Preston North End’s winning run came to an end on Saturday as they could only manage at 1-1 draw with Rotherham United. It sees them slip to third in the league, with Ipswich Town and Leicester City both winning.
The Lilywhites probably deserved to win, and were only denied all three points due to a lovely solo goal from former North Ender Jordan Hugill.
Expectations now very high
The very impressive start to the season from Ryan Lowe’s side saw this game sell out the away allocation three weeks before. Most Preston fans probably expected a win, and there was an air of confidence going into this fixture. Understandably so after six wins in a row against teams you would consider stronger than the Rotherham United side.
The Millers are perennial strugglers when in this league and have been yo-yoing between the second and third tier for what seems like a lifetime. On paper this seemed our easiest fixture to date, but of course it’s never that easy.
You should probably be happy with a point away from home in any fixture in this league. Yet, the start we have been on saw us almost expecting to win this game, and stay top of the league.
Having won six and drawn two of the first eight games, and being the only side still unbeaten it seems unfair that we find ourselves in third. It is rare for three teams to have started the season with such a high points tally. Ourselves Leicester and Ipswich already have a healthy lead over other teams, and Preston are already seven points clear of seventh place.
The great start naturally raises expectations but we can’t be too annoyed when results don’t go our way which there will be plenty more of over the course of the season.
Preston created plenty of decent chances, with Milutin Osmajic, Ryan Ledson and Alan Browne all going close. As well as Tyler Blackett nearly scoring an own goal, the former Manchester United defender saw a interception bounce back off the post. On another day we could have easily have won this game.
A bit of magic from Hugill
Looking at the Rotherham team ahead of kick off you felt that if they were going to score, there was a likelihood that one of two former Preston players would be involved. Former loanee Andre Green is at The Millers this season, but their main striker is now Jordan Hugill. He joined the Yorkshire club in January, and Preston fans know all too well what he is capable of.
To many observers, the 31-year-old is your typical target man, and would mainly score headers and close range efforts. But he is very tidy with his feet and when he found himself in space yesterday after winning the ball from Liam Lindsay you knew he was going to try and curl one in.
It flew into the top corner giving Freddie Woodman no chance. It continues Hugill’s impressive record against his former clubs as well. Six of his seven goals for Rotherham have come against his former employers.
Whiteman and Keane to come in?
We’re back at Deepdale next Saturday as West Bromwich Albion visit. If we’re wanting to keep up with the pace setters it feels as if we need to win this one. Especially ahead of the daunting trips to Leicester and Ipswich that follow.
Ben Whiteman has come off the subs bench in the last three games, whilst Will Keane has been absent since picking up an injury whilst on international duty with Republic of Ireland
It may be time to mix up the midfield. Whiteman could allow us to play a more expansive game at home, whilst Ali McCann and Ryan Ledson will be more suited to the two away games that follow.
Keane had a great start to the season, leading the line superbly in the opening five game. Milutin Osmajic has stepped into the void in the last three, scoring one and assisting another. He has missed a couple of good headed opportunities though. He would be a great impact sub as well to have, so we may see Keane come back in.
Strong from set-pieces
We are looking a lot more dangerous from set-pieces this season. Kian Best’s superb deliveries in the first few games were great to watch, and led to Liam Lindsay’s winner at Sheffield Wednesday. Alan Browne’s corners have been better as well, and forced Birmingham City into an own goal on Tuesday.
We all know Robbie Brady has a great left foot on him, although we don’t always see it from him, but his corner was perfect for Lindsay to just nod in. We looked threatening from all our corners, especially in the first half. We’ve got some tall players in defence and up front who will cause problems for any opposition.
