Posh Show Promise: Key Huddersfield Takeaways

Peterborough United showed signs of progress in their clash with Huddersfield Town, despite falling short against promotion favourites.

From tactical tweaks to the need for cool heads, here are three key takeaways.

Photo Credit : Joe Dent / Peterborough United

1. The 5-3-2 (pre-substitutions) worked

It was the first league outing for the new look Posh side, following four deadline day signings. 

For the most part, it was a coherent performance:

• Defenders were comfortable, knew their roles, and how to progress into midfield.

• Midfield pressed hard, with a lot of success, although rarely found a through ball.

• Link-up play with the strikers was good, although no clear cut chances were created.

There was a lot to like, with refinement still needed. 

It’s important to remember that Posh were playing an excellent Huddersfield Town team. 

On that note:

2. Huddersfield are nailed-on for promotion

They weathered the first half Posh pressure and looked the stronger team at the end of that period. 

Even when they looked down and out after conceding, they found a way with a blistering run down the right wing. From there, they only ascended. 

I would be absolutely shocked to see Huddersfield outside the 'top six'. I think it’s most likely they won’t have to navigate the playoffs.

Meanwhile, at the other end of the table…

3. Cool heads are needed

If Posh are going to claw their way out of the mess they find themselves in, they are going to have to fall on the age-old football cliche of ‘taking it one game at time.’ 

Posh are now four points adrift of safety, despite at least three performances that would have got wins on other days (all against Yorkshire sides, as it happens).

For now, Posh have one task and one task only: beat Wycombe. 

The table is irrelevant. 

Posh players need to stay cool as they navigate this tricky period, and not even contemplate what the table says, for a few games at least.