Ours is terrible 10.3% Only 3 teams in the Prem, Wigan, QPR, and Wolves have worse. But in terms of taking shots, Liverpool have an average of 7.0 minutes between shots, and only Chelsea and Man City have better. I don't think we should dwell on what ifs. But some thing needs to be done to improve this from now on. (Maxi Rodriguez has a good goal scoring record....)
If you read the piece from Steve Clarke about Suarez's goal, you will see that they are all aware of the problem and are actively trying to address it on the training pitch. I'd rather concentrate upon how many chances per minute we are creating.
No chances = No goals. If we create a hatload, we can potentially score a hatload, especially if the keeper has a 'mare. If we only create 1 or 2 chances, we have to be clinical and take them. If we create loads, we can afford to miss a few, so it reduces the pressure on the shooting player, which may actually make scoring easier - we've all seen strikers on a lean spell snatching at chances that they'd normally sink 9 times in 10. If they are confident that another chance will be along in a few minutes, it'll keep them relaxed and loose, rather than anxious and uptight. well, my view on it, anyway. God is playing and coaching in Thailand, I heard. Maybe he needs to come in and take training for Carroll and Suarez?
I'd love Fowler to come and coach the strikers. I have thought for ages that a striker coach is seriously needed.
Rushie's still sitting in the stands - except when he's off on his Ambassadorial duties or playing for the Legends
I think we have a very low shots conceded stat also..anyone know what it is? We should be conceding less and scoring more, it will come my friends...it will come.
The positive thing is that we're creating chances to miss. I'd be more worried if we didn't have any chances in the first place. We are lacking the poacher, fox in the box type striker. I was hoping Andy would have done the job but he has struggled. I think it's best we bring in another striker who can play a pivotal role whilst Andy is still developing. Re. Suarez - IMO he is probably just knackered by the time he has to shoot. He's usually involved in the build up and then is expected to finish it. It's rare that you see him running onto the end of a chance without being massively involved in the build up. Chances that spring to mind where he's running on the end are Stoke (debut goal), Fulham (where he rounded the keeper) and the header against Stoke. I think Suarez is clinical but he is more suited to playing the supporting role behind the main striker. The problem is, we don't have that striker who scores the goals so it puts more pressure on Suarez to deliver.
Couldn't agree more, he tends to have a weak shot after twisting and turning at 100mph so by the time he gets a shot off I don't think he gives himself time to think.
Perhaps more concerning is the tendancy of Downing, Hendo and Adam to smash the ball (generally into a defender) than to look for a placement.
Perhaps the time on the training ground is having a worthwhile effect then! But you must admit we do tend to smash the 2nd ball when in and around the area.
Downing certainly has a tendency to do that. Suppose there's a fine line between smashing it and walking it in. Both have downsides.
Hendo has looked pretty decent in the last few games though, more composed on the ball. I think at the beginning of the season he was under too much preasure in the starting 11, but now Stevie is back from injury, Jordan has been good coming on from the bench.
I don't argue with that at all. After his first few appearances I was begining to think we wouldn't see any improvement until next season. But the lad has impressed me with the maturity that he has brought into his play. Now I'm begining to believe that we've got a player on our hands!
Hendo seems to do the basic things well - good touch, can dribble a bit, good control, can pass. In general, he's neat and tidy and slots into the teams style of play. Good on the lad!
When you spend 100m on Brits, you get less technique than say 50m on foreigners. Hence 35m Carroll v 22m Suarez for example
Agreed. We are creating the chances and we should start putting these chances away. We would all be more concerned if we weren't creating these chances.
I can already see Kenny all week with winner stays on, first team to X wins, type of games to make sure it is not just scoring the goals, but the feeling of winning! Also, anyone else see Suarez will be a last a minute decision on the weekend?
