Being tough in midfield has very little to do with physicality. Hard work, understanding, accuracy and just having bodies around the ball create the illusion of toughness. Against Villa, we played 442 and lacked that last one, so it's hardly surprising that quite a few passes went wayward. Cork and Morgam are both 6 foot+, built lilke tanks and fit as a fiddle, so it's fair to say that they don't have a problem with physicality. They aren't afraid to get stuck in either. No-one could question their ability, so the issue here is a tactical one.
Sadly, you don't need the word "sport" in that sentence any longer. But, I don't want to stray off topic!
It is amazing that as soon as someone voices their opinion that does not include the wearing of rose coloured glasses then they must not be real fans and the post should immediately be pulled. I feel the poster has a good point although I do not believe that our team is lacking in guts. This was an ugly win, but it was a win so yes I am extremely happy, but I still have concerns around our lack of finishing sometimes shaky defense. How someone saw it fit to pay 9 million for Jay Rod blows me away. His final touch and decision making is almost schoolboyish. Rick Lambert played some of the most sublime balls into him and time after time he wasted the chances we created. Gaston is another that justs seems to run around without a clue and I believe he cost us 12 million, that 21 million pounds for what? On this board we talk about wanting a center back and a keeper, I think we need a tried and tested finisher to link up with Ricky. I think our midfield is ok but a Brian Oâ Neil type mid-fielder (showing my age now) would be a plus. Keeper played wall today made the best save this season from any I have seen. I think we will continue to do well against the bottom half teams and really struggle against the top 5 teams. Did notice that once Mr Nice made his comment the post gathered more comments, must be very influential with some posters.
6 million for Jay Rodriguez. I believe both JR and Gaston will come into their own, as they get a little more experience.
SOB QUOTE: "I feel the poster has a good point although I do not believe that our team is lacking in guts". Confusing, the poster has a good point but you disagree with it, so in fact you are saying he hasn't got a good point? Surely if we got an ugly win, there must have been a wee bit of blood (Lukes knee), guts (back to the wall defending) and thunder (Lambos penalty), so although I am biased, I think the inference in the thread was incorrect on the evidence of the Villa game.
Bizarre comment referring to jay rod having a school boy touch. Two easy examples to look at would be his goals against Chelsea and Sheffield Wednesday. Both came about impart to a superb 1st touch. Ramirez had a bad game but to basically call him a headless chicken is nonsense. Both are still young players and are yet to find the consistency of play which comes with experience.
Going back to the Arsenal match, if you can remember that kind of bear hug tackle that Koscielny did on Lambo three or four times in the game denying him opportunities, well he has done it once against Man City and got a straight red, just show that different Referees have different ideas.