The Case for the Defence

[ElGato]

We aren’t shooting nearly enough honestly

We're about bang on mid table for average shots per match (around 11) and total shots over the season (100) but I do agree that, for the amount of time we now spend with the ball around the opponents penalty area, we could create more pressure by shooting more.

But if we're giving up big chances and conceding 2 or 3 goals a game then we're not really giving ourselves the opportunity to win games

 

[ElGato]

We can't score puts even more spotlight on the defence

And vice versa, if we have to score 2 or 3 per game to win it...

 

[Alan Whittle]

That's not an option right now sadly

So then not a back three either. You are just rearranging the lifeboats on the Titanic otherwise

 

[ElGato]

So then not a back three either. You are just rearranging the lifeboats on the Titanic otherwise

Illusion of choice: everyone is crap, then?

Could play Garner RWB and Myko LWB, no? Neither perfect but gets the extra man in the middle, which is the point I think

Feels like something needs to change to me. Can't keep shipping chances until Branners is back. Was ok across 4 or 5 games for the last couple of seasons, but if we can't go half the season conceding the amount of chances we are every 90 mins

 

[PhilM]

We can't score puts even more spotlight on the defence

This shouldn't be underestimated. If you know you're struggling to score, one goal against puts on lots of pressure, and teams know this.

If we were scoring, we'd be more confident across the pitch.

 

[Neiler]

If it was me I’d come up with a plan for the massive gapping Branthwaite shaped wasteland that’s the space between our defense and defensive midfield lines.

 

[Alan Whittle]

Illusion of choice: everyone is crap, then?

Could play Garner RWB and Myko LWB, no? Neither perfect but gets the extra man in the middle, which is the point I think

Feels like something needs to change to me. Can't keep shipping chances until Branners is back. Was ok across 4 or 5 games for the last couple of seasons, but if we can't go half the season conceding the amount of chances we are every 90 mins

The illusion of choice is not to shoe horn under performing players into a new shape in the hope that they will suddenly improve.
Coach them to do their jobs. The CB’s you have are far more suited to (a) A back four and (b) the more direct style of football that is creeping back into “the best league in the world “.

 

[Vagner Love]

Defence without branthwaite just isn’t very good, the fact Michael Keane has been head and shoulders our best centre back this season says it all

 

[JobForTheMoyes]

When your best defender by a country mile is out injured you are always going to struggle.

 

[Zatara]

Unless Aznou steps up and breaks into the team...we need 3 new starting defenders.

Basically, Branthwaite + 3.

Looking at how much Spurs paid for theirs;

Van der Ven £43mil
Udogie £20mil
Porro £39mil
Gray £40mil
Romero £42.5mil

Thats the level of quality that costs money.

 

[blueblood]

Unless Aznou steps up and breaks into the team...we need 3 new starting defenders.

Basically, Branthwaite + 3.

Looking at how much Spurs paid for theirs;

Van der Ven £43mil
Udogie £20mil
Porro £39mil
Gray £40mil
Romero £42.5mil

Thats the level of quality that costs money.

And we blew the bulk of our summer budget on a young winger who isn’t ready (despite playing a full premier league season last year), and a young striker who isn't ready either, even though every Everton supporter in the land knew we needed a right back and probably a new left back.

 

[Neiziro]

Tarky is making stupid mistakes far too often but I worry about the lack of leadership in that backline without him in there. Keane isn't a leader by any stretch unfortunately as solid as he's been but a partnership of him and Jake doesn't sound like it'd work all too well. As harsh as it is I'd probably drop Keane, put Jake beside Tarky and shift Garner to RB with Rohl slotting in beside Gana. Keane's lack of pace is still glaringly obvious which naturally stretches the gap between the midfield and back 4 plus we'd have that extra bit of physicality in midfield with Rohl in there

Not seen enough to be convinced that Garner is the long term solution at right back but he at least looks competent there and can cross a ball

 

[Rehnman]

Unless Aznou steps up and breaks into the team...we need 3 new starting defenders.

Basically, Branthwaite + 3.

Looking at how much Spurs paid for theirs;

Van der Ven £43mil
Udogie £20mil
Porro £39mil
Gray £40mil
Romero £42.5mil

Thats the level of quality that costs money.

Zat, I’m generally on the same page as you re which players have a future and which don’t, what’s your issue with Jake O’B tho? I think Jarrad and Jake can potentially be the perfect centre back partnership, a Jags and Joleon for the 2020s.

 

[Rudolf Hucker]

Where’s the get a better manager option?

 

[windymiller]

The transfer window doesn't open until January friend

More's the pity.