Somewhat depressingly, I found myself unable to argue much with this ... http://www.express.co.uk/sport/foot...e-champagne-at-this-rate-after-scoreless-draw
He is a workhorse that does all of the water-carrying jobs. That we don't have anyone that can do anything after he has done the boring stuff is not his fault.
I wouldnt single any players as under performing yesterday for either side. All players played ok with 2 or 3 having a good game We both just cancelled each other out and I think the tactics for most of the game made the game dull. Once we brought Knockaert on and changed the formation we looked like we could open them up. Other the Vardy missing that chance and Wood hitting the post there was no chances worth noting. Both keepers had a comfortable afternoon
Now you know I'm not a big Nugent fan, at least not as a main striker (his chance in the second half when he received the ball unmarked in the box and still put it way wide of the target being a case in point) but the front two had no service yesterday until the last 10-15 minutes ... why it took that long for Pearson to change things is beyond me .. Drinkwater, James and King are all 'neat and tidy' players but have no real 'guile' or dribbling ability ... De Laet still got down his wing OK (despite apparently being ill) but Konchesky is not a wing-back - as a result of all of the above we were predictably sterile as an attacking force for most of the game. The introduction of Knockaert, Dyer and Wood did make a considerable improvement - in fact Wood showed more in that 10 minute cameo than he has in the last ten games! - Knockaert and Dyer are quicker of feet and also in mobility so were able to draw players out of position in the Leeds defence. On Jambawamba's point - King is at his most effective when he is able to arrive in the box late, as he can finish ... he had no opportunity to do that yesterday as he had to spend far too much of his game chasing down opponents who were threatening to overrun us in midfield ...
Now im not being naive, but based on the start to the season AND last season, its clear that if lcfc have any chance of pushing on for a playoff place then we need Konch off the payroll, give Schlupp a start up front with Wood and possibly even cash in on King to bring in a fresh midfielder with the latter dependent on exactly what the books are looking like in regards to the FFP. I also get the feeling that the way Pearson has set out this season; he is fully aware this is the last chance and in fear of being an early managerial casualty he would rather pick up bore 0-0 draws than attack a game and score goals. If this is the case i'd rather he just left now. I would much rather have seen us go at Leeds yesterday and end up losing 3-2 than spending the rest of the season watching home bore draws!! I know he is a fantastic player but I would be looking around the top four clubs for a player in the mold of Tom Cleverly to bring in on loan. It seems these younger players are willing to put in 110% to impress their senior clubs! I know Nige and Shakey have good relations with United....
I may of missed it but can't remember anyone suggesting schlupp for left wingback yet? an obvious threat going forward and his stint at leftback surely makes him more than capable. as for central midfield. I think Matty James is a must and the steadiness of King/Drinkwater makes them appealing for tighter games - especially away from home. however, when we are at home or chasing a game is it not worth trying knockaert in the centre with james and danns. With James and Danns doing the dirty work Knockaert would have more of a licence to try and dictate the game and gives us more options in the final third
I think the 532 will work best as Schmeichel Moore Morgan Miquel De Laet Schlupp/Bakoyogo King James Knockaert Wood Nugent Were we really struggled as we was too slow at getting the ball out of the back. And when we did there was no one linking the midfield and attack together unless Nugent or Vardy dropped deep meaning we struggle for numbers in attack. Knockaert came on and straight away got the ball and linked up with the strikers creating space for others. For me Knockaert, Marshall or evens Danns has to play in the 3 so that we dont end up with 3 holding midfielders
I agree with you entirely. That yesterday was not 3 at the back, it was 5 at the back as Konchesky won't run forward and De Laet looked like he should have been at home in bed. I think Marshall would fit into the 3 very well as he's got a bit of muscle, although I'd rather Knockaert but concede he might get bullied in the centre of the park. Playing James and King would help though- Drinkwater's not quite strong enough for me. Knockaert impressed me yesterday- he was the only player who seemed willing to pass the ball forward! Where was Bakayogo anyway? We had no defenders on the bench and I was a little scared as both De Laet and Whitbread are a little delicate.
we looked a lot better when Knockaert and Wood came on and switched to 4-4-2. It's still practically pre-season, so I'm not worried yet. I'd have taken 4 points from the first two games to be honest
