Osaka Owl

We've got a very good goalkeeper. For how much longer, I don't know. But for now, let's take some consolation from that.

He has deserved it at times this season. He doesn't deserve it today.

Or, in an alternate reality, closer to the one which we inhabit, they're a very strong and dangerous (not to mention, munificently funded) side which we battled to a stalemate and if not for a couple of pivotal moments which went against us, might have beaten. How about looking at it that way?

Beautiful!

Me too. Should have hooked Bannan, not Charles.

Astonishingly good cross for Smith notwithstanding, it was probably a couple of games too soon for him. Imagine going from the J League to that. He wasn't ready.

He was not playing well before he went off.

Why are people laughing? It's true about both games this season.

I agree. He wasn't the reason we lost today.

Your point about us keeping players who are past their best may be valid, but it doesn't apply to Bannan. I would argue that our problem has been signing players who are past their best. Bannan has, on the whole, made a hugely positive contribution this season. I think the problem today was that he was too up for it and lost his head somewhat.

This is a terrible overreaction. Yes, he wasn't great today, but come on!

Bannan was poor in the second half. We were looking pretty comfortable until he gave the ball away carelessly. Ihiekwe didn't cover himself in glory, but the move resulted from a Bannan error.

We played pretty well, but didn't make it count in the key moments. Can't question the commitment.

Agreed. We had chances to win the game, or at least draw it. We failed to convert them.

Cooper made a great save, but it was straight at him. Downwards to either side and it's a goal. Ihiekwe was completely wrong-footed in the move for their goal. Two decent players who've made significant contributions this season, but not quite at the level we need to kick on.

Clearly going with an ultra orthodox 3-1-3-1-2 formation.

He can't play either of those roles satisfactorily in a Röhl team.

Harsh, but (sadly) true.

Steady on! I agree Smith was poor, but 1?1 You get at least 2 for putting your boots on the right feet! FWIW Charles was our best once again. Such a good player.

Massively underrated comment!

Agree for the most part, but we were poor again defensively. Got to stop conceding soft goals. You could see their first coming from a mile off.

Harsh on Beadle. He made two saves. How about the defenders?

As many have commented, the difference between the two sides was that they knew how to defend. You can talk about ifs, whats and maybes all day, but we were so fragile in defense ... yet again.

Let's be honest, he's just not good enough on the ball to play in a Röhl team. I get that we're very light in the position and he's primarily filling in, but he's a clear weak link. In terms of defensive positioning, not that great either. Hopefully, we can upgrade in January.

Gassama is one of the few who's trying.