Not in my eyes. Our luck is going to run out soon and with that defense it could be a spanking we get.
Considering the recruitment during the close season, bar West Brom its been an abject start from a performance point of view. I would be happier if we were on zero points but the performances were good. The showing so far points to another long season.
Problem area from my point of view to start with are our two full backs are defensive liabilities. Luckily here we have two players in the squad who can probably solve that problem. Solve our problems there and there will be far less chances being created against us and our centre halves may be able to concentrate on defending their part of the pitch than having to worry about our wide.
Even after the West Brom performance, I was concerned that the show had been ran by Geddy. He was never going to be able to keep that level of performance up. He has gone quiet again and no coincidense that the team as a whole have done too. The central midfield position is vital to the overall performance of the team. Lose that part of the game and the rest is uphill. I never wanted Colback back to be honest, I would have rather us spent on a more dynamic player who can carry the ball, who has an edge and who can put a cruncher in to lift the mood of the whole team and crowd on a match day. In watson and Colback, we have two plodders who give defensive cover. Sorry but thats about all they bring to the table.
The Portugese boys have yet to fire. There's promise there but so far thats been all. SUtton said on the radio yesterday that they were lightweight. Ok, no problem if you have the right combination in midfield but at the moment we havent and its not allowing them to show what they are good at. Ball at their feet and players running off them. Its not hapening.
Grabban is isoalted. He scores everywhere he goes so he hasnt become poor overnight, his performances are down to a team problems clearly. Long balls up to an isolated figure? Surely we have to improve our method of delivery to him and get players supporting quicker. That isnt so easy when we're on the back foot and lying so deep down the pitch. More midfield control required.
How do we put it right? Karanka surely has to drop the two full backs and pick Robinson and Byram. I honestly think the whole defense would be better as a result whether the central combination be Figs and Fox, Dawson and Hefele, the unit would improve.
Midfield, we dont seem to have the player at the club who can take control of the centre of the park. Geddy has to be in the mod or perhaps better supported but in my mind, Karanka has to really colve that conumdrum. Sell Brereton and recruit? It may be the only answer.
I really think our problems can be much improved if those two areas are addressed, lets see.
Of a special mention to Pants. That first goal is his all day long. As a goalkeeper and especially one his size, that cross was his and he wants an almighty bollocking for that one. 6 foot 7 fairy who no forward fears. Similar scenario to Shilton Maradonna hand of God goal, we can all blame a bit of skullduggery but at the end of the day, a goalie has to be brave and do the necessary's when it matters. Anyone remember a German keeper called Harold Schumacher?
Considering the recruitment during the close season, bar West Brom its been an abject start from a performance point of view. I would be happier if we were on zero points but the performances were good. The showing so far points to another long season.
Problem area from my point of view to start with are our two full backs are defensive liabilities. Luckily here we have two players in the squad who can probably solve that problem. Solve our problems there and there will be far less chances being created against us and our centre halves may be able to concentrate on defending their part of the pitch than having to worry about our wide.
Even after the West Brom performance, I was concerned that the show had been ran by Geddy. He was never going to be able to keep that level of performance up. He has gone quiet again and no coincidense that the team as a whole have done too. The central midfield position is vital to the overall performance of the team. Lose that part of the game and the rest is uphill. I never wanted Colback back to be honest, I would have rather us spent on a more dynamic player who can carry the ball, who has an edge and who can put a cruncher in to lift the mood of the whole team and crowd on a match day. In watson and Colback, we have two plodders who give defensive cover. Sorry but thats about all they bring to the table.
The Portugese boys have yet to fire. There's promise there but so far thats been all. SUtton said on the radio yesterday that they were lightweight. Ok, no problem if you have the right combination in midfield but at the moment we havent and its not allowing them to show what they are good at. Ball at their feet and players running off them. Its not hapening.
Grabban is isoalted. He scores everywhere he goes so he hasnt become poor overnight, his performances are down to a team problems clearly. Long balls up to an isolated figure? Surely we have to improve our method of delivery to him and get players supporting quicker. That isnt so easy when we're on the back foot and lying so deep down the pitch. More midfield control required.
How do we put it right? Karanka surely has to drop the two full backs and pick Robinson and Byram. I honestly think the whole defense would be better as a result whether the central combination be Figs and Fox, Dawson and Hefele, the unit would improve.
Midfield, we dont seem to have the player at the club who can take control of the centre of the park. Geddy has to be in the mod or perhaps better supported but in my mind, Karanka has to really colve that conumdrum. Sell Brereton and recruit? It may be the only answer.
I really think our problems can be much improved if those two areas are addressed, lets see.
Of a special mention to Pants. That first goal is his all day long. As a goalkeeper and especially one his size, that cross was his and he wants an almighty bollocking for that one. 6 foot 7 fairy who no forward fears. Similar scenario to Shilton Maradonna hand of God goal, we can all blame a bit of skullduggery but at the end of the day, a goalie has to be brave and do the necessary's when it matters. Anyone remember a German keeper called Harold Schumacher?