Top Takeaways from Jamaica’s draw with St Vincent in Gold Cup qualifier

Today, we take a look at the recent Concacaf Gold Cup qualifier between Jamaica and St Vincent and the Grenadines, which ended in a 1-1 draw. One. Watching Jamaica play is a chore these days. It’s becoming increasingly difficult to support and expect anything positive from this Reggae Boyz bunch. I am still trying to figure out how these professional players manage to look so much like amateurs - game after game. I hope the crowds continue to show support, but it won't be long before we return ...

Today, we take a look at the recent Concacaf Gold Cup qualifier between Jamaica and St Vincent and the Grenadines, which ended in a 1-1 draw.

One.
Watching Jamaica play is a chore these days. It’s becoming increasingly difficult to support and expect anything positive from this Reggae Boyz bunch. I am still trying to figure out how these professional players manage to look so much like amateurs – game after game. I hope the crowds continue to show support, but it won’t be long before we return to empty stands if they continue with these unconvincing performances.

Two.
That 1-1 draw against St Vincent and the Grenadines felt more like a loss, especially considering the performance and the fact it took a 98th minute penalty for the Jamaicans to avoid what would have been a deserved defeat.

Three.
Can someone tell our defenders (especially Ethan Pinnock) that they don’t have to aimlessly punt the ball 50 metres up the field at every opportunity. We counted 900,000 long ball attempts from Pinnock with maybe one or two reaching its intended target.

Four.
Bobby Reid should not be an automatic starter for Jamaica and we need a real number 10. We are still struggling to figure out what exactly he offers to the team these days.

Five.
The Jamaicans passed and moved the ball well, in spurts. But it should also be considered that we weren’t exactly playing a Concacaf powerhouse. StVG’s players hardly pressed the Jamaicans and allowed far more space than they would have enjoyed against a better team and were still unable to take advantage.

Six.
Yes it’s still early days but I haven’t exactly seen anything from Head Coach Steve McLaren to get excited about. This team has not taken a step forward and many of the same issues that were obvious under our previous coach are still very much present.

Seven.
When are we going to see an Aston Villa-level performance from Leon Bailey?

Eight.
This is an uncomfortable truth for most people but it must be said. Most of us know this long before now but it’s time to admit it. Most of these UK imports are barely above the Jamaica Premier League level and offer very little to this team.

Nine.
I can think of a few local club teams which would have beaten StVG easily.

Ten.
When it’s all said and done, St Vincent and the Grenadines will probably end up getting 4-0 or 5-0 in the return leg and all the ills will be forgotten – for now!