Disappointing, but a definite improvement

IT was so disappointing City going down 1-0 at Plymouth.

The hosts played simple, direct football and, as we know of late, teams playing at home in the Championship and fighting for survival are giving 100 per cent.

This was a much better performance than in our last two away games. There was intensity right from the start. Build-up was quick and the chances came.

Striker Patson Daka has lost confidence finishing. He is a team player and will be under intense pressure.

He needs to adopt the mental approach of Robbie Fowler, Ian Wright and all great strikers.

“I have seen Liverpool’s Fowler miss three sitters and then score the winner. My advice to Daka is to keep getting chances, keep going, keep your nerve and you will win through.

Daka’s speed at closing down is a real asset in hassling defenders into errors and hurried passes, putting us on the attack. His workrate is excellent and he has tremendous speed and will get those goal opportunities.

I’d sooner we get scoring opportunities and miss them than not get them at all. I hope Enzo Maresca will keep faith in him.

The crowd can play their part too. Knowledgeable fans rather than focus on mistakes recognise a player’s total contribution and are positive.

The chances kept coming. Stephy Mavididi missed a chance from a Wout Faes cross and the Plymouth keeper came out to deny Jamie Vardy running for a through ball in the penalty area. On another day we would have taken a couple of our many chances.

This game was very different to the away games at Millwall and Bristol. At Plymouth we played with tempo and determination.

We had over 70 per cent of the play and were constantly on the attack. I remember at one stage we had 10 corners compared with Plymouth’s zero.

Two home games against top teams West Brom and Southampton follow. More of the same and the goals will follow.

The crowd have a big part to play. If we get behind the team right from the start it will be worth a goal to City. What does the Birch say? “Keep the faith.”

Peter Aspinall, Markfield