by holsgrove breaks a leg »
12 Dec 2010 03:27
From what was offered today it appears mid table beckons,we seem to have a squad 'on paper' that have the resume to compete for the prized top 6, but ultimately there seems to be a lack of understanding as a unit in many areas of the team which is clearly affecting any kind of consistency (well apart from drawing).
For a start the lack of any creative input in midfield from the 'robust' pairing of Leigertwood and Karacan (he of the considerable tame variety) will in no way replace the 20 goals that Siggurdson plundered last season. I actually didnt think Mikele had a bad game but its clear that we have become redundant as an attacking force in this department. Questions will now be raised as to Tabb's role in the squad and Howard is clearly not viewed as a viable option to pull the strings in creating things to happen so perhaps come January it may be best to just get rid.
I would also say that as much as Kebe can be viewed as a hot and cold player, McAnuff appears to be getting away with shirking from his responsibilties and is plainly going through the motions, how Antonio isnt getting a chance to shine above Hal Robson Kanu is beyond me so i wonder if Mcanuff is really worth persisting with now.
Defensivly we are so so but there are increasing doubts whether our very own Captain can produce the kind of performaces that earned him rave reviews last season. I really dont know where to stand with Long, his effort and commitment cannot be faulted but his preditory instincts have become less and less impressive at a time when a 1-0 victory would do. As i mentioned earlier 'on paper' the squad looks competitive, the likes of Hunt, Church and Long as an attacking force should be enough in this division however it is clear that none of them seem to work well together and when Mcdermott does play two upfront he seems to have an obsession of playing at least one of the front two to forage on the wing (Long being the main target) which makes a mockery of two forwards playing in a central position and taints the performances of players like long no matter how hard he competes.
A preditory forward is clearly needed in Jan (though clearly that comes at a cost) as well as a box to box or creative midfielder to replace an ineffective Howard. I think if at all possible in Jan that McD has to look to wheel and deal a bit to ensure this happens, if it means saying goodbye to a few first team 'regulars' who have not performed consistently or appear to be out of Mcd's thinking and perhaps a few fringe players ala Howard then so be it, our squad is large enough as it is.
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