This has maybe already being discussed but Im not looking through the whole forum to find a similar thread (I'll just let admin merge it with some random thread about Huddlestone's fat arse. However...Huddlestone played well today and Livermore always plays well without Huddlestone. I think it's time to stop singling, Huddlestone out! Maybe him and Jake just can't be in midfield together! Huddz and Haydz seem to play well together.
Huddlestone plays great against opposition reserves I agree, fantastic, he has lots of space. It's not really about laying the blame on players though, Bruce is the one with the defensive tactics in any game against a first team.
Whereas Bruce has the last say on selection and tactics he has a team of assistants and scouts who will do an analysis of our opposing team and discuss their strength and weaknesses. From this they will decide on the best team (and tactics) which will (hopefully) get a result. There are times when it will all go 'pear-shaped' because the opposition have done their homework on us and likewise will field a team that they believe will get THEM a result. When this happens then Steve Bruce is a cnut and should be sacked but when we get a result it is the players that get the praise and not Steve and his team. You don't have to be a rocket scientist to see where we are weak. Close the wings down and we are cactus. Negate Elmo and Robertson, stick a 'marker' on Hernandez and we are pretty piss poor. To continue to blame Steve Bruce for every demise is being over critical imo.
Tom played well because he had more time on the ball against a week Brighton team! Yesterday's game proved how paper thin brightons squad is compared to ours!
Agreed. MIdfield for Wednesday Elmo Jake Meyler Clucas It becomes more interesting for the Saturday game as Snodgrass will be ok for that, easing him back gradually, does Brucey drop Elmo for Snodgrass?
I agree with that, Roo. Players must take their fair share of responsibility, but I think it is also right to try and understand why a good player(s) has been allowed to deteriorate, as we have a very well paid coaching team and ever improving facilities. I also agree that every now and then you must take your cap off to the opposition, but that should be very rare, as it is your job to overcome their quality and tactics. The truth should be, that it is the other clubs doffing their caps to our team and squad.
Too strong for me that. He hasnt been near his last few seasons form but he hasnt been that bad either. Still scored a few and set up a few.
Id like to see Hayden given a go either weds or sat! I think there's a very good player there! He seams to glide over the pitch without much effort!
Completely agree. He's done sweet **** all. Runs about a bit and wins his headers. He barely tries to beat his man now. Brucey needs to shoot a rocket up his arse and tell him to stop coasting.
I'd maybe start Hayden above Meyler. I think Meylers being really poor lately! Infact I don't think Meyler is a good player at all, he tries hard but I'm not sure that's enough
Which fits Bruce's defensive outlook. I'd be fine with that, but Meyler and Elmo are two of Bruce's favourites so I'd be surprised if it happened. Despite Meyler's injuries and Elmo's form he's been desperate to resign them.
To be fair to Elmo, he's playing in a different position - when Sunderland had him they didn't rate him either, and that was because they played him as a right midfielder. He is far better using his pace from deep when he doesn't have an opponent right in front of him. This is why I think Moses and Elmo would make more sense swapped over on the right
His main talent is his fitness. He is average at attacking and average at defending. That's why he was perfect in the RWB role as it basically involves running up and down a hell of a lot and being decent in both attack and defence. As a full-back he isn't good enough, Rosenior was far better, and as a winger he isn't good enough, Snodgrass is far better.
What about Ryan Taylor? I thought he had a good game yesterday. At times I actually thought Meyler was playing because the two are very similar players in looks and the way they play. Taylor takes no prisoners either, also if we had a forward who could actually head the ball we might have scored from some of Taylors corners.
Huddlestone and Hayden go well together, there's not much chance of Bruce dropping Meyler midweek though for Hayden but if he stays (Hayden) then we might see a bit more of him as the season goes on as he's proven he can slot in for Jake or DM if necessary
