfield was non existent. David Norris was never in the game and the wide men Carlos Edwards and Andros Townsend did not get forward to support Jason Scotland or track back to help the full backs. It was as though we were in awe of QPR , standing back and giving them far too much room.
I had to keep counting that they didn’t have more players on the pitch! Their movement from midfield was excellent. Changes had to be made at half time when we were already 2-0 down and it was good to see Connor Wickham come on and try and inspire his team mates.
Tamas Priskin also came on and was asked to play on the left side of midfield. He does not look comfortable there. In my opinion Connor Wickham is the main man with either Priskin or Scotland alongside him. Priskin looked sharp and eager against Bristol City, but not on Tuesday. Perhaps he had the ache because he did start against QPR. Luke Hyam was probably unlucky in being one of the players to make way at half time, he does look to be a useful player in the making.
I wonder what changes Roy Keane will make for the next game against Cardiff City. Some of the players will have to pull their fingers out and show the bite we saw in the opening two home games. I am sure Connor Wickham will start and I would not be surprised if Jamie Peters was moved forward to the right of midfield and Troy Brown introduced at right back. Who would be a Manager? Lets hope it is an entertaining game, Ipswich keep it on the ground and get back to winning ways.