Rob Fielding thought there were some pleasing aspects to be taken from Port Vale’s draw including the form of George Byers.
Byers best form?
There were several impressive performances on Saturday – Jaheim Headley and Ruari Paton for instances – but what was interesting is George Byers was also a contender. His spell at Vale Park has, till now, largely been a let-down but he certainly showed his class at Kenilworth Road. The Valiants need to maintain this form if they are to beat the drop and an in-form George Byers will certainly help in that regard.
Four at the back is the way forward
Considering the Valiants were missing their classiest defender in Cam Humphreys this was a decent display by the back-line. Ben Heneghan now looks like the experienced head we hoped he would be while Connor Hall looks more comfortable in a pairing. Let’s hope Darren Moore resists the temptation to rush back to his preferred back three and gives four at the back a run.
Injuries are a concern
One mounting worry will be the fitness of Funso Ojo, George Byers, Kyle John, Jaheim Headley and Dejaune Brown – all injured during this game. The fitness of John and Headley will be of particular concern given their roles in a back four. The last thing Vale fans want after finally seeing some consistency in selection is injuries causing multiple changes.
Performance gives cause for optimism
Darren Moore felt that Vale deserved a win after their performance and it’s hard to disagree with him. Vale created some good chances, played on the front foot and scored twice – all away from home. It was only in the final stages with Vale reduced to nine fit players that they were forced into defensive duties for any length of time. Let’s hope this is the start of a run of similar form and not an outlier.
Fair points or total nonsense? Share your view and post a comment below.
George Byers has been targeted for criticism this season. Ineffective performances characterized by sideways and backwards passing that put the hand brake on attacks, and failure to add creativity, frustrated supporters. Then came Moore’s decision not to select him for the match day squad. The outcome was Byers back at Luton, performing to higher expectations. Does Moore get credit for this ? Seems logical, as does him persisting with a flexible a 442 formation. Praise too for Ben Waine’s resurgence. It seems Moore has found a successful niche for him in a left sided forward role. This is reminiscent of John Rudge’s 1988-89 decision to move central striker David Riley to the same role, supporting Futcher and Beckford in that season’s promotion team. Did Moore get tip off advice from canny Rudge ? Either way, Waine is scoring goals and giving the attack an unexpected new dimension.
As I said, everyone played well on Saturday but Byers did standout. The odd thing was, Byers did this interview saying how he and the players needed to up their game, and we get a display like that. Whether it’s the change in formation, or playing a long side Ojo I don’t know, but it’s no coincidence that once Moores ridiculous formations and tactics are out of the window, it’s like an enormous weight has been lifted off the players. I just HOPE the owners take all this onboard and they realise Moores vision of systems and tactics is and has ruined so many players at the club. None of our youngsters are progressing and that performance and the players performances, was unrecognisable from what we have been watching. Although you don’t agree with me thoughts Rob, this is the second time in 12 months Moore has been forced to ditch his systems and tactics in hope of saving the season. Moore has got to go for the sake of the club and players.
Erm, Ian Mountford I don’t get your comment. You say you have a similar view on Byers (and have said similar things on other posts) and then say I disagree with you. If we’re both having the same thoughts then we agree! Not on everything but on a lot of things. For instance, I’ve talked for a long time about him needing to learn from last season’s tactics. So, I’m not entirely sure why you say we don’t agree. I would say we do – not 100% – but on a lot of things.
I’m sorry to put adampener on things but one swallow doesn’t make a Summer I’m glad that the Vale seem to be playing better but two wins in the cups against poor opponents and a draw against a team that is also out of form and a manager under pressure I have yet again to ask the question WHY has it taken DM so long to see HIS tactics didn’t work nobody will be more pleased if we get out of this hole but I cannot see us stringing 4 or 5 wins together especially over a crowded Xmas period if we loose the two away games and get little from the home games we can kiss this league goodbye.