That's how long (well, longer if you include stoppage time) we've gone since last conceding a goal from open play in the Championship. It's a remarkable turnaround defensively; we had just 8 clean sheets in our first 29 games, but now have 4 in our last 5. We've gone from a side that was in the middle of the pack in goals allowed to one that's currently tied for fourth-best in the league. The rough patch may end up being a bit of a blessing...the team seems to have come out of that stretch playing much more determined football in our end. Mistakes are still made, but some of the lackadaisical play at the back has been eliminated, and we've done it despite having to rotate the back four quite a bit; seven different players have started in defense in those five games, and eight total have seen minutes. This squad could always score goals for fun...if we go up, it will be because we discovered that there's some utility in keeping them out, as well.
Fonte, Hooiveld & Martin have been brilliant in this run! Kelvin has been in superb form and they are all doing brilliantly!
One reason for that Hooiveld. He is the cement between the bricks. I know Davis was outstanding today but you need a commanding centre back to make sure there is no chance for opposition strikers from creating unstoppable goals.
Can't say enough good things about Hooiveld. Think Fonte has struggled at times this season, but it hasn't really mattered, and that shows how solid Jos is. Amazing signing.
Completely agree that Jos has been outstanding. When we signed him i was surprised but it has turned out to be inspired. If he doesn't get one of the spots in the Championship team of the season i will be appalled.
Could not agree with you any more. As I keep on saying, he's been our signing of the season. Our best defender since Michael Svensson?
I've always wondered if Jos was a serious target all along or a back up when we failed to get our true targets. He's turned out to be fantastic, especially at the beginning when Fonte was carrying an injury. He's also a great guy and loved by his team mates.
Listening to radio commentary can sometimes be of real use, because players names are called out as they come into play, and there is no visual distraction. In the previous season it was... and Fonte heads clear... Since Hooiveld has come in it has been... and Hooiveld heads clear... This isn't anything to do with Fonte struggling at times, or that Hooiveld is dominant, it is to do with tactics. When a cross comes in it has been designated that Hooiveld deals with them, by heading clear. Fonte does the backup job in this setup. He's the more mobile of the pair, and so is better equipped for the ground role. Both are playing excellently at present, although Hooiveld gets the headlines, as he is leading the defensive line. As it happens, Jose has struggled at times this season. He has been playing through injury, when he has struggled.
We need better defenders if we go up that's pretty obvious. Keep Fonte,use him as a back up defender.
You've got it wrong.....some of us dont slag of players when they have an off game...I doubt that there is anyone who thinks that Martin is better than Jos....but that doesn't make him a crap player...him and Harding etc are decent players able to put in a shift, not in NA starting XI but good enough to deputise...just get behind the whole squad
