It seems to me we effectively have 4 players competing for one defensive midfield postion and the one not getting a look in is Mckenna. Barely puts a foot wrong in my view, barely wastes a pass, tidies up in front of back four and more of a leader than Koren. On the whole, think SB team selection has been good but I don't really get this.
Of the 4 I'd go with Evans. Impressed every time he's had a chance this season. Also we were getting a bit overrun in midfield at time, Evans would sort that out. Oli was cack at Birmingham and fairly poor today, I don't think the role suits him. Meyler was poor at Brum and appalling today, I'd terminate the loan now if we can. McKenna is decent but getting on a bit.
The CM position is currently our achilles heel - Oli, Meyler and Corry Evans all decent but no one yet to take the game by the scruff of the neck which was what was sadly lacking today agst a tidy efficient side in Burnley. Rosy is not an attacking wing back albeit a good RB - summed up by an awful cross into the North Stand second half. Felt Prostwich was a must to come on and we looked a little better agst an opposing side with the bit between their teeth.
Our midfield problem lies with Koren. He just does not do a thing for me, and I just hope Bruce works this out sooner rather than later. Today I actually thought barring his 2 slips, Meyler looked tidy. Also thought Brady did well 2nd half too.
I think you're been harsh on Paul there, I'd say 101% more efficient.. Oli just tries to play fancy footie and doesn't command the midfield..
Yes, have a lot of sympahy with that view too. Unless he scores (which he has done much less often in the last 12 months) I dont think he really does enough consistently. Can just about get away with it if got Quinn and somebody v solid like Mckenna or Evans next to him, but Koren and Oli in same team definitely feels very short on bite and running.
Think we have to hold our hands up and say Burnley figured us out. The let Aluko and Simpson have the ball in areas where the shouldn't have been. They were organised and very hard to break down. Once they scored it was game over more or less.
Absolutely respect OLM's point of view but really my Grandmother would have been more effective than Oli
Mckenna is still a very good player. Evans was coming into some good form. Why neither played today I have no idea ?
Evan'ss last two games for the club have been ten times better than Oli's. So that doesn't really explain the theory behind playing Oli over Evans. Even you, who dislikes Evans can not deny his performances recently have meant he has deserved that slot. Maybe we do need someone better, but we can't now so Evans is the best option.
we have Koren to pass the ball anyway. We need a scrapper in there, someone who can tackle. Anybody who knows football can see it !
No he was crap along with Koren and Quinny, Burnley hustled and harried us out of it, Oli couldnt cope with it at all. But Oli can pass, which is why Brucey has been playing him this season.
I'd be choosing between McKenna and Evans myself. Oli has been pretty poor recently, and Meyler hasn't impressed (though I only saw him for the 45 minutes today).
