Looking through the table and there have only been 5 teams that have conceded fewer goals than us thus far, with 3 of them being the top 3. After all our striker woes our defensive prowess seems to be swept under the rug a bit (not completely) Praise goes to Brucey for the amazing signings like the two keepers, davies and figgy this year, but the ability of Alex Bruce and Macca to perform comfortably at this level, often being cited for M.O.M awards is astounding. When we first signed jr I thought he might not be at championship level, never mind this. Of course we knew rosie had quality, but he looks like one of the best english right backs around at the moment. Keep up the good work lads. With J-LO (yes I love this) looking a great partnership its good times for all!
Our defence has generally been very good. Even when losing to the top 4 we've been respectable, and the only game we've looked poor was the 4-1 loss to Southampton when Bruce tried the back three. Rosenior, Davies, McShane and Figueroa have looked very good together the last few games and I'd be more than happy with them starting every remaining game together. Indeed Rosenior's sub off yesterday suggests to me that he's key to Bruce's plans now, protecting him against a second yellow and suspension. The problem we had for a long period was that once Aluko and Brady were injured instead of getting the 1-0 or 2-1 wins ourselves we had no answer to going a goal down. While conceding 1 goal in games isn't bad we couldn't score ourselves and walked away with no points. Now we have those two back - plus our two new goalscorers - we can hopefully change that. Before we struggled to get a draw if we went a goal down, had to hope for a clean sheet and perhaps grab a goal ourselves. Now I feel more confident that we can still get a clean sheet or concede one but if we do concede have a greater chance of scoring a couple ourselves and still get the win.
Indeed. Rosenior is a right back, Elmo is a right midfielder and I'd say we've performed our best with the two in those positions. They work well together on that side too, interlinking and overlapping.
I think that Rosy was subbed on Saturday because of an injury and also think SB said in post match interview with Burnsy that he was a doubt for Tuesday so would think that Alex will be playing as I think Faye might be too slow for the likes of Southampton.
****, didn't catch that interview. I assumed it was his yellow. Hello 532 for Southampton again please log in to view this image This is why another fullback needs to be a priority for the summer. Not necessarily to replace Rosenior - who has been great - but we only have one for each side and no cover for injuries. In this case I think I'd still prefer Elmo to RB and Brady or Aluko on the right. Southampton ripped our back 3 to shreds last time.