Our Defence(not inc GK)

[Mogwai]

Its nothing to do with the players, its our formation and tactics that create the leak. All the players including Mori are quality enough. They just aren't set up correctly. I don't think we need any defensive additions/changes bar Howard (the new [Poor language removed] Neville)

I am hoping this season is the final realisation Martinez needs before we have a boss team. Last season it was that Lukaku doesn't play hold up play well and we need to be more direct. This season it is we can't just send everyone on attack at once ala Fifa on ultra attacking. He sorts that part out and everything he has set up will be phenomenal. Just a shame we have already wasted half a season.

 

[AsiaAsia82]

A new defensive coach is required and Martinez needs to start practising set pieces in training

I agree, ideally get somebody like David Weir back from Rangers, he was never the quickest but knew how to organise, he's done all his coaching badges and would be a great defensive coach/assistant, as he's definitely not a Yes man, (perhaps that's why we don't have him)

Or Davie Moyes! (lol) and unite the GOT masses

 

[Fazz]

We can't afford to give fouls away around our box when we have Howard in goal though. They just need to put a man in front of him and he doesn't know what to do. Other teams foul us around their boxes constantly knowing they can defend the set piece.

Very true, tried to steer the stats away from Howard... but you're right; Quite possibly that's the reasoning behind it.
But take that away, I think those stats show that things are very, very wrong.
I just think there's no intimidation, no fear going forward or competing for headers. (I know that sounds corny)
The extra split second of thought that goes through the head of a player running at someone like Lee Cattermole is invaluable.

It's a physical league, that's becoming more and more apparent over the years too....
I just think we're lacking it at the back.

All the best for the new year lads.

 

[Walken]

A topic of complete irrelevance without the goalkeeper, and an obvious attempt divert attention away from howard by americans

 

[Blue Truth]

Individual errors, set pieces and Tim Howard is the problems we have. Fix those 3 things and we would be much better off.

 

[tonyhorne]

Individual errors, set pieces and Tim Howard is the problems we have. Fix those 3 things and we would be much better off.

This. Crosses a coming into our 6 yard box are causing panic. The keeper just needs to catch them like every other keeper does........

 

[ijjysmith]

Not perfect still bit fair play to the manager.

Clearly done some hard graft sorting it out a bit.

 

[mlyons]

It's nice to see they've been at least thinking about a defensive shape the last couple of matches. Still the odd moment where someone loses concentration and gives up a big chance, but a much better mentality since the Stoke debacle.

 

[Blue Cheese]

Not perfect still bit fair play to the manager.

Clearly done some hard graft sorting it out a bit.

Much better last 2 games, much better.

Ironically there goal came from a panicked hoof clearance.