Barnsley Post Match Reactions

[Ant]

Opening day struggle
Barnsley 0-1 Aston Villa

The home fans were keen to see returning manager, Harris, back in the dugout, but with that comes great pressure, as the faithful fans expect an improvement on last season (which had a great cup run). However, Villa visited with new manager Drum who is no slouch when it comes to football management.

Basically, a game of few chances from the home side, 4 shots in total, all on target, but no way past the villa keeper.
Villa win this 1-0, with new signing Mitoma (replacing legendary, super skilled Salah), having a very quiet debut.
A tough start to the season where fans would've been hopeful of sneaking a draw.

[Ant]

League Game 2:
Away success
Crystal Palace 0-1 Barnsley

In what was a cracking start for the away side, taking the lead in the second minute through defender, Zappacosta, the side created plenty of chances as the game went on, but worryingly so did Palace.

It was a tight game stats wise, and Harris had this to say: "I am very proud of this result. We get our first league points of the season, in which every single one will be invaluable as we look to finish above the relegation places and towards the top half". A solid performance all round had the fans happy that Harris is back with his first win. One fan said "A gritty result, but we also had 16 chances, what a stark difference to the Villa game!".

League Game 3:
Oh, the pain!
Barnsley 1-2 Newcastle United

After going behind to a contentious VAR decision, Barnsley rallied back through Mitoma's first league goal of the season. It wasn't to be a well earned point, as with the very last kick of the game Newcastle took all three points back up to the very grim north east. Barnsley edged possession, and the stats were very even, with home advantage, the fans would've expected (and been happy) with a draw, but a missed opportunity, and late heartbreak see's the side just above the relegation places, with an insanely tough run of games to come which includes Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool over the next four league games. Perhaps Harris is under pressure already?

July total so far: 374 words

[Ant]

League Game 4:
Oh Football! How about that?
Southampton 2-3 Barnsley

In our last game, we were beaten with the last kick of the game. The players worked hard between these games, and Harris had some things to sort in terms of concentration. He had the players stare at a wall for 45 minutes straight, and then asked questions about the wall for 15 minutes, they then stared at a different wall for 45 minutes, plus stoppage time, and were then asked further questions about the wall.

Anyway, the game started well for Barnsley, as in the 7th minute club legend, James Maddison scored a long range beauty in the wet weather. A few minutes later, G1 saved a shot. Maybe Southampton were playing two keepers? The saints equalised in the 37th minute, much to the dismay of the away supporters. In the 56th minute, that man James Maddison scored again, to restore the away sides lead. In the 89th minute Isak scores, and levels things up. Not again surely? But straight from kick off Haraslin scores his first goal for the club, and what a time to do it! The back up striker has now scored more goals than star striker Dia. Savour that one mate, savour that.

July: 583 words so far.

[Ant]

League Game 5:
Goals, Goals, Goals!
Barnsley 5-3 Chelsea

A tough ask awaited Oakwell, as Chelsea came with a new boss, and a new style. Thankfully they were without Dean Henderson. We raced to a 5-1 lead at half time (scored 5 goals in first 24minutes), but the second half was mainly Chelsea. Having the strong Maximiano in goal, versus Chelsea fielding their backup, did ultimately make most of the difference, and we can be thankful we caught them at this time.

Harris experimented with his side slightly starting Haraslin, the hero in last week's game. Dia found himself on the bench, mid rumours of a mid season exit as he struggles to find form.

Fans were anxious with such a line up, but Haraslin scored twice before being subbed at halftime for Dia.

Mitoma bagged the opener and young prodigy from the academy Lahmadi scored twice from Defensive Mid, in a performance well beyond his years.

Fans happy! Harris happy! Playing squad minutes? Somewhat happy!

July: 757 so far.

[Ant]

League Game 6:
What is he thinking?
Barnsley 1-1 Manchester United

Barnsley went into the game at home to potential title challengers, Manchester United, full of confidence after the Chelsea result. However, Harris started Ben Waine, the 15 rated player up front, dropping Dia from the squad entirely. Could he be on his way out? Harris or Dia?

Felipe Anderson made his starting debut, as fan favourite Ryan Kent was sold in the deal the week before that saw the Brazilian sign for the club.

14 rated Mawson in the backline and 16 rated Vyner started.My god.

However, it was the home side that took the lead. On 33 minutes Mitoma played the ball out wide, and then got on the end of the cross with a fine header. Barnsley then tried to shut up shop, but Manchester United equalised as the game went on and the result was welcomed by the home faithful.

Mawson and Waine did come off at half time, but Vyner had the game of his life!

July so far: 928 words

[Ant]

League Game 7:
Back to reality
Liverpool 1-0 Barnsley

It was another tough game (they all are to be honest when you're at this level) but Barnsley fancied their chances of something...until they found out that Mitoma would miss the game through injury. This gave Dia a chance to really stake claim at a starting spot.

Harris went for an untried formation and tactic combination and it was essentially ineffective. Although the away side had more shots on target and more possession, they couldn't fire into the Liverpool goal. Hopefully some of the lads had better success post game.

Mitoma was sincerely missed, and new signing Anderson has now had two sub par performances in the league since joining from EFL heavyweights, Barcelona. Some selection headaches ahead?

League Game 8:
The blue team from Liverpool?
Barnsley 1-1 Everton

Harris again had scouse opposition, and despite the league position of the visitors, they do possess some real quality throughout their team.

We setup in another unfamiliar way, which so far isn't pleasing anyone. Dia had 4 shots, for another game with no goals. He is still yet to score in any competition this season. A very concerning statistic.

Mitoma was back, and thank the lord he was, as he slotted home a lovely equaliser in the 89th minute to give Barnsley a deserved point. The visitors had two shots on target, and were second best for the majority of the game, but luck isn't fully favouring Barnsley right now. That is football.

July total so far: 1179

[Ant]

League Game 9:
Epic luck this time out! Dia! Dia! Dia!
Arsenal 1-2 Barnsley

Oh boy, we had to travel to super strong Arsenal. We needed some luck, and oh boy we were fortunate enough to get it. Arsenal took the lead, but then Edgar scored a spectacular goal, the defender proving his worth yet again this season so far. We then scored towards the back end of the half through, yep, much maligned forward Dia who hadn't scored all season. What a relief for the striker, and a really happy moment for the players, fans and manager alike.

Arsenal can count themselves unlucky, and football is a crazy game, but as for Barnsley, they march on to 7th, but they are equal with many other sides.

Next up, Chelsea in the FA CUP, a much different prospect with their full strength side, perhaps they'll play their second keeper this time for us?

1489 (which includes all previous match reports here and one official news_ plus today's 153 = 1642 for July.