Rotherham United vs Huddersfield Town

Competition: EFL Championship Matchday 4

Date: 03/10/2020

Score: 1-1

Ground: New York Stadium

Huddersfield started the game brightly, with Isaac Mbenza and Fraizer Campbell combining well, before the latter having a good chance, which was blocked by a defender. Naby Sarr started well, with him picking out a number of long-range passes.
Towards the second half of the first half, Town’s early pressure started to fade. In the 33rd minute, slightly against the run of play, Town poorly defended a corner which allowed Ben Wiles to well time a shot from outside the area which left Town ‘keeper Ben Hamer with no chance.
Town created lots of chance in the second half with the best chance of the half falling to Josh Koroma who’s poor first touch cost him the chance at an easy finish. Town’s sustained pressure in the second half was rewarded when, Pipa fired across a cross which was spectacularly steered home by a Rotherham defender.
Town's next game is matchday 5 in the EFL Championship in two weeks time (17/10/2020) away at Swansea City.

5 Conclusions from the Game

1. Good debut from Eiting and Sarr

After not playing for 3 months, it was a good debut from Naby Sarr, he looked competent on the ball. Although Eiting did make his debut last week against Forest, it was a good full debut for Eiting against Rotherham, he made 1 key pass and had a pass success of 87%. If they both reproduce what they have already shown then Town have signed two brilliant players.

2. We are creating chances

Town played 9 key passes while having 1 clear cut chance - the Josh Koroma chance, when he miscontrolled the ball out the air. I think this shows that although we have only scored 2 goals this season and 1 goal from our own players. We are creating chances and all we are lacking, is that cutting edge finishing.

3. Mbenza is having a good season

I have seen a number of fans calling out Mbenza and Diakhaby, while I think they have been shocking signings, I think the criticism they have been receiving this season has been slightly undeserving. Mbenza is playing really well, he set up Toffolo for the goal last week and should of had an assist today if Campbell didn't have his shot blocked. I think he has finally realised that he is playing for a contract next year and he needs to improve his game.

4. A striker is needed ASAP

I am a big fan of Josh Koroma and I like the energy that Fraizer Campbell brings to the team, but we need a clinical striker to replace Grant. Hopefully once Karlan Grant moves to West Brom we will be able to go out and sign a striker. Although I hope we sign a striker before the game against Swansea.

5. Table looks better, but less goals scored than this time last year

At this stage last season, Town were sat on 1 point - an away draw with QPR, while we had scored 4 times. This season on the other hand, Town have 4 points, while only scoring 2 goals. I think the system is still embedding into the squad, when it does we should see the goals and points fly in.

Town Team:

Starting 11: Ben Hamer, Pipa, Naby Sarr, Richard Stearman, Harry Toffolo, Jonathon Hogg, Juninho Bacuna (78' Matty Daly), Carel Eiting, Fraizer Campbell, Josh Koroma, Isaac Mbenza (83' Adama Diakhaby)
Subs: Joel Pereira, Demeaco Duhaney, Matty Daly, Mustapha Olagunju, Jaden Brown, Romoney Crichlow, Adama Diakhaby
Formation: 4231