Joey Barton believes MK Dons manager Liam Manning paid Bristol Rovers "ultimate respect" with his conservative tactics and team selection on Tuesday. The Dons posed very little threat to Rovers' goal throughout the game at Stadium MK, which was decided 14 minutes from time by an Antony Evans penalty.
After a run of four defeats in five games going into the contest, MK were clearly short of confidence, but instead of mustering a response they were almost completely contained by the Gas. Rovers narrowly edged the possession battle, but the starkest differences were in territory and attacking intent, with the Gas rarely kept in their own third and they took 13 shots to the home side's four.
The victory – Rovers' third in succession in all competitions – lifted the Gas to 15th in the League One standings, although they have played at least one more game than most of their rivals around them in mid-table. Barton said it was clear even before kick-off that MK's priority was dealing with the front three of Aaron Collins, Ryan Loft and Josh Coburn, rather than inflicting damage at the opposite end of the pitch.
"When I saw the teamsheet he obviously went for the third midfielder in there," Barton said. "They had been playing a 3-4-3, with three on the frontline and adventurous wing-backs.
"I think he paid us the ultimate compliment. He’s watched our games against Exeter and Cambridge and they bolstered the midfield. I think they were expecting some direct play from us and they wanted to solidify the central corridor by bringing Bradley Johnson in and Matt Smith. That left (Joshua) Kayode and (Will) Grigg up front, so I think they paid us the ultimate respect by changing shape, but again they are scratching around to get results and sometimes as a manager you try different combinations.
"Thankfully for us, it allowed us to assert our game on them and they were playing risky passes in and around their half and we were setting traps for them, miles away from our territory and miles away from our goal. Belly’s had probably his quietest night in a Rovers shirt, so long may that continue.
Barton made similar comments in the wake of Rovers' 1-1 draw with Shrewsbury Town in August. He has been surprised by the way some teams have sat back against the Gas, given their status as a newly-promoted side.
MK's safety-first approach meant it was difficult for the Gas to create clear-cut chances, but after going close with attempts from Lewis Gibson and Jordan Rossiter in the second half, the deadlock was broken from the penalty spot after Johnson hauled Loft to the ground in the area with 15 minutes to play.
A new season has brought a change in tactical direction from Barton. Last season, resources dictated a more controlled, possession-based ethos, but so far this season Rovers' best attacking performances have come from a more direct approach with Loft partnered with a second striker – be it Coburn or John Marquis – with Collins working in behind. Barton singled Loft out for his crucial contribution on Tuesday.
"He’s a constant menace up there, him and Josh Coburn with Azza playing off the seam of them," Barton said. "They had to scrap and battle for every inch, certainly in the first period.
"The lads at the back, Zak Jules, Dean Lewington and the other lad who played competed. They were fighting to get points on the board and get their season going after a fantastic year last year, so we knew there was going to be no quarter given.
"We were expecting a response because they lost at the weekend and they were in front of their own fans, but I thought we met the challenge head-on and for most of the game we played on the halfway line and into MK’s territory. Coming away from home, I thought it was a really professional, mature and positionally-dominant performance."
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