We really need to go back to basics on Saturday. Starting with wingers and full backs who are told to play in their position and not wander into the middle. Managers seem to be needlessly over complicating tactics these days and we simply don’t have the players to do it.
It doesnt help that we cannot defend set pieces and a big lump falls over to bundle the ball into the net with no one near him
I’d also be tempted now to try O’Nien as a CDM, I know that would split the fans but we are desperate for some bite in there. Neither Neil or Ekwah are defensive midfielders and it would allow either one or both to play much higher up the pitch supporting the wingers and the striker. I know some will think it’s too much of a risk playing O’Nien there but I don’t believe it would be any more of a risk than how we are playing now. If Jobe has to start then play him up top as he’s never a number 10. None of this will happen like!
Sick of mentioning O'Nien as the CDM. I dont understand why it hasnt been tried people say he needs the game in front of hi, most of it will be as CDM, we then may get someone in to help us on corners! I would be dropping Jobe
It’s madness, even just try it for one game. There are so many things Beale could try but it’s the same every single game.
Nobody will agree but I had my expectation knocked when got rid of Mowbray. I know the form was bad, but I felt the players needed him, and you are only ever 1 performance away from being back in form. The window was ok but I think most will say the CF was a problem. I am pleased Rusyn is getting the shirt and we need to stick with him, but he is still quite rough around the edges. Dont think we will be as low as 14th, home form is pretty solid, and we are looking harder to score against so always likely to pinch a few points. Not ready to give up yet, but must win Sat for me.
Would weaken us at CB in my opinion. He is one of the best performers in the side currently in his position.
I wouldn’t say that’s true at all. I’ve been very positive about the club on this forum and even in this particular thread. If you believe that my motives are anti Sunderland, it’s strange you’ve helped me out with tickets on a number of occasions. It’s certainly unusual for me to travel 100s of miles, via trains, planes and cars to attend football matches for a team that I don’t wholeheartedly support. I’ve made ONE negative post after a terrible performance, and my motives are questioned? Makes plenty of sense that mate.
Really sorry mate, I funked up It's mistaken identity, I always mix your name up with someone who's relentlessly negative and I've done it again. That'll teach me to try to work and post at the same time. I was only just thinking of you and your mate when I posted about Cheltenham the other day. Hope you're well and sorry once again.
Play offs are a bonus for me. More interested to see if we can actually start playing entertaining front foot football again we really seem to have lost our way. There were signs against Plymouth second half but last night was unimaginative and dull again. The general change in outlook is worrying, the old buggers I watch the match with have pretty much seen it all and watch the lads through thick and thin. But the prevailing comments the last couple of weeks has been "I'm just not enjoying this any more" "The life seems to have been sucked out of the team". I'm normally pretty optimistic and I really hoping we can turn this around but must admit I'm not seeing it at the minute
Don't like the way I'm feeling myself mate. Hate it but feeling bit negative at the minute. Never mind couple of beers and a win on Saturday and I'll be booking my play off final hotel
That's because Pep does it City, so they think they have the talent to do the same as him. They don't!
I agree, he'd be a loss at CB but he'd be on hand to step in when needed and the protection he'd offer the defence would be significant. I can see him in that role as captain, helping organise both the defence and midfield. Don't think we'll see it happen though.
We are playing players who don't do their jobs till it suits them. 7 of Wed night team were way off the mark. I'm off to work so speak later.
