We’ve played better…

That was pretty poor. Against 10 men for a half, after three successive home wins, I’d have expected a better performance. But the passes were poor, the closing down was non-existent and the creativity barely existed. But at the end of the day, we’ve got another important point against a side who played, to give them credit, very well. They closed down very very effectively, they always passed the ball and if I was a Blackpool fan I’d be disappointed not to have won that.

Also. Stephen Wright. How is this lad in the team? I feel for him, I really do – he’s the club captain, which makes people expect more from him, and he’s had a whole load of injuries. But still, Coleman has to do what is best for the team. Cranie at right back and give Hussey a chance, surely? If it doesn’t work, revert to Wright at right back and Cranie at left back. But with Wright and Cranie as our fullbacks, we look very vulnerable.

The first half wasn’t a great spectacle, the 4-5-1 was working for containing Blackpool, but it made our only real threat through balls, which Baker seemed very good at. The red card…well, I didn’t really see what happened, but if it was as serious as it seemed (as in, Gunnarson was down for an age), then I hope that Ormerod gets a lengthy ban. The red card changed the game though, and they began to dominate.

The goal was sensational. Not gonna lie. Deserved too, but what strike. That lad had a good game, and the goal was worthy of winning any game. And after that, we just got worse and worse. We were too casual on the ball, losing it far too often. The shape was lost, mainly because Wright seemed to insist on chasing 50 yards to try and get the ball, which, while admirable, left a man free.

The introduction of Eastwood and Best changed the match. 4-4-2 worked so much better, especially with a confident Eastwood, who almost crafted something from nothing with an ambitious effort. Morrison played his part too, chasing down balls and generally working hard, but the man of the moment was undoubtedly Baker, who’s excellent (albeit slightly fortuitous) run set up our even luckier equaliser. But I’d rather be lucky than good.

Ratings

Westwood – 7
Wright – 4
McPake – 5
Wood – 7
Cranie – 6
Bell – 6
McIndoe – 6
Baker – 8
Clingan – 6
Gunnarson – 6
Best – 4
SUBS:
Deegan – 6
Eastwood – 7
Morrison – 6

Man of the Match: Barry Bannan (Blackpool), outstanding talent.

Keep the faith.

Tags: 1-1, 30th January, Baker, Bannan, Barry Bannan, Blackpool, Carl Baker, Coventry, Coventry City, Ricoh Arena