Disappointing result, primarily because, aside from Charles' dropped ball, we never looked in any trouble against a very physical team that finished 3rd in 2025/26.

By the same token, they did not look like they were worried by our front line either. The team is going through a time of transition, as Stephane looks for options other than 442. Sometimes, it is going to work; others times it will look a bit flat, and that is what we saw today. Excellent control and slick passing from front to back... and now what? We looked a bit hesitant on the edge of the opposition box.

Not panicking at this point. We haven't lost ground against any rivals and, if this were a League fixture, we ended up with a score draw. Might I remind everyone of the utter dumpster fire that was our last game against Millwall? This was annoying but infinitely better than that!

Side note: it's about time that Owen Goal got a squad number. He's made a great start to the season.

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