Unfortunately Robbie on Saturday I saw a team who seemed to inherit the same problems we had last season, I'd say the pre season friendlies rang a few alarm bells that we desperately need some creativity in the centre of the park or someone who can neaten things up a bit, for me this where we haven't evolved. It could be down to fitness or match sharpness but they've had the whole pre season to sort this out, I found it slightly concerning that we still struggle to hold onto a ball and that's not just directed at the midfield, as collective unit I'm seeing people miss things it's like their still on holiday.
Honestly, I don't get the creativity - we created easily enough chances to score. We failed to do so because of a combination of poor final ball, poor decision making and excellent goalkeeping. With Snodgrass back to full fitness and Pilkington back in, I'm not in the slightest bit worried about our creativity.
And as for holding onto the ball - although we actually held onto it better than we ever have - the real problem was dreadful passing. Yes, we need to improve on this, every team always can, and Hughton actually said that afterwards, but it is impossible to keep the ball when Martin (by way of example only) gives you a hospital pass or boots it straight out.
I see lots of problems. I'm concerned about whether Hughton can manage them all. I see very different problems to last year though, apart from perhaps a lack of crisp passing in triangles in the middle, but even then once Fer has caught up (he has already said it was a tough start) and with Howson looking good, I think that will come. Elmander showed enough nice flicks to suggest he could help there.