Struggling in Areas that don't need Improving?

[GhostOfDixie]

I don't think anyone can say we are short of defensive players. We even have decent players playing there, so we don't need to replace any of them.

So we are losing games, not because we haven't signed wonderkids and big money players, but because the players who we have in defence are not doing their job. Plain and simple.

 

[Toffe3m4n]

True. Very true.

The solution? Give Joseph and Joleon a kick up the arse.

 

[Dom1878]

Its all because Moyes got his tactics wrong. Everyone knows the best defence is:

Neville - Yobo - Jagielka - Lescott

Im sorry for Baines, but you cant drop any of them, Jagielka and Yobo work great in the center unlike Yobo and Lescott, and although he may not like it, Lescott is better at Left Back. So today for example why not play that back line and put baines in midfield, or put Yobo/Jagielka at RB and Neville in midfield?!

It doesnt make sense, why Moyes would play the same back line that has been terrible the past 2 matches, he mustve been drunk when he chose the line up.

 

[GhostOfDixie]

Well I hear its not been Joseph.

 

[GhostOfDixie]

Its all because Moyes got his tactics wrong. Everyone knows the best defence is:

Neville - Yobo - Jagielka - Lescott

Im sorry for Baines, but you cant drop any of them, Jagielka and Yobo work great in the center unlike Yobo and Lescott, and although he may not like it, Lescott is better at Left Back. So today for example why not play that back line and put baines in midfield, or put Yobo/Jagielka at RB and Neville in midfield?!

It doesnt make sense, why Moyes would play the same back line that has been terrible the past 2 matches, he mustve been drunk when he chose the line up.

Didn't Baines play well today? Getting down the line and getting some crosses in?

I just think we have a situation of right pegs for wrong holes.

 

[Dom1878]

Didn't Baines play well today? Getting down the line and getting some crosses in?

I just think we have a situation of right pegs for wrong holes.

He played ok, but we would get the best out of the defence if you play the usual, and put Baines to fill up the midfield...he didnt do much defending, apart from 2 tackles, one of which they got past him.

 

[toffeestillidie]

I don't think anyone can say we are short of defensive players. We even have decent players playing there, so we don't need to replace any of them.

So we are losing games, not because we haven't signed wonderkids and big money players, but because the players who we have in defence are not doing their job. Plain and simple.

you're right ghost. i think part of the problem is the gaffer's been focusing so much on bringing in new players that he hasn't been able to do a coaches primary job, which is to work with the players.

also steve round may have dropped the ball on this one.

ROUND OUT. STUBBS IN.

 

[ToxtethBlue]

Baines is a good footballer, excellent going forward but he's an average defender and gets exposed. He was our most attacking outlet for most of the game, he was also our weak link defensively. As I said hit and miss, good and bad.

The defense isn't all to blame though, the team as a whole isn't defending well. Osman was playing left mid but was continually moving central and leaving Johnson unmarked.

The centre of midfield is worrying, they may be defensive minded players but Jags and Rodwell offer no protection at all. Jags is lost and Rodwell is more cultured than hard tackling, he also needs to work on his positioning which will come with time.

Once we get reliable players in midfield we'll be alot better off. Hopefully Castillo can do a job, I'd also like to see Joao Moutinho and Stephane M'Bia here.

 

[Adamefc1]

The Defense We Built The Success Last Season On Was

Neville - Jags - Yobo - Lescott

Thats How It Should Be

Dont Fix It If Its Not Broke

 

[sotnas]

I was thinking the same, but defending is not only down to the defenders.

The way the CM provide cover for defence is essential, but also the way the team can hold the ball and where do the players risk to lose the ball.

A lot of variables are in line.

 

[ToxtethBlue]

I was thinking the same, but defending is not only down to the defenders.

The way the CM provide cover for defence is essential, but also the way the team can hold the ball and where do the players risk to lose the ball.

A lot of variables are in line.

Moutinho's energy and positioning will help us in that area.

 

[sotnas]

Moutinho's energy and positioning will help us in that area.

I wonder how can he help us while he's on a striped green and white jersey.

He's not the answer to all our problems, he won't bring back Pienaar nor Cahill any sooner, he won't make VDM be a real player and he won't be scoring goals as he was a striker.

He could bring a lot but he wouldn't make us challengers by himself.

 

[The Dude]

When I saw Jags and Rodwell in the middle of midfield, I despaired.

The only reason I can think Moyes played the team that way is that Joleon has thrown a fit and demanded to be a CB, meaning Baines plays LB instead of LM, and that pushes Jags out of defence into midfield. Jags CB, Joleon LB, Baines LM is a midfield space used in a better way, imo.

Joleon having bad game after bad game smells of poor morale to me. He'll go for big money soon, I reckon.

 

[ToxtethBlue]

I wonder how can he help us while he's on a striped green and white jersey.

He's not the answer to all our problems, he won't bring back Pienaar nor Cahill any sooner, he won't make VDM be a real player and he won't be scoring goals as he was a striker.

He could bring a lot but he wouldn't make us challengers by himself.

No he'll play his part though:

---------------------Howard-------------------------

Neville----------Yobo----------Jagielka----------Lescott

Arteta----------M'Bia----------Moutinho---------Obinna

---------------Yakubu-----------Saha------------------

Joao and Castillo form an unstoppable partnership, Obinna replaced Pienaar and Saha replaces Cahill. All sorted and that team would compete with most, it's got good balance aswell. Pace, strength, intelligence, technique and energy.

It's going to happen aswell, Moutinho is in Liverpool having a medical.

 

[sotnas]

No he'll play his part though:

---------------------Howard-------------------------

Neville----------Yobo----------Jagielka----------Lescott

Arteta----------M'Bia----------Moutinho---------Obinna

---------------Yakubu-----------Saha------------------

Joao and Castillo form an unstoppable partnership, Obinna replaced Pienaar and Saha replaces Cahill. All sorted and that team would compete with most, it's got good balance aswell. Pace, strength, intelligence, technique and energy.

It's going to happen aswell, Moutinho is in Liverpool having a medical.

No he's not. He'll be playing on monday.

After what happened in Madrid last wednesday sporting can't afford to lose him.