Thread by @tomhwilliams23

🆕🧵 Here’s my thread on #Notts win over #WxmAFC

A closely fought game and the type of performance we haven’t seen from us at this level

All video credit to Notts and Wrexham

This free kick, wow, exceptional. The false run from Palmer that allows Ruben to step back onside just at the right moment, catching them out. The run from Matty down the right, the nutmeg from Ruben. And Macca being in the right place stepping off just enough, and quality finish

We always get Cameron up into the half space, and I was worried we would struggle against a strong side but we didn’t. Cameron is such a threat offensively, and the weight of cross is perfect here too. Macca is surprisingly good in the air too; this will bring goals

Ruben attacks a similar space, this time on the far side, and his quality means defenders back off him, allowing to put the ball in. Macca gets a lot of credit for his poaching instincts, but I feel Scott is a better striker of the ball. His snapshot here is brilliant

Here’s Scott again, and whilst normally I’m not an advocate from shooting from range I do love how Scott gets into these positions and is able to shoot without really setting himself well. He often tests keepers because they aren’t expecting the shot, and the same is done again

Macca is getting lots of praise for his goalscoring, but his work off the hall is so impressive too. We always see teams not press Sam, but ML is pressuring Howard here. We also see Palmer win the aerial but I felt they could have had more success if they pinned him on Brindley

Macca’s pressing work is on show again, and it shows how he’s a menace to the opposition both on and off the ball. He also has composure when he does win the ball back to pick the right pass. Baj’s work in midfield always surprises me; he’s a real threat going forward

The high press we employ also works beautifully here, and it’s instilled in every single player in the side. Look at ML’s movement as soon as we win the ball back; he makes sure to get into a position he can receive the ball, & get close as possible to the goal to be threatening

The impact Austin has off the bench every time never ceases to amaze me, and it’s testament to our side that he doesn’t start. His energy levels are unreal, and the link up play between the front 3 here is so intricate. Rubens positioning and movement is excellent here;so unlucky

Rawlo initially does really well, timing the aerial duel perfectly. However the rest is really messy. The lads get caught ball watching, get in each other’s way and really don’t communicate well. It worries me that the long ball undid us like this, but we can work on organisation

Another long ball that undoes it, and I think it must have been slippy as quite a few of the lads lost their feet. This clip is in added time, just showing that we have to be alert for the entirety of the game. Tbf to the lads we make sure Mullin has to shoot from a narrow angle

The defending here isn’t great at all, allowing Palmer the space to run free. The gaps between the back 3 are too large and the line is all over the place. Credit to Sam tho; this is superb keeping. He stays strong, doesn’t commit and his starting positioning is superb

In our pre match preview we highlighted how key Ben Tozer was to their build up, and here he plays a lovely long diagonal. We probably could have pressed him more throughout the game, but skip reads the flight of the ball really well and forces the shot under pressure

Let’s end on a positive note; the performance of Sam Slocombe. This save is superb, a strong hand pushing it away from danger, something he’s really worked on, and it’s also right in the corner. A top save from a keeper who has improved immensely this season

Overall, what a performance from the boys! Thoroughly professional, killed the game off, a key clean sheet and a goalscorer who rises to the occasion

If you want to read more, including a full match report and key stats, check out @notts_stats report 👇

nottscountystats.com/post/report-wr…