Our inability to defend/keep clean sheets

[4737carlin]

I can't buy into it when people blame our centre backs. I don't think any of them have been bad at all.

Defending set pieces I think we have been spot on which has been a big problem in previous seasons. The issue is coming from the back 4 or 5 constantly being exposed and outnumbered.

The whole team balance is wrong and still hasn't been rectified.

It would be obvious to me for the upcoming Chelsea game to go back to basics and play a lineup and formation similar to the one fielded by Dunc last season to get some momentum going again. Wont happen though.

People have moaned about the center backs in games when we didnt even look like scoring, or when we did just wasted chances, the Leedsgame being a good example.

 

[little elfin]

 

[TimHowardsBeardJuice]

We can't pass and keep the ball. Coughing it up as much as we do invites pressure and no team can keep on losing the ball in difficult positions without conceding.

This, especially in trying to advance the ball from defence to midfield, right at the edge of our defensive third. One of the reasons we've cooled off IMO is that teams have figured out that they can press us to death here and we'll cough it up.

Which is also the area where "shots from distance" come from. As noted Pickford has given up more of these than any keeper. It fits with my pet theory on JP - he has fantastic reflexes and will make highlight-reel saves on shots from close range or shots that come on him quickly. The more he has to think, to position himself properly, to position the defence in front of him, to anticipate etc. the worse he fares. I think the league has grokked that you can let it fly from well outside the box and he'll still be contemplating it by the time it's rolling around in the back of the net. In fact I'd rather have him face a shot from three yards than from 25 yards.

All of this could be addressed with more discipline. I'm starting to wonder why our world-class Italian manager hasn't done that yet. I said to Mrs THBJ that I almost would like them to pry Fat Sam away from the pub and have him spend a month working with the back four.

 

[Seathestars]

Starts with your keeper, he pulls off the odd good save which all keepers do, the rest of the time he has your nerves shattered, you can sense it in defenders.

 

[deipnosophist]

Occam's razor suggests the diagnosis is homesickness. Quite simply, our players just want to go home

 

[Dario Terracotta]

Is our downfall, attacking wise it's looked very promising for the most part.