For the better part of a footballing year we've come accustomed to walking a bunch of games and looking fluid in control.
Yesterday was a challenge as we took on a young, competitive, promotion chasing team managed by an established Championship level manager and we were not in control of the game in phases. However, this isn't cause for concern or worry - we've found our level. All in all, that was one of our better Sky TV games in recent history and an enjoyable one for the neutral supporter. Also, that was Town's 2nd ever win at the Stadium of light if I am not mistaken.
There is a lot we can be happy about!
That said, there is one stat we really can't be hyper-fixated on this year and that is possession. We are now playing in a league where more teams play high press rather than low block. As such, away against the teams at our level will see us working a lot harder off-the-ball and having to make ensure quality when we're on the ball and KMK has gone on record saying off-the-ball is a big part of his training regime. So, possession is almost a pointless stat when playing against a good high pressing team.
So, other than a questionable opening 15m and a frantic period at the end - we fit into the game and looked good value for the score line. There are a lot of games left to go, but there will be many games that play out like last night did and we have to adapt our mindset as fans from last season if we're going to comfortably enjoy this campaign.
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