Isle of Wight Fox 86 Posted 27 October 2014 Posted 27 October 2014 This is something that is quite alarming - We have only had one clean sheet this season away at Stoke, and we are conceding 1.66 goals on average per game. I personally think that there are a few reasons for this. 1. Schmeichel doesn't command his area good enough for the Premier League - I think he will be No.1 for one of the top PL clubs one day but I think he needs to practise more on this. 2. and I personally think that this could be a major factor, and that is either Wes or Liam don't stroke fear into the opposition strikers. I think if Was was to get a run in the team for a couple of matches then it would be interesting to see if our defensive fragilities would show (or would he get sent off for elbowing someone.....) Be interesting to know what other people think to why we are conceding every game (apart from the obvious that PL strikers are a lot better than those in the Championship)
chris_lcfc_85 Posted 27 October 2014 Posted 27 October 2014 I've openly said that i dont believe the CB's are given enough protection. For me, both are good enough and i dont think putting Wasyl in would make it any better. The 2 goals on Saturday mainly came from midfield runners making intelligent late runs and carving us open.... Drinkwater at fault for 1st, De Laet the 2nd...... We just need to be switched on more as a team. We managed to stifle Chelsea for an hour so im sure we can do it against others
Isle of Wight Fox 86 Posted 27 October 2014 Author Posted 27 October 2014 For the first goal I still cant understand why Liam just gave Bony all the space in the world and ran back to the goal line - for me I think he should have stuck with him and tighted the angle to the goal - but thats just me - this isn't a bashing at either defenders. Like I said just wondered what peoples thoughts were of having that presence in defence would would strike fear into the opposition.... I wonder if something has been siad to both players try not to get booked or get any bans as we dont have the cover in defence with Upson being out injured......
Jakemoore Posted 27 October 2014 Posted 27 October 2014 Funny how we all see things differently. I'd say that Morgan and Moore have been our two best players so far this season. I agree that they haven't been given enough protection. We need to sign a big, strong, commanding CDM in January. That would make one hell of a difference.
cc_star Posted 27 October 2014 Posted 27 October 2014 Don't know why people think Schmeichel will be turning out for Madrid or Utd one day... He's a good shot stopper but the rest of his game is very limited & he's never showed otherwise. Anyway, Morgan & Moore have put in some amazing MotM performances but facts speak for themselves and we're missing something extra at the back. Upson's continued injury is costing us, we need that knowhow & leadership Could we go 3 at the back with Was/Morgan/Moore with RDL & Schlupp as WB Mind, Pearson can't even coach the 2 CDMs in a 4231 to be the D in CDM and there pressing the opposition box along with the 3 attacking miss in that formation leaving us horribly exposed when a full back gets forward as they're supposed to in that formation... So I don't know how he could coach 3 at the back Bring back King to the starting line-up, he's been in all our best midfield displays this season
lgfualol Posted 27 October 2014 Posted 27 October 2014 I remember saying defence isnt bad because we attack and are bound to let in goals. But as as long as we keep scoring it isn't a disaster. Now Nigel has stopped trying to attack, sets out for a 0-0 in every game and we are still letting goals in. That's a bit more worrying.
David Lowe Posted 27 October 2014 Posted 27 October 2014 Neither Morgan or Moore have played at this level before. To think they are going to keep clean sheets every week would be stupid.
Oxfordfox83 Posted 27 October 2014 Posted 27 October 2014 Agree with ChrisLCFC, the reason we're struggling at the back, the reason we're resorting to hoofing it and the reason we're not creating anything is that when our CMs get hold of the ball it goes backwards or it goes dead. At home, I'd like to see James and King in the middle, with Nugent and Vardy/Ulloa in front of them. Away, I'd like James and Cambiasso in the middle with King playing ACM and Vardy/Ulloa on their own in front. When Drinkwater starts playing again, that should be a really strong midfield. For me, Hammond should be a sub when we need to see out a game, we're getting stifled when he starts, especially in a 2. Moore is starting to make bad decisions, and de Laet is struggling, but I think both of them would be fine with someone to take charge in front of them.
Lineker's Left Foot Posted 27 October 2014 Posted 27 October 2014 I've openly said that i dont believe the CB's are given enough protection. For me, both are good enough and i dont think putting Wasyl in would make it any better. The 2 goals on Saturday mainly came from midfield runners making intelligent late runs and carving us open.... Drinkwater at fault for 1st, De Laet the 2nd...... We just need to be switched on more as a team. We managed to stifle Chelsea for an hour so im sure we can do it against others For the first, Bony's back heel was exquisite. IMO the difference was that they had Bony and Shelvey; Montero looked useful too
Fox Ulike Posted 27 October 2014 Posted 27 October 2014 Defending isn’t just about the back four. The central 3 of Hammond, Drinkwater and Nugent just could not get near Shelvey or Siggurdson. Our passing was awful and painfully predictable. I don’t think we had one clever move, or pass, to create an attack the whole game. The defence was under constant pressure because our midfield was hopelessly out-classed and our forwards could not keep the ball. Every time we cleared the ball, it just came straight back. Our defence was actually the best part of our team on Saturday… but no defence can put up with constant pressure.
