Struber came in and sorted us out at the back. Eventually, particularly post lockdown, that seemed to come at the expense of our attacking potential. In the 3 games Murray has had in charge, whilst we still don't look like 70s Brazil going forward, we do seem to be a bit more fruitful in front of goal. It appears to be at the expense of defensive solidarity again. The old defensive errors have crept back in. How do we get the right balance, as the style of play hasn't changed, even if the personnel have, ever so slightly. I do think we missed both Woodrow and Williams yesterday. I feel Woodrow is a given, but Williams I think has been key to that improvement across the back. I get many have been calling for Oduor to get more starts, he's probably better going forward than Williams (although Williams has improved that side of his game immensely too), but he leaves a bit to be desired at the back on occasion. As I say, it's about getting the right balance.
At least it proves the lads can do know where the net is. Scoring 5 in 3 games under Murray. Woodrow and Mowatt both look to have tails wagging again. Experience James brings in dressing room as well as on the pitch is huge plus. Add to that quality and creativity Kane will add. Plus addition of Britain to link defence to attack. In terms coaching. Let's judge Ismail after at least 10 games! At this stage we dont know formation we will play or team he will select. Will there be any surprises in store? As long as results follow.
When fit, Williams should be back to the left hand side of the back 3. Andersen never looks comfortable when defending wide, a bit of composure and we’re one up at half time yesterday. Seems odd to see Sollbauer, our best centre back, operating as a right back in this system, but he seems to have adjusted after some errors in the first few games of the season. A lot of talk about a target man, and rightly so, but failing to sign a left back has hampered us significantly. Wouldn’t fancy odour as a left back in a back 4, his skills would be wasted there as much as anything else. So we’re stuck with this system.
To either survive or push at the other end of the table we’ve got to be able to keep a clean sheet. Sometimes grabbing a goal and hanging on has to be enough - maybe a manager/coach who was a defender by trade might just help us with that.
