I have been as pleasantly surprised and happy with the events of this past week at Leeds United as anyone, I would guess. However, we should not overlook perhaps the most critical need for our team - the 6 yard issue. It seemed to me that we conceded a goal just about every game, or more, from headers within the 6 yard area. We critically need a CB that can win those headers just about every time a ball comes in. Who might we get to cover that vulnerability we had last season?
The days of goalkeepers who dominate their area, even to the extent of cleaning out their own defenders who were foolish enough not to heed the call, seems to be long gone. I'd say Nigel Martin was possibly the last and best of a dying breed.
It's true that we do concede far too many from in close headers around the 6 yard box. I don't think it's just Kennys fault though. Sure he annoys me with his tendency to root himself to his line and go for the spectacular shot stopping when a cross comes in, but the defence also play their role. Far too many times last season the defence switched off when a high ball came in and allowed a forward to drift off them. It was like they just stopped watching the player as soon as the ball was off the ground. Glen Murray for Palaces second the last time we played them is a great example of this. So for me, if we don't replace Kenny (unlikely that we will unless Warnock takes another job!) then I agree we need a more commanding centre back, or at least better awareness for our existing ones!
The Palace example is a great one - our problem has been the full backs not coping with bigger players, but everyone does that today - put crosses onto far post and have a big striker expose the full back. Key is stop crosses coming in. I'm sure McD will have had a good look at this.
Sorry you're exactly right, I haven't woken up yet properly. It's the fullback who should be picking up in those situations, so it's defensive awareness on the whole that needs working on, not just a commanding CB
Exactly LiD, which shows how much Warnock's fcuking hillbilly coaches knew!! Defensively our lads seemed clueless, only tactic was to try and bounce the ball off satellites at every opportunity. Grrrrrrrrr
And the number of times they tried it, you'd think they'd manage it at least once, but they couldn't even get that right!
Pace is all well and good, but if we had a team of Aidy Whites last year, we probably would've been relegated Need genuine quality with the pace, otherwise it's worth nothing
Well yes, that's a given, or we wouldn't need pace as we have aidy white. Still a good left back I reckon, just awful going forward
You're right but it's a slight worry that Reading under McD were exactly renowned for their defensive prowess either.
I still want him to come good, but I just can't see it happening. He has a half decent game at LB every now and then, but half the time he can't cross, pass or tackle, doesn't look like he has a clue where his man is and don't even get me started on when he runs with the ball. Doesn't even look up around him! Might be okay as backup LB, but he'll be behind Warnock and Drury for me. I'd even be tempted to give Taylor a go ahead of him...
They had the best defensive record in the league when they got promoted - but still conceded 41 goals, so nearly a goal a game on average. Kept 20 clean sheets that season too - the most in the league.
The Championship as a league just doesn't lend itself to low scoring games. Add a top CB and we would have the best back 5 in the league IMO, giving us a real advantage straight away.
While I don't have a problem with Kenny, I do think there are better goalkeepers around - if we signed a top class keeper (Federici's been mentioned?) and a quality CB, I'd have to agree. Plus hopefully this season we'll learn to defend from the front and retain possession so we're not under so much pressure all the time.