filbertway Posted 27 October 2014 Posted 27 October 2014 I keep seeing De Laet was at fault for the second, he held his line perfectly with Morgan and Konch, unfortunately Moore had dropped 5 yards deeper than the defence which left Montero onside. Also feel Moore should have stuck with Bony rather than leaving him with a free shot at goal. Easy to say that afterwards though, the whole thing happened in about 3 or 4 seconds.
chris_lcfc_85 Posted 27 October 2014 Posted 27 October 2014 For the first, Bony's back heel was exquisite. IMO the difference was that they had Bony and Shelvey; Montero looked useful too Yes do agree to be fair but still need to track runners better
Fox92 Posted 27 October 2014 Posted 27 October 2014 Don't know why people think Schmeichel will be turning out for Madrid or Utd one day... He's a good shot stopper but the rest of his game is very limited & he's never showed otherwise. I've always said this. There's probably a reason why he's 28 next week and has only played regularly for Leicester, Leeds and Notts County. He's served us well, had a good season last season too, but we haven't been blessed with great goalkeepers in recent years (since Walker for me).
artursteppe Posted 27 October 2014 Posted 27 October 2014 The problem at the back is Pearson. He was a centre half and if he can do anything well, it should be sorting out our defense. Now, before people start jumping down my neck, I am not blaming any player, OK? Whenever any opposition attacker is being played on side it is always Liam doing it, for whatever reason. Needs sorting because it has been like that since day one. The full backs do not know whether to stick or twist. They both seem to be confused as to when to hold defensively and when to attack. This could simply be down to the various different formations being used from game to game. In my view, even the brilliant robbing of Mata and the subsequent surge and cross for Vardy's goal may not have happened if Richie had not tried to intercept the pass that led to Van Persie's goal and felt desperately guilty until he put Jamie in. If Nigel wants two full backs to attack, he must have the defensive cover in place with those players knowing their jobs and responsibilities. If he wants a back four to fully concentrate on defense then maybe Richie should be left out. A midfield three, ie Drinky, Matty and Esteban would allow the full backs to go forward as long as those midfield players are covering the wide areas if attacks break down. This would then allow Mahrez to play in a free role behind Leo and Jamie, roaming both wings and the centre as a number '10'. The only thing to organise then would be how and when the front three take on their defensive responsibilities, ie opposition defenders ( full backs mostly ) going forward and attacking. Whoops, that is the whole business then, 'cos defending starts from the front.
WardyisPukka Posted 27 October 2014 Posted 27 October 2014 Defending isn’t just about the back four. The central 3 of Hammond, Drinkwater and Nugent just could not get near Shelvey or Siggurdson. Our passing was awful and painfully predictable. I don’t think we had one clever move, or pass, to create an attack the whole game. The defence was under constant pressure because our midfield was hopelessly out-classed and our forwards could not keep the ball. Every time we cleared the ball, it just came straight back. Our defence was actually the best part of our team on Saturday… but no defence can put up with constant pressure. This - was so predictable and Swansea sensed it within the first 10 mins which helped them even more with their notorious passing game
Silverdaz Posted 27 October 2014 Posted 27 October 2014 Once Upson is fit I think you will see a marked improvement in the defence
AyewJoking Posted 27 October 2014 Posted 27 October 2014 so upson is the only person at the club qualified to tell our defence where to stand, how to track and generally how to defend?
Silverdaz Posted 27 October 2014 Posted 27 October 2014 so upson is the only person at the club qualified to tell our defence where to stand, how to track and generally how to defend? He is the only one of our centre backs with Prem experience so yes
Guest MattP Posted 27 October 2014 Posted 27 October 2014 Upson would certainly be a better option than Moore at the minute, if his decision making on both goals Saturday were different we probably wouldn't have conceded. The fact him and RDL were both shown up also destroys this myth of needing pace at the back, skill undoes defences at this level, very rarely just blind pace. As I've said before none of Chelseas back four have much pace and it's the best in the division, the first 5 yards are in the mind and the defending is done as a unit. You would never see their line as out of sync as ours was for both goals Saturday. I think Upson and Morgan could be a very solid pairing.
Guest Col city fan Posted 27 October 2014 Posted 27 October 2014 Defending isn’t just about the back four. The central 3 of Hammond, Drinkwater and Nugent just could not get near Shelvey or Siggurdson. Our passing was awful and painfully predictable. I don’t think we had one clever move, or pass, to create an attack the whole game. The defence was under constant pressure because our midfield was hopelessly out-classed and our forwards could not keep the ball. Every time we cleared the ball, it just came straight back. Our defence was actually the best part of our team on Saturday… but no defence can put up with constant pressure. Absolutely spot on..... I could not agree more. It's law of averages. If our back 5 are put under constant pressure like they have been at times this season, they WILL buckle. I tell you why we haven't conceded even more goals.. because our defence is actually pretty bloody good! Our success under Pearson has been founded upon one main thing: tempo. When we have looked at our best is when we have attacked at pace, harassed teams, Nugent and Vardy continally chasing down the opposition defence etc.. This has given our midfielders time to get on the ball and to use it, and our defence time to have a breather and to regroup. Now, and I'm afraid this does appear to be linked into playing Ulloa as a target bloke, the ball simply isn't sticking. We give it away with alarming frequency and get put into a defensive situation time and time again. When Leicester both defend and attack AS A TEAM, we look good. But when the defensive game is left to the back 5 we look shaky. It's time to stop farting about with this Ulloa as the lone striker, scenario, and to get back to doing what we do best. Attacking quickly, keeping the ball on the deck and getting up and back, in two banks of four, with the strikers giving the opposition back line no time on the ball.
Robin JD Popley Posted 27 October 2014 Posted 27 October 2014 First of all, well done to Isle of Wight Fox 86 for creating this thread as I have been saying the same myself for the last couple of weeks. People say, "The Premier League has more skillful players so you can't expect to keep clean sheets week in, week out" and yes, to an extent you are right. However, to keep one clean sheet to date after 10 matches (including cup games) is pretty poor. I certainly think that when Upson is back we will see a marked improvement defensively, but, I constantly worry when the opposition attacks down the flanks, in particular, down the right. Everton showed on day one there is a real weakness there and every team we have played since have tried to expose that. Set pieces have been a problem for a couple of seasons now for us both in an attacking sense and defensive sense - proven when Leo played for Brighton last season. I don't think it is all down to the personnel being chosen as I really rate the players we have within our squad but fundementally something, somewhere is going wrong. Where I sit at home, we all agreed against Burnley that Kasper uncharateristically has lost his way. He should be commanding that 18 yard box. Wes and Liam have played well together although at times, their own individual mistakes have cost us. Ritchie, like the bloke again but his defending thus far has been questionable at times. Konchesky, slated by many at the start of the year, has actually looked pretty good at times but pace does affect him now and again. I just think Nigel needs to buy someone else to sure that defence up, otherwise, we could be in trouble.
kingfox Posted 27 October 2014 Posted 27 October 2014 I agree with the comments that the midfield are leaving the defence exposed. In recent games the amount of space we are giving teams from about 25 yards onwards has been ridiculous, Swansea at times just fluidly passed through our midfield & you had Drinkwater & Hammond basically jogging back. When Swansea had the ball Drinkwater & Hammond weren't covering enough ground & neither was Nugent. Chelsea for example you saw Nugent & Hammond at their energized best, closing down, Nugent tracking back into midfield to frustrate Matic, we have saw none of that in our last 3-4 games. Drinkwater & Hammond basically looked tired even after about 45 minutes, we saw no fight from them, no energy & lazy movement. We then bring on Andy King & Matty James, and within minutes you see them hassling the Swansea midfield, King in particular tracked back & intercepted two Swansea moves in a matter of minutes, purely because he showed the desire & energy to track back. Matty James needs to start a game sooner or later, Drinkwater may have been the best of the two last season, but in terms of all round quality Matty James is the better footballer. He works hard in both defensive & attacking situations, and like King he covers the whole of the pitch & shows desire & energy to close down. King & James in my opinion could be our best midfield partnership in terms of a two, if we want to go with a three then play Hammond or Cambiasso, and just let them sit there & protect the defence, if you have them playing in a two you expect them to cover the whole of the pitch & get forward as well as track back; however they aren't the type of players who are capable of doing such work.
fuchsntf Posted 27 October 2014 Posted 27 October 2014 Once Upson is fit I think you will see a marked improvement in the defence If the midfield aint doing their job, his presence wont help either. Moore is being made a scapegoat by some, he is being left too often, like Morgan, being asked to marshal to much open space not just Swansea, but too many opposition players are easy finding the holes behind our midfield. If Moore makes mistakes, its because he is being asked to do too much covering.One thing is definite the first goal was not due to anything Moore did or didnt do, he was left stranded, by great play from Bono,2ndly the dumbness off 4 city players going towards the same player, and caught ball watching.
ImBlue Posted 27 October 2014 Posted 27 October 2014 If the midfield aint doing their job, his presence wont help either. Moore is being made a scapegoat by some, he is being left too often, like Morgan, being asked to marshal to much open space not just Swansea, but too many opposition players are easy finding the holes behind our midfield. If Moore makes mistakes, its because he is being asked to do too much covering.One thing is definite the first goal was not due to anything Moore did or didnt do, he was left stranded, by great play from Bono,2ndly the dumbness off 4 city players going towards the same player, and caught ball watching. Moore hasn't been poor due to the midfield. He's just been poor. For about the last 5 games.
Guest MattP Posted 27 October 2014 Posted 27 October 2014 Sorry but you seriously can't blame the Midfield for Moores positioning on Saturday, it's laughable to even try to.
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